From Crippling Dreams, the Mourning Dove Doth Daily Wrest and Soothe Me

The second work from De mes Amis, Les Animaux. An autobiographical work, the composer recalls drifting as a child into the dream world and there coming face to face with his most fearful experiences. As the morning dawned, he could hear from outside his window the mourning dove, with its plaintive yet comforting intonations. The piece explores pedal technique and the creation of atmosphere in and around the instrument. Held notes, ties, pedal technique, and left-hand leaps are explored in this piece.