Detailed music for intimate instrumental combinations and concert settings.
I Hate the Corporate State was composed in 2019. This piece is an “Atonal” composition with an open “free” improvisation section. The music is not too difficult, especially if you slow down the tempo. Can be a good vehicle to teach students about “free” improvisation.
Temperature Rising was originally composed for my 2016 brass quartet CD release “Brass Tactics”. The piece consists of an interesting bass vamp that continues with each instrument entering on a different pitch. The blowing can continue over the vamp, or the group is free to leave the vamp and return. This piece is a good beginner’s piece but also works just as well with advanced players.
This is one of my earliest solo piano compositions. It is written in a very romantic and tonal style. Good for an advanced beginner or intermediate student. The recording is a live performance by pianist Elizabeth Child.
Ping Pong was composed for brass quartet and piano. It was released on my “Brass Tactics” CD. The improvisation section is completely free. The piece is challenging but not overly difficult.
The Two piano/violin duets were composed in the 1980s for a composition class at Juilliard. The two pieces contrast each other. The one that starts out in A minor is quite romantic and melodic, while the other piece is whimsical, almost atonal in nature.
The Two piano/violin duets were composed in the 1980s for a composition class at Juilliard. The two pieces contrast each other. The one that starts out in A minor is quite romantic and melodic, while the other piece is whimsical, almost atonal in nature.
Composed during my Master’s Degree (1994) studies at Queens College (CUNY), the piece opens with a lengthy pizzicato accompaniment which is followed by violin and cello melodies. There are multiple sections involved in the quartet but everything is written as one long movement. The piece is difficult but very melodic. It is not tonal but it is not serial either.
I arranged this piece for Brass Quartet. The music is dedicated to the great composer Alban Berg. This composition is quite melodic while being atonal at the same time. The ensemble is suggested to improvise but that is purely optional. Challenging but not terribly difficult. Definitely playable by any college brass ensemble.
This Nocturne is one of my earlier compositions. I recorded it with violinist Mark Feldman on our “Haiku” CD in the early 1990’s. However, it can be performed with piano and any other melodic instrument. The attached score is for piano and violin.
This piece can be performed by any two instruments. The melodic rhythm is a bit complex but in general, the piece is pretty easy to play. After playing the piece through I recommend improvising freely over the melodic material. In the attached recording I am just improvising various harmonic structures.