Stranger at My Door

A companion piece to Border Dance, this work is written in memory of Peg Bowden, a resident of southern Arizona, who was active in groups assisting migrants by providing food, shelter, clothing, and medical assistance. This tone poem opens with a rendition of O Little Town of Bethlehem accompanied out of time by a haunting melody in the low winds. An original melody, Peg's Theme, and the hymn tune Bera (The Good Samaritan) are interwoven in a rhythmic fantasia. Though it incorporates a well-known Christmas carol, this work is appropriate for all seasons due to its timeless message of selflessness in the face of danger.