Esperanza is the debut CD of composer Ted Vives. Esperanza is a compilation of choral and vocal works all related to the theme of Hope (in Italian, "Esperanza".) Each work on this album speaks to the spirit -- that place which we all go to find strength and perhaps courage to overcome the trials that accompany mere existence. Track 1, "Castrovalva" was inspired by the painting of the same name by M.C. Escher as well as personal tragedy. There is always hope. "Lux Aeterna" is a choral setting of the first movement of Vives's "Introduction and Overture" for orchestra with text by the composer. Inspired by the nature writings of Ernest Ingersoll it is a variegated and sometimes stark contrast between life, death, and eternal light. The next three tracks are sacred in nature. "Gloria" and "Agnus Dei"are from the Vives's "Vigil Mass for the Risen Lord" and are straightforward representation of the text. "Circaré" is a setting of the Biblical story of Elijah who hears the "still, small voice" of God in the silence and includes textual painting in the music. Much of the text of "Borean Visions - A Source of Wisdom" is in Eskimo and tells of the bleakness and austerity of the northern lands. It is the first movement of a larger work for chorus and concert band and is performed with the piano reduction on this recording. The final two works are song cycles and both feature the composer on trombone. "The Music Lesson" was commissioned by the Professional Music Teachers of New Mexico and was their 2010 submission for the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Composition Competition. The text is drawn from quotes by famous musicians, philosophers, and educators about the teaching and learning of music. "Verbum Continuum" is a song cycle with text by science fiction author Raphael Carter. Each movement ends with a declamatory statement about our human relationship with a God, Earth/Nature, and Space/The Cosmos respectively. Ted Vives is a composer from Los Alamos, New Mexico where he is the musical and artistic director of the Los Alamos Community Winds.