Celestial Prayer - Horn & Piano
A short work for horn and piano depicting the celestial stillness of the night sky.
A short work for horn and piano depicting the celestial stillness of the night sky.
A short piece for horn & piano depicting a daydream, exploring both the positive and negative thoughts that come along with it.
A multi-movement work for horn & piano with three movements: desperation, anxiety, confusion.
Reference recording: https://youtu.be/OQswjXROo1I
Written for Denise Tryon and recorded on her "Hope Springs Eternal" CD.
Available here: https://www.wavefrontmusic.com/maiden-voyage.html
Reference recording: https://youtu.be/rpeR1C6CS6E
A short multi-movement work for horn & piano, commissioned by Devin Cobleigh-Morrison.
Available: TBD
Memories is a musical portrayal of the various types of memories we as humans experience throughout our life. Read more
A short multi-movement work for horn & piano, commissioned by Devin Cobleigh-Morrison.
Available: TBD
Memories is a musical portrayal of the various types of memories we as humans experience throughout our life. Whether they be happy, sad, nostalgic, melancholy, or other… they shape who we become as a person. Oftentimes, memories will randomly pop into our head and then linger for the coming days, or they will quickly dissipate and are forgotten.
“…longing…” represents the constant desire to recall and relive the happiest memories of our lives, usually during moments of struggle or darkness. This movement attempts to straddle the tonality between major and minor, creating a sense of ambiguity. Briefly a happy memory enters but is then suddenly interrupted, returning again to the ambiguity of before.
“...escaping…” represents the need to run from or try to escape from the darkest memories that happen in our lives. However, they are unavoidable and we can only accept them as they are. This movement has a constantly repeating ostinato, representing the one memory (or perhaps many) that often plagues our thoughts, weighing on our conscience constantly. Throughout the movement, the ostinato never stops. It’s as if the player is running on ice, unable to get away.
“...accepting…” represents our need to accept what has happened and process the memories in some way. Lots of rubato is used in this movement, along with soaring horn lines. A majority of the movement is in a major tonality, with brief moments of strong, emphasized notes outside of the home key. These moments represent the lingering pain, sadness, or uneasiness of accepting what has happened, while attempting to put on a happy face for those around us.
"Triangulus," inspired by the Latin word for triangle, is a composition that draws its essence from both the geometric shape of the triangle and the concept of threes. The piece is intricately structured into three Read more
"Triangulus," inspired by the Latin word for triangle, is a composition that draws its essence from both the geometric shape of the triangle and the concept of threes. The piece is intricately structured into three distinct sections, following an ABA’ form. Throughout the composition, the predominant time signature is 3/8, occasionally accompanied by subtle variations of 7/8 (grouped into eighths of 2,2,3) and 9/8 (grouped into eighths of 2,2,2,3).
The piano establishes the opening motif, forming a musical triangle that echoes the geometric inspiration. Above the geometric motif, the horn makes its entrance with a flourish of scalar notes, a fanfare that precedes its integration into the intricate geometric complexity of the composition. Another triangular musical pattern emerges with the introduction of the second main melodic line, which is further developed in the contemplative B section.Following several ventures into other sections inspired by triangles, the initial theme resurfaces before gradually transitioning into the reflective B section. Ultimately, the A section makes a return, adorned with a few intricate twists and turns to bring the composition to its conclusion. The entirety of this composition is grounded in the motif of a triangle or the symbolism associated with groups of three.
"Triangulus for Horn & Piano," where the very fabric of the music is woven with the geometric elegance and thematic richness inspired by the triangular form.
Con·tin·u·um: a continuous sequence in which adjacent elements are not perceptibly different from each other, although the extremes are quite distinct.
Continuum began as a piece about deep space, a place of unknown and Read more
Con·tin·u·um: a continuous sequence in which adjacent elements are not perceptibly different from each other, although the extremes are quite distinct.
Continuum began as a piece about deep space, a place of unknown and uneasiness. As the piece unfolded, a contrasting section was needed. The perfect pairing to space is time, and thus continuum came to be.
