Chamber Instrumental

Liberty’s Dream, Freedom’s Journey (2020) 8:05
for oboe, clarinet, horn, and bassoon
This piece is commissioned by and dedicated to the Key City Winds.
Evening Reflections (2020) 8:20
for Flugelhorn and piano
Commissioned by and Dedicated to David Amlung in honor of his father
Who’s on First (2020) 4:03
for Bb Trumpet and Trombone
Commissioned by and Dedicated to John E. Kennedy, Professor of Fine Arts, South Plains College, Levelland, Texas
Fanfare and Hymn (2020) 5+ minutes
Commissioned by and Dedicated to the Altus Trumpet Ensemble
for trumpet sextet
Three Moods for Piano (2019)
I. Somber
II. Joyful
III. Confident
Nocturne (2019) 5'07"
Dedicated to and Commissioned by Lawson Hager
Also arranged for brass quintet.
For Lawson Hager and the Horn Studio at Hardin-Simmons University
Parable for Oboe and Piano (2019)
Dedicated to Susie Rockett.
A Single Candle (2018)
bassoon and piano
Commissioned by Dr. Janelle Ott, Instructor of Bassoon, HSU.
Forever Rising (2018) 4.00
double trumpet quintet
This piece was commissioned by members of the Lone Star State Trumpet Guild for their upcoming performance at the 2019 TMEA Convention in San Antonio, Texas.
Symphonic Duet for Trumpet and Percussion (2018)
Commissioned by Dr. David Amlung and Dr. Juan Mendoza
Lontano (2018)
for trumpet and electronics
Water Colors (2018)
I. Trees
II. Hills and Mountains
III. The Vineyard
IV. Water Colors
selections arranged for string quartet
Four “Chants” of Francisco de Lacerda (2018)
I. Chant du feu
II. Chanson triste
III. Chant de la montagne
IV. Chanson de la route (Nord)
arranged for string quartet, originally for piano
Canção do berço of Francisco de Lacerda (2018)
arranged for string quartet, originally for piano
Just Below the Eaves (2017)
Commissioned by the Key City Winds.
for woodwind quintet
Just Stand Up and Play (2017)
Commissioned by Dr. David Amlung for the Lone Star State Trumpet Guild.
for trumpet quintet
Music of the Ainur (2018)
Dedicated to the Key City Chamber Consortium.
for woodwind quintet, brass quintet, string quartet, piano, percussion, and electronics
For Those We Miss (2016) 8:48
for two trumpets and piano
This piece is dedicated to all of the wonderful musicians that have either recently passed away or are no longer teaching at HSU. The music traces their emotional state of hearing bad news and their struggle with the life decisions that followed this news.
Three Pieces for Brass Quintet and Organ (2016)
Written for the Key City Brass Quintet and Hye-Jean Choi
I. Intensity
II. Solemnity
III. Jollity
A Trumpet Shall Sound for brass quintet (2016)
This piece was commissioned by Dr. David Amlung, Assistant Professor of Music, McMurry University, in honor of Dr. Mark Wilcox.
Show RecordingsA Trumpet Shall Sound
Cirith Ungol (2015) 11:12
Flute/Piccolo, Oboe/English horn, Bb Clarinet/Bb Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, C Trumpet, F Horn, Trombone, Tuba, 2 Violins, Viola, Cello, Piano, Percussion: claves, triangle, timbales (2), cymbals, tam-tam
This piece was requested by Dr. Charlie Coltman for the Abilene Chamber Players for a special concert featuring Hardin-Simmons University Composers. The concert was in the fall of 2015. I have wanted to compose a piece based on the time Frodo and Sam entered Shelob’s tunnel to their leaving the Tower of Cirith Ungol. I also wanted to work with my colleagues, Steve Neves and Mike Jones, on creating drawings that focused on 10 scenes from this story arc. The performance included a film of their art that was coordinated with the music. Anyone familiar with Tolkien’s masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, will know that this episode is perhaps the most frightening and perilous part of his epic story. If not for the heroic bravery of Sam, the quest to destroy the Ring would have failed. The music and artwork, in many ways, are in homage to him.
