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Prelude to Tomorrow is written in three parts. An allegro, forming the core, is surrounded by two adagios. The opening presents several short themes in the winds and strings before giving way to the allegro that dominates the work. This driving section contains a number of themes, some are from the introduction and others are now. The tension gradually builds until many of these themes are presented simultaneously. The orchestra finally comes together on a rhythmic tutti and the tam tam signals the return of the adagio. Solo statements from the English horn, violin and low woodwinds precede a final climax, punctuated by a brief return to the allegro.

Most of my music has a certain yearning quality to it that I liken to the novels of John Steinbeck: a guarded optimism that combines both a thankfulness for what we have, yet a hopefulness for a better tomorrow, This work, with its plaintive wind solos and driving rhythmic thrust, embodies these "Steinbeckian" elements in what I hope will be a thought provoking journey.

Prelude to Tomorrow was given its premiere on 6 July 1994 by Carl Topilow and the National Repertory Orchestra in Breckenridge, Colorado.

It is scored for piccolo, flute, oboe, English horn, 2 clarinets (2nd doubling bass clarinet), 2 bassoons; 2 horns, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, tuba; timpani, percussion (2 players); strings. It is approximately 7 minutes in length.

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