Urban Images was composed during the summer of 1996 and premiered by the WBQ in February of 1997. In a departure from the natural themes of his earlier quintets, this work (his third composition especially for the WBQ) was inspired by the composer’s memories of his years in New York City. Although not strictly programmatic, the music is intended to present abstract images of big city life.

Crush Hour reflects the frenetic pace and crowded mass of vehicles usually associated with “the big city.” The Nocturne attempts to capture the relatively serene contrast of city nights, when this man-made “concrete jungle” takes on a placid beauty not unlike that of a natural forest. Walk – Don’t Walk uses the traditional “walking bass” to musically negotiate the busy city streets on foot. This movement was also inspired by the old joke about the inebriated gentleman who went to a pay phone to call for directions to his destination. When asked to identify his current location, he replied that was at the corner of “WALK” and “DON’T WALK.” --John Stevens

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