The musical level of this year's creations was especially high. In addition to enhancing the choreography, the scores were also interesting to hear for their own sake. Robert Maggio's music for Stephen Pelton's 'Boat Song (Barcarole)' often sounded as if it were arising from somewhere in the distance and drifting across a vast ocean. And it was sporadically punctuated by stormlike rumbles. Mr. Maggio also incorporated into his moody score his own arrangement of a Mendelssohn piano work.

[Barcarole] is a very fine piece, colorful and expressive. It easily stands alone as a musical experience, without the choreography. A very important release from a young composer who bears watching.