Generally recognized as the father of the Neo-Romantic movement in music, David Del Tredici has received numerous awards (including the Pulitzer Prize) and has been commissioned and performed by nearly every major American and European orchestral ensemble. 'Del Tredici,' said Aaron Copland, 'is that rare find among composers - a creator with a truly original gift. I venture to say that his music is certain to make a lasting impression on the American musical scene. I know of no other composer of his generation who composes music of greater freshness and daring, or with more personality.' From Del Tredici's Program notes: 'In this traumatic post-9/11 world, I felt an urge to connect with, and even comfort, the youngest generation of budding musicians. Heart and felt are two words that directed my choice of texts: I wanted to tell something about myself, as well as about the joys of childhood ... Stevenson's 'The Little Land' re-creates the imaginitive world that to daydreaming children seems so natural.' David Del Tredici writes: 'My setting of the 1727 New England Primer's 'Alphabet' might horrify its Puritan author by transforming its simple text into an exuberant tour de force. Its 26 couplets tumble upon one another in tight three-part counterpoint, testing the young performers' range and endurance alike.'