Archipelago is a five movement work for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn and piano which presents a clearly defined symmetrical structure. The focal point is a long, slow middle movement, framed by relatively short second and fourth movements. These “interludes” present and define material which influences the subsequent direction of the work. Movements one and five are similar to each other in mood, colour and length, with conflicts heard throughout the piece resolved in the finale.
This work was commissioned by Aurora Musicale of Winnipeg for their 1989-90 concert season. Financial support from the Manitoba Arts Council is gratefully acknowledged.
Approximately 14 minutes in duration, Archipelago was awarded a PROCAN composition prize in June 1990.