Meditation 3 (2022)

Instrumentation: Euphonium* and Live Electronics

*Although this piece was originally composed for euphonium, it is appropriate for many instruments, including baritone saxophone, bassoon, and more.

Duration: 9 minutes

Program Notes: Meditation 3 explores each of the diatonic modes from darkest to lightest. As the performer plays notated or improvised melodies, the computer responds with its own counterpoint. This is the third piece in a set of structured improvisations for live performers and electronics.

Premiere: Hendrik Viljoen; September 27, 2023; Westbrook Recital Hall, Lincoln, NE

Flood (2022)

Instrumentation: Solo Piano

Duration: 4 minutes

Program Notes: Flood is an etude that explores the use of drum rudiments on the piano. Unlike many etudes, the title has little to do with the technical challenge of the piece. Rather, the word “flood” evokes the rush of overwhelming emotion we may experience in stressful situations. This short piece reminds us that a trickle turns into a torrent when the dam breaks.

Premiere: Yijie Liu; July 28, 2022; Parker Concert Hall, Brevard, NC

Catharsis (2020)

Instrumentation: Solo Marimba

Duration: 8 minutes

Program Notes: Catharsis represents the myriad of emotions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic: confusion, disbelief, frustration, perseverance, and eventually, relief.

Premiere: Ji Hye Jung; August 19, 2020; Cortona Sessions for New Music (Online)

What the Thunder said (2020)

Instrumentation: Solo Organ

Duration: 17 minutes

Program Notes: What the Thunder said is based on the fifth section of T.S. Eliot’s poem, The Waste Land. In his text, Eliot combines references to scripture with mythologies of various cultures to construct commentary on the themes of death, rebirth, existentialism, and Nihilism.

One Step (2015)

Instrumentation: Solo Saxophone (any type)

Duration: 6 minutes

Program Notes: When composing One Step, I used my own poetry to help organize my musical ideas. The music begins with a sense of ambivalence as the narrator begins his journey. As he wanders further from home, the music becomes increasingly bizarre and unfamiliar. However, the music of “home” eventually morphs to integrate the ideas discovered on the narrator’s trek. At first, this transition is awkward. However, as the narrator experiences “growth of mind” and “a change of heart”, these ideas are combined in music that is more beautiful and secure than before.

Premiere: Nick May, Alto Saxophone; April 17, 2015; Kimball Recital Hall, Lincoln, NE