In the score program note, Tower reflected, "While composing this piece, I realized that our long time together was getting shorter, becoming more and more precious with each new day..." The movement titles, she thus elaborated, were "suggestions, open to interpretation of what the music might refer to.
"[1] The work is scored for solo cello and an orchestra comprising two flutes (2nd doubling piccolo), two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, bass trombone, timpani, percussion, and strings.
[1] Michael Andor Brodeur of The Washington Post highly praised the concerto, writing, "A New Day is one of the most exciting new works I've heard in concert all year.
"[2] Charles T. Downey of the Washington Classical Review similarly declared it the "Best New Work" of 2022, writing, "Tower's command of the orchestra is unparalleled among American composers, now that Christopher Rouse has left us.
"[3] Jeremy Reynolds Pittsburgh Post-Gazette had a more lukewarm response, however, remarking, "In four movements, soloist Alisa Weilerstein, one of today's most sought-after cellists, deftly explored a vast range of emotions, from dreamy and lucid to frustrated and snappy, with the orchestra weaving commentary throughout.