The Bluegrass State

Martha Mier’s The Bluegrass State visits three venerable Kentucky landmarks in three movements. The first stop is Land Between the Lakes, recreated in a peaceful musical setting with a lyrical melody and lush harmonies. Next is Mammoth Cave, a mysterious and wondrous place represented through sweeping lines and broad chords. The final stop is Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby, where the excitement of this annual race is seen and heard through the use of precise rhythm of the fanfare and an energetic theme. A hint of My Old Kentucky Home in the introduction of this movement brings a nostalgic touch before the action of the horse race begins. 12 pages.