The curious titles of the movements (1. James Agee: Writer; 2. Bobby Hackett, Jazz Cornetist; 3. Brother Paul Diveny: Benedictine Monk; 4. Ben and Mark: My Sons) were chosen from a long list of people who have had a profound effect on the composer's life. We are all the result of our continuous filtering of myriad influences. The «distant voices» referred to in the title are simply the voices in one’s mind that guide one’s thoughts and actions. Distant Voices in meant to honor these people.