Cirith Ungol
Grey Skies (2014)
for F horn and piano
Commissioned by Dr. Robert Tucker. This piece was inspired by the grey skies that haunted Sam and Frodo as they struggled in their journey towards Mordor. They were single-minded in their dedicated to completing what seemed and felt like an impossible task. They overcame their fear and constantly moved forward toward their goal, whatever end that would be.
On Memories Not Forgotten: Echoes of Regret and Whispers of Solitude (2014)
for flute and piano
Commissioned by Dr. Karla Ordoñez. This piece was inspired by the tragic memories of the remnant of the Noldor still living in Middle-earth in the Third Age who remember the kin-strife caused by the Oath of Fëanor.
The Music of Valinor (2013)
for brass quintet in four movements
I. The Procession of the Valar, With the Interludes of Melkor
II. The Song of Yavanna, Creating Telperion and Laurelin
III. The Treachery of Melkor, the Theft of the Silmarils
IV. The Ascent of Vingilot, the Rise of the Star of Eärendil
This piece is inspired by the beautiful tales found in The Silmarillion, and was composed and premiered by the Key City Brass Quintet.
Valinor I-The Procession of the Valar
Valinor II-The Song of Yavanna
Valinor III-The Treachery of Melkor
Valinor IV-The Ascent of Vigilot
Summer (2012)
for brass quintet in four movements
I. Sun Rising
II. Heat
III. No Vacation
IV. Early evening
This piece was inspired by the terribly hot summer of 2010. It was composed for and premiered by the Key City Brass Quintet.
Summer I-Sun Rising
Summer II-Heat
Summer III-No Vacation
Summer IV-Early evening
Tightrope (2012)
for piano duet
This piece was commissioned by Dr. Kay Williams and Dr. Pauline Bjorem. They are on the piano faculty at Abilene Christian University. This piece contains a number of jazz idioms, such as rag-time rhythms and extended seventh-chords.
Bernie’s Blues (2012)
electronic
This piece was composed as an example to be used in my “Composing with Pro Tools and Reason” class. It’s a funny little tune imitating a live performance. The class and I are both audience and performers.
Bernie’s Blues
What’s for Lunch? (2011)
for flute, oboe, and clarinet, in three movements
I. Noodles
II. Ice Tea
III. Soup
This piece was written at the request of my “lunch buddies” for the woodwind faculty at Hardin-Simmons University.
What’s For Lunch? I. Pasta
What’s For Lunch? II. Ice Tea
What’s For Lunch? III. Soup
The Setting Sun (2011)
for flute and piano
This piece was a commission by Dr. Lisa McArthur, Professor of Music at Campbellsville University.
Corners (2011)
for trumpet quartet
This piece was a commission by Dr. John Irish, Professor of Trumpet at Angelo State University.
Featurettes (2010)
for brass quintet, in three movements
Featurette I: A Little Work
Featurette II: A Little Rest
Featurette III: A Little Play
This piece was written for and premiered by the Key City Brass Quintet.
Echoes (2010)
fanfare for two trumpets
This piece was written for Dr. Mark Wilcox and Dr. Bernard Scherr.
Openings (2010)
for viola quartet
This piece was a commission by Dr. Peter Neubert, Visiting Assistant Professor of Viola at Hardin-Simmons University.
No Second Chances (2010)
for percussion octet
This piece was commissioned by Keith Lloyd, Instructor of Percussion and Music History, McMurry University.
Night and Day (2010)
for solo clarinet in two movements
I. Night
II. Day
This piece was commissioned by Dr. Charles Coltman, Professor of Woodwinds, Hardin-Simmons University.
Let’s Go Fast (2010)
for trumpet quintet
This piece was commissioned by Dr. Mark Wilcox, Assistant Professor of High Brass, McMurry University.
Music in Colors (2010)
four piano pieces on the paintings of Joao de Brito
I. Trees
II. Hills and Mountains
III. The Vineyard
IV. Water Colors
This work was inspired by the paintings of Joao de Brito and the brilliant piano playing of Joao Bettencourt da Camara. Senor da Camara has performed these pieces in the US and the UK.
