The Seven Days, which is dedicated to Jane Harrison, was first performed on October 13, 2002 at a gathering at Daniel Pinkam's home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Jane Harrison played the oboe accompanied by the composer on the organ.
I. The genial Prelude presents the two instruments in a lyrical dialogue.
II. The oboe plays a reposed melody over an ostinato in the accompanying organ part.
III. This movement is a fleeting scherzo.
IV. This contemplative and extended cantilena is in the form of a baroque trio, with the oboe playing one voice and the organ playing two.
V. The organ is the stern interrogator. The replies from the oboe range from elusive to coy to sharp denials.
VI. This saucy rondo is largely in five-eight meter.
VII. The finale, in rapid two-two time, is a lively march and brings the work to a brilliant conclusion.
(Program notes by Daniel Pinkham)