Late Autumn and Snowy Splendor

The Keweenaw Peninsula is located in the northwestern part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It is surrounded by Lake Superior on the west, north and east sides. From the late 1800's through the early 1960's copper was mined there. There are still remnants of multiple mines and hoists scattered about the hilly country side. This area can get around 180" of snow each year and winters can be long yet beautiful. There are waterfalls scattered in the hilly country side that are quite beautiful in the spring and summer.I attended Michigan Technological University from 2002-2006 which is located in Houghton, Michigan. Houghton is called the "Gateway to the Keweenaw." I composed this piece to paint a picture of the Keweenaw with its waterfalls, hilly country, the sun rising and setting over Lake Superior, and the winter splendor. Because many people on the Keweenaw Peninsula are of Finnish descent, I incorporated the Finnish National Anthem into the melodic material.