Music in Colors–Trees
Music in Colors–Hills and Mountains
Music in Colors–The Vineyard
Music in Colors–Water Colors
Groovy Pastorinhas (2010)
for brass quintet
This piece was written for the Key City Brass Quintet.
Groovy Pastorinhas
Six Portuguese Folksongs for Brass Quintet (2010)
arranged for young musicians
I. A Pastorinha
II. Carro amaricano
III. Coradinha
IV. Mourisca
V. O ai, o linda!
VI. O Xi-Xi
These pieces have been performed many times by the Key City Brass Quintet.
A Pastorinha
Carro amaricano
Coradinha
Mourisca
O ai, o linda!
O Xi, Xi
Black Coffee (2009)
for cello and piano
This piece was commissioned by Dr. Kristin Isaacson, Assistant Professor of Cello and String Bass, Hardin-Simmons University.
Three Cues for Trumpet and Piano (2009)
I. Watch Out
II. Take a Break
III. Get Up, Get Moving
This piece was written for Dr. Mark Wilcox, Assistant Professor of High Brass, McMurry University.
Three Portuguese Folksongs (2009)
for piano
I. Os Reis, Ó da casa carvalheira
II. A Nossa Senhora d’Aires
III. Cana Verde
These arrangements were made for the celebration of the 50th wedding anniversary of Balzer and Blondina Scherr.
I Need A Nap (2008)
for viola and piano
This piece was commissioned by Dr. Peter Neubert, Visiting Instructor of Music, Hardin-Simmons University.
I Need a Nap
Dance Suite (2007)
for piano, in five movements
I. Prelude
II. March
III. Ballade
IV. Waltz
V. Two-Step
This piece was arranged for concert band which was premiered by the Hardin-Simmons University Concert Band under the direction of Dr. Wayne Dorothy.
Portuguese Folksongs, Book I (2006)
arranged for string quartet and string orchestra
I. A “Fecha” da Mijarela
II. A Senhora da Saúde
III. Dai voltas, Senhor!
IV. Á Sombra do arvoredo
V. Os Reis
VI. Aldeia não vale nada
VII. O menina “Delaidinha”!
A Fecha
A Senhora
Dia Voltas
A Sombra
Os Reis
Aldeia
O Menina
Portuguese Folksongs, Book II (2006)
arranged for string quartet and string orchestra
I. O “melitar, melitar”!
II. Namorei a Felismina
III. Eu esta “manhé áchei”
IV. Brincas tu
V. Cravos em teu peito
VI. Esta Noite Rodou um Carro
VII. Donde vens, ó Agostinho?
O Melitar
Namorei
Eu Esta
Brincas
Cravos
Esta Noite
Donde Vens
Morning Whispers (2006)
for flute, viola, and harp
Jubilation Fanfare (2005)
for 6 trumpets, 5 horns, 3 trombones, 2 euphoniums, and 2 tubas
Organ Trio (2005)
for violin, cello, and organ, in three movements
I. Expectation
II. Waiting
III. Arrival
This piece was commissioned by Dr. Tido Janssen, former Associate Professor of Cello and String Bass, Hardin-Simmons University.
Organ Trio I. Expectation
Organ Trio II. Waiting
Organ Trio III. Arrival
Clarinet Sonata (2004)
for clarinet and piano.
This piece was commissioned by Dr. Charles Coltman, Professor of Woodwinds, Hardin-Simmons University. This work has also been performed on numerous occasions by Dr. Thomas Josenhans.
Clarinet Sonata
Fanfare for Six Horns (2002)
This piece was written for the horn studio of former Dean and Associate Professor of Horn, Lawson Hager, Hardin-Simmons University.
Piano Quintet (2002)
for clarinet, violin, viola, cello, and piano, in three movements
I. With intensity
II. Adagio
III. Chaconne
This piece was commissioned and premiered by the Abilene Chamber Players.
Piano Quintet I. With intensity
Piano Quintet II. Adagio
Piano Quintet III. Chaconne
Academic Fanfare and Prelude (2001)
for brass octet, timpani, and organ
This work was commissioned by Hardin-Simmons University for the inauguration of its former president, Dr. Craig Turner.
