violin, horn, piano (about 13 minutes)

Since my wife and I started dating, we have taken several vacations in East Tennessee at the entrance of the Smoky Mountains. The scenery is gorgeous, mountains stretching across the horizon with trees and foliage in the foreground. In a rental cabin, we were able to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and surround ourselves by total serenity. However, not far away is a different world. Gatlinburg has a flurry of activity, flowing from many shops (including one specializing in hot sauces, mustards, and salsas), and aquarium, miniature golf, arcades, a ski-lift (although it doesn't' seem like anyone actually skis from the top of the mountain), and what seems like thousands of restaurants (most of which are pancake joints). There are people everywhere - such a contrast to the solitude near the cabins. Smoky Mountain Autumn (2010) was inspired by the sights and the atmosphere of East Tennessee. The first movement depicts the beautiful scenery we saw from our cabin and from driving across the country roads. The second movement opens with a horn call, setting the scene of the mountains just after dawn, with dew on the ground. The final movement represents the boisterous activity of nearby Gatlinburg. Smoky Mountain Autumn was composed for the Stones River Chamber Players.

Score and parts available for purchase from J.W. Pepper.