ISBN 9781491134993.
ACADIAN DREAMS is a rollicking tribute to the folk songs and dances of the Acadians, originally French explorers who settled in Eastern Canada, later relocating in Louisiana and known as Cajuns. Albert's concertpiece is built on an original tune evoking styles of Acadian and Cajun music, along with the authentic folk song "Evangeline." The charming result is a fast-slow-fast single movement, perfect for recitals and competitions.
ACADIAN DREAMS was commissioned by flutist Rebecca Jeffreys in honor of her father whose lineage is from Acadia. This one-movement work is programmatic in nature. Through the music, it tells the history of the Acadian people immigrating from France to Nova Scotia in the 1600's. The opening tune that I call "Welcome to New Brunswick" is an original melody that that floated through my head as I began composing this work. The middle section is inspired by Longfellow's epic poem, "Evangeline," based on the Acadian people. ACADIAN DREAMS ends with a different take on the opening melody, set in the contemporary style of Zydeco music in New Orleans, as many Acadians later re-settled in Louisiana where they became known as Cajuns.
