The piece was commissioned by BBC Radio 3, completed in 2005, and premiered February 8, 2006 in Poole, United Kingdom, with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra led by conductor Marin Alsop.
The composition of the piece was designed to musically illustrate the visuals of O'Keeffe's paintings, such as the rattle of animal bones, barking coyotes, and the rigid, vast landscapes of the American West.
[1] Alex Chilvers of Limelight called the music "harmonically varied and eminently easy on the ear".
[2] Mark Estren of The Washington Post also praised the work, specifically regarding the second movement "Above Clouds" as possessing "an especially broad sonic canvas.
"[3] A recording of Ghost Ranch, performed by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra under conductor Marin Alsop, was released January 4, 2011 through Naxos Records on a compilation album also featuring Daugherty's other orchestral works Route 66, Sunset Strip, and Time Machine.