Exhortations for Orchestra
Exhortations for Orchestra (12:30) Exhortations is full of percussive urgency, but also has a reflective side. Exhortation is defined as language intended to incite or encourage; an utterance, discourse, or address conveying urgent advice or recommendations; a communication emphatically urging someone to do something. Everyone needs to do something. So get off the couch and do it! Step out of your comfort zone and make a bold statement! View or download a PDF of the score (currently no charge). To purchase a printed and bound score, with or without parts, or obtain PDF parts, please contact me.
Liberation Overture
Liberation Overture (11:00) The forces of oppression operate within and without. The path to liberation and freedom must confront those forces, both within and without. Liberation Overture is a story about that struggle. The Wise Elder counsels peaceful resistance to oppression wherever it may be found. The Activists speak passionately to the people to bring awareness. The Artist makes a plea for creative imagination free from control. Mother gently insists on peace and justice for her children, those who have died or gone missing and those to whom the future belongs. The Hero leads the way toward unity with courage and determination. Together they shall overcome. Episodes: Introduction The Elder’s Warning The Activists Rally The Artist’s Plea Authority Asserts Itself Shocked Reactions Mothers’ Plea for the Disappeared Proclamation and Response The Struggle Ensues The Hero’s Call The Sacrifice The Elder’s Call The Final Struggle Victory View or download a PDF of the score (currently no charge). To purchase a printed and bound score, with or without parts, or obtain PDF parts, please contact me.
Variations for Orchestra
Variations for Orchestra (22:00) Based on themes from Toru Takemitsu’s Requiem for String Orchestra, Variations for Orchestra takes the listener on a journey through a sequence of episodic feelings and states of mind, from a simple thematic statement by solo violin to dense complexity and back again to relative simplicity. Variation occurs on a variety of levels: melody (pitch sequence), rhythm, texture, mood, and style. Each variation is a miniature world unto itself expressing a distinct feeling or state of mind. The thematic material, originally expressing sorrow and longing in Takemitsu’s Requiem, is presented at least twice in each variation, adapted to the particular ethos each expresses. The varied experiences of a lifetime are contained therein. View or download a PDF of the score (currently no charge). To purchase a printed and bound score, with or without parts, or obtain PDF parts, please contact me.
Concerto for Guitars and Orchestra
Concerto for Guitars and Orchestra (36:00) This work is for the virtuoso guitarist who is expert on both classical and electric guitar with effects – dedicated to Jimi Hendrix and John McLaughlin. I grew up listening to Jimi Hendrix, and Beethoven. Both evoked a strong passion for music, which grew in me over the years. Along the way I also encountered Brahms, those passionate Russians, and a host of amazing 20th century musicians, including Stravinsky, Bartok, Berg, Ginastera, Takemitsu, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Eric Dolphy, Miles Davis, John McLaughlin. It’s a potent brew. I believe the electric guitar deserves a respected place in the concerto repertory, being a powerful and expressive instrument capable of holding its own with the orchestra. Combined with the delicacy and tradition of the classical guitar, a universe of expressive possibilities exist. Let your imagination wander through the sonic landscapes. Mirrors (6:50) – features the electric guitar. Earth Blues (8:20) – starts with E-bow on electric guitar, then transitions to classical guitar. Straight Ahead (7:10) – features the classical guitar. Freedom (13:40) – blends material from the prior movements and introduces new related themes. A feeling of freedom or liberation in the understated virtuosity. Middle section features classical guitar. May be performed independently from the other movements.
Flux for Chamber Orchestra
Flux for Chamber Orchestra (8:00) Flux is composed from two contrasting theme groups representing sadness and joy, fear and courage, despair and hope. Dialogue between the two continues throughout the piece, with solo statements interspersed with more complex textures. Sad theme A is immediately stated by solo bassoon, followed by winds responding with encouraging theme B. Dialogue between the two themes continues throughout the piece, leading to resolution. Flux: the rate of flow of a fluid, energy, radiant particles, or fluid across a given area. Performed by Symphony Tacoma players as part of Cascade Composers Workshop, July 2021. One of six works recorded as part of the workshop (see minute 38 for Flux).https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIKzgFBQZik View or download a PDF of the score (currently no charge). To purchase a printed and bound score, with or without parts, or obtain PDF parts, please contact me.
A Rose
A Rose (9:45) A Rose is an abstracted and condensed interpretation of the passion of Christ. It’s like the children’s story version: simple, short, and to the point, and with an emphasis on the triumph of spirit over matter. The piece moves through seven phases of the story: Prayers and Visions – peaceful communion, gathering strength, ominous visions (1:30) Arrest and Condemnation – arrest, trial and condemnation (1:10) Death March – heavy and slow, a painful journey (1:05) On the Cross – nailing, delirium, surrender, forgiveness, crying out (1:30) Death and Ascension – spear thrust, death, earthquake and darkness, spirit rises up (1:00) Transfiguration – stirring and forming, the call to return, descent (1:35) Reappearance – final words and reactions; ascension (1:50) Feel free to download a PDF of the score (currently no charge). To purchase a printed and bound score, with or without parts, or obtain PDF parts, please contact me.
