Martha Mier

West Virginia: The Mountain State

West Virginia: The Mountain State captures the spirit and beauty of this Appalachian state. The historic New River Gorge Bridge and its surrounding beauty are portrayed musically in the first movement, 'New River Gorge.' The lyrical melodies and sweeping harmonies recreate the grandeur of the area. The lyricism continues in the second movement in 'An Appalachian Ballad,' a tender love song. The third movement, 'Fiddler's Tune,' is a fast and raucous mountain dance. Strains of the fiddle can be heard throughout the piece as the music changes keys and builds to a rousing end.