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Compositions


 

 


 

Antiphon for Divine Wisdom (2002)
4-part women's chorus and piano

Setting of an English Translation of a text by Hildegard von Bingen.  Premiered at the Kennedy Ceneter for the Performing Arts by the Cantus Singers of Shenandoah University, Karen Keating, director.
 
Variations on a Southern  Harmony Tune (2001)
 
Chorale prelude for organ based on the traditional Southern Harmony tune "Distress." Commissioned by Philip and Patrica Porter, and premiered at the National Cathedral in  Washington D. C. by W. Dudley Oakes.

Children of Light (2000)
mezzo-soprano, 8-part mixed chorus, percussion, piano, organ, and string orchestra

This dramatic cantata is based on the life of American hymn-writer Fanny J. Crosby. The original libretto is drawn from Crosby's autobiographies, poetry, and hymns, as well as texts by her female contemporaries. The musical setting draws on worship devices from across the Christian denominations, including reciting tones, plain chant, gospel style, and familiar hymn quotations. The performance time for Children of Light is about one hour, and it may be performed unstaged or semi-staged.

Six of One (2000)

Fanfare for brass choir, percussion, and antiphonal brass sextet; approximately 90 seconds in length. Commissioned by the St. Olaf College Valhalla band as the opening piece for their "Made in America" concert (May 2000).

Forgotten Time (1998)
soprano, clarinet, and piano

Creeks
Mushrooms
Winter in the Country
A Dream of Trees

A pastoral cycle on seasonal texts by American poet Mary Oliver.

Pipings: From the memoirs of Ethel Smyth (1997)
8-part mixed chorus, flute, and piano

Settings from the memoirs of British Composer Dame Ethel Smyth (1858-1944).  The four-movement piece is based on Smyth's anthem "March of Women," written in 1911 for the suffrage movement in England.  Commissioned by One Voice Mixed Chorus of the Twin Cities, who premiered the work in 1998 in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Music from "The Good Person of Setzuan" (1997)
solo voice, piano, and alto saxophone

Three songs and incidental music to accompany Tony Kushner's adaptation of Bertold Brecht's play.  Performed at the University of Minnesota in 1997.

Stone's Throw (1996)
solo piano

Carefree, Brubeckian piece written in honor of my parents' new home in Southern Pennsylvania.

Folksongs for the Women (1996)
for women's voices and chamber orchestra

Note to the Reader
Testament
Folksong for the Women
Going to the Universe

These four lyrical settings of poems by Michael Fitzgerald explore the American folk idiom through the use of modal counterpoint and collective improvisation.

Glory to God (1996)
for unaccompanied treble voices

A short, 5-part choral introit originally composed for carillon. Suitable for the advent/Christmas season.

It's Magic (1996)
for children's chorus, piano, and chamber ensemble (string and wind parts available)

Four pieces based on melodies and texts written by elementary school children. Commissioned by the Society for New Music Composers in the Schools project for Edward Smith Elementary School (Syracuse, New York). Performed in 1996 at Edward Smith.

Four Sacred Anthems (1995)
for SATB chorus, unaccompanied

Come, Thou King of Kings
How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place
Sing to the Lord a New Song
Benediction

Moderately challenging but highly singable, these anthems are to be used as part of the worship service throughout the liturgical year. Performed in 1995 by the Syracuse University Glee Club and King of King's Lutheran Church Choir (Liverpool, NY).

New England Blues (1995)
(Variations on a few Ideas of Charles Ives) for Bb soprano saxophone and piano

Twelve variations on material from Ives' Three Places in New England, worked out in an exploration of the twelve-bar blues structure, including improvisation for the saxophonist. Performed in 1995 at Syracuse University.

Dreams are for You (1995)
for children's chorus and piano (band and orchestra parts available)

Seven pieces based on text and melodies written by elementary school children. Commissioned by the Society for New Music Composers in the Schools project for Salem Hyde Elementary School (Syracuse, NY). Performed in 1995 at Syracuse University.

Prelude (1994)
for solo piano

A quietly whimsical piece with an improvisatory (slightly Chopinesque) character. Intermediate playing level. Performed in 1994 at Syracuse University.

El Capitan and the Corporal (1994)
for chamber orchestra (soundtrack for the radio drama)

A light-hearted score to accompany a 1940's war-time romantic drama. Produced in 1994 at Syracuse University; available with or without dialogue.

Dance Etudes (1993)
for solo piano

Four short, fun pieces fashioned after a Baroque dance suite. Intermediate playing level. Performed in 1994 at Syracuse University.

Sketches and Reflections (1993)
for symphonic wind ensemble

A set of melodic vignettes compiled and developed over the course of a single movement. Performed in 1993 at Shenandoah University.

Phases of the Moon (1992)
for string quartet, English horn, and baritone voice

So We'll Go No More A-Roving
Stanzas for Music
In the Noontide of the Moon
Sun of the Sleepless
Epigram on an Old Lady Who Had Some Curious Notions Regarding the Soul

Five dark, highly chromatic settings of poetry by Lord Byron. Performed in 1995 at Syracuse University.

Introduction and Scherzo (1991)
for woodwind trio (flute, oboe, and bassoon)

A playful spoof on the American marching-tune. Great fun! Performed in 1992 at Shenandoah University.

Sixteen Yards (1990)
for brass quintet

Fanfare
Meditation
Tango
Finale

A symphonic suite encompassing a wide variety of styles and moods, from pensive to majestic to jazzy. Performed in 1993 at Shenandoah University.

   
   

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