The piece begins with an opening fanfare, depicting the exciting departure into space. Shortly the harmony becomes less stable and movement becomes slower. The “space theme”, the opening fanfare motive, is manipulated and augmented harmony is explored until the piece slows to a halt. The second section is based on time. Movement is continuous throughout this section will harmony is almost stagnant. The piece as a whole explores two extremely distinct sections and the “space theme” is continuously manipulated in rhythm and harmony. The Piece finishes with the opening fanfare returning, circling the piece back to where it began.
"Picturesque" is a musical depiction of two contrasting landscapes on the American prairie, portraying the tranquil beauty of a sunrise on the prairie and the wild, untamed wilderness that stretches beyond. Premiered at Read more
"Picturesque" is a musical depiction of two contrasting landscapes on the American prairie, portraying the tranquil beauty of a sunrise on the prairie and the wild, untamed wilderness that stretches beyond. Premiered at the 2024 Mid-South Horn Workshop hosted by Lanette Lopéz-Compton at Oklahoma State University. Performed by various top students from all over the region and conducted by Steven Cohen.
The first movement presents a scene of a serene prairie at sunrise. The gentle awakening of the day is conveyed through lush harmonies and subtle movements, teetering on the brink of absolute stillness. Solo lines evoke the awakening of wildlife, existing in their distinct realms yet harmoniously contributing to the larger world. The music ebbs and flows, mirroring the awakening and transformation of the landscape with each new creature. As the sun ascends, the atmosphere becomes vibrant with jubilant sounds, capturing the essence of a lively world. At last, the sun has risen, and glorious harmony envelops everything, bringing the landscape to life. The movement gently concludes, gradually slowing down to symbolize the tranquil conclusion of the day.
II. Wild Beyond:
The second movement vividly depicts the wild and untamed essence of the 'beyond', where wildlife and nature unfold in unpredictable and sometimes wondrous, yet also potentially terrifying, scenes. It begins with a continuous, rhythmic motor that runs throughout the majority of the movement. Navigating through unforeseen twists and turns in both melody and harmony, this movement crafts an uneasy atmosphere that mirrors the inherent uncertainty of the wild 'beyond'. A brief return of a section from the first movement introduces an intriguing question – is there an element of predictability in the wild, or does unpredictability persist? Following a deceptive resolution, the rhythmic motors make a return, bringing the movement to a compelling conclusion. Fueled by rhythmic intensity and harmonic drive, this movement captures the raw and untamed spirit of the wild 'beyond'.
A short fanfare-like piece written for Katy Ambrose & the University of Iowa Horn Studio for the opening concert of the 2025 Mid-North Horn Workshop.
A multi movement work for horn, strings, and timpani based on the Goddess Athena.
Chapter One: Celestial Wisdom Celestial wisdom, in the context of Athena, implies a higher, divine form of insight and intelligence. It Read more
A multi movement work for horn, strings, and timpani based on the Goddess Athena.
Chapter One: Celestial Wisdom Celestial wisdom, in the context of Athena, implies a higher, divine form of insight and intelligence. It suggests that Athena's wisdom is not merely earthly or mortal but has a transcendent quality, as if it originates from the celestial realms. She is often depicted as a wise and strategic deity, known for her intelligence, rationality, and tactical prowess. The concept of celestial wisdom emphasizes the divine nature of her intellect and the guidance she provides to those who seek knowledge and strategic understanding.
Chapter Two: Nocturnal Spirit Athena is closely linked to owls in Greek mythology, and the owl is often considered her sacred bird. This association is particularly significant, symbolizing wisdom, foresight, and knowledge. It is said that owls were considered sacred to Athena because they were believed to be wise and watchful creatures. The owl's ability to see in the dark and its observant nature became associated with Athena's qualities of wisdom and keen insight. Owls were often depicted accompanying Athena or perched on her shoulder in various artistic representations.
Chapter Three: Immortal Warfare Athena is associated with warfare in Greek mythology, but her approach to conflict differs from some other gods associated with war. Athena is often depicted as the goddess of strategic warfare, wisdom, and tactical skill, rather than a deity driven by mere bloodlust or chaos. She is considered the protector of cities, particularly Athens, and is often invoked for guidance in matters of war and military strategy. Athena is associated with disciplined and organized warfare, where intelligence and careful planning are crucial.