Organ Preludes (1994-2001)
No. 1 based on Agnus Dei for Feasts of the Blessed Virgin (Cum jubilo)
No. 2 based on Veni, Veni Emmanuel
No. 3 based on Alma Redemptoris
No. 4 based on Ryrie for Feasts of the Blessed Virgin (Cum jubilo)
No. 5 based on Pange lingua gloriosi
No. 6 based on Stabat Mater
No. 7 based on O Filii et Filiae
No. 8 based on Of the Father’s Love Begotten
No. 9 based on Jesu dulcis memoria
No. 10 based on Creator alme siderum
No. 11 based on Victimae Paschali Laudes
No. 12 based on Veni Creator Spiritus
These preludes are based on the plainchants listed below. Preludes 11 and 12 were commissioned by Dr. David Eaton, former Assistant Professor of Organ, Hardin-Simmons University. The complete collection is published by Zimbel Press.
Fanfare for the New Millennium (2001)
for brass quintet
This piece won the University of Oregon’s 125th Anniversary Composition Commission Competition.
Fanfare for an Uncommon Trumpeter (2000, rev. 2011)
for solo Bb trumpet
Around the Box (1997)
for tape, electronic music piece; lost
Brass Octet No. 1 (1996‑97)
for 2 trumpets, 2 horns, 2 trombones, euphonium, and tuba, in three movements
I. Prelude
II. Chorale
III. Time
This piece was premiered in Eugene, Oregon, in 1997.
Brass Octet I. Prelude
Brass Octet II. Chorale
Brass Octet III. Time
Scherzo on Man Mei Longe (1997)
for 2 clarinets and 2 marimbas
This piece was an assignment for my doctorate exams in composition. I enjoyed the result so much that I have added it to my oeuvre. It awaits its premiere.
Compline (1996)
for violin and piano
Woodwind Quartet No. 1 (1996)
for flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon, in four movements
I. March
II. Lament
III. Chorale
IV. Rondo
This piece was premiered in Eugene, Oregon, in 1997. It had its Texas premiere Abilene in 2012.
Fanfare for Four Trumpets (1995)
This piece was written for trumpet players in the studio of George Recker, my trumpet professor at the University of Oregon. It was premiered at the School of Music graduation ceremony in 1996.
Fugue (1995)
for oboe, clarinet, and bassoon
This piece cleverly combines quartal and quintal elements in a serial manner.
Fugue
Waltzophone (1995)
for alto saxophone and piano
This piece is a tribute to Gustave Mahler, one of my compositional heroes.
Miniature Dance Suite (1994-95)
for flute, viola, and harp, in three movements
I. Prelude
II. Sarabande
III. Estampie
This piece was premiered in Eugene, Oregon, in January of 1996.
Miniature Dance Suite I. Prelude
Miniature Dance Suite II. Sarabande
Miniature Dance Suite III. Estampie
Piano Sonata No. 1 (1993‑94)
in three movements; arranged for wind ensemble as “Three Sketches on Jonathan”
I. Whirling Dervish
II. Night Sighs
III. Mischief
This work was inspired by my son when he was a toddler. It was also inspired by my love of the music of Ravel. It has a number of impressionist strands and requires virtuosic skill to perform it satisfactorily. It was premiered in Eugene, Oregon.
String Quartet No. 1 (1992-93)
in three movements
I. Moderato
II. Adagio
III. Allegro
This piece was premiered in Eugene, Oregon. It is tonal, lyrical, and quite expressive.
Fanfare and Prelude (1992)
for trumpet and organ
I wrote this piece for myself and the organist at my former parish church. We premiered it at an Easter Vigil service. I also performed it again in Eugene, Oregon. It is rhythmic, tonal, and stately.
Two‑Part Invention (1992)
for violin and cello
The opening of this piece was written during a faculty meeting in which my mind was starting to drift. It is energetic, tonal, and, perhaps, a bit too Bach-like; but, I keep it in my oeuvre because it is so much fun. It awaits its premiere.