Before the Paling of the Stars – SATB choir and piano
Before the Paling of the Stars (9/10/14) for SATB choir and piano – Duration: 4’05”. This lovely setting of Christina Georgina Rossetti’s poem, A Christmas Carol, is bound to please. The interplay between choir and piano is…
Gentle Lord, Take my Hand – SATB choir and piano
Gentle Lord, Take my Hand (2008) for SATB chorus and piano – 3’15”. As a statement of faith, this piece makes a very good general anthem. It is also appropriate for memorial or funeral services because it…
A Color Palette – clarinet, violin and piano
A Color Palette (9/2/14) for violin, clarinet and piano – 13’00”. Colors suggest different moods. “Alizarin Crimson” is a bold, punchy color suggesting drive and excitement. “Prussian Blue” is cool and contemplative. “Burnt Sienna” is solid and…
Obstination – mixed chamber ensemble
Obstination (1/15/16) for flute, French horn, violin, cello, and piano – 10’00”. I made up the term “obstination” to refer to a state of pointed and fully intentional obstinacy. I use this term knowing that obstinacy already…
Etude with Sass – solo piano or harpsichord
Etude with Sass (2012) for harpsichord or piano – 5’15”. The work has driving rhythms, a jazzy flavor, and a joyful spirit. The middle section becomes nostalgic and contemplative. Then, the opening returns. Difficult When you buy…
The Energies of Adam – piano quartet
The Energies of Adam (1984) for piano quartet – 19’00”. I wrote these four movements to honor my thirteen-year-old son. “Flashy/Exuberant” reflects the cocky energy with which he faced each day. He was self-confident and sure of…
Ballroom Dances – viola and piano
Ballroom Dances (2002) Four pieces for viola and piano – 15’00”. There are three dances: swing, tango and waltz. “Hot to Trot” is jazzy and upbeat. “It Takes Two” is sultry and smoldering. “Getting Together” is romantic…
Journeys – violin and piano
Journeys (2010) for violin and piano – 5’00”. The title refers both to physical and spiritual movement. During the composition the main theme returns several times. Each episode in between gets a little longer and a little…
Trombone Soup – trombone and piano
Trombone Soup (10/8/15) for trombone and piano – 4’25”. This jazzy solo is a crowd pleaser. Despite its laidback mood, it shows off the trombone through its entire range and is virtuosic. Difficult When you buy music…
My Lord, What a Mourning! – trumpet and piano
My Lord, What a Mourning! (1990) Sonata for trumpet and piano – 13’45”. The work is in three movements. “Death Be Not Proud” is an elegy that begins with powerful statements of grief, but the middle sections…