Early Piano Trio

So, I was going over some of my older works and came across this piece I wrote about 2 years ago.  This was my first piano trio.  At the time, I was very much into romantic classicism - and I think that that comes through in this work.  This was a very personal work to me at the time as well.  Hope you guys enjoy!

Piano Trio no. 1

Project for Performance!!!

I was talking to my lone composition student who happens to conduct a choir in his native Phillipines. I resume teaching him this week AND on top of that, I am now working on an Ave Maria for his choir.  The text is translated to his native Pangasinan dialect.  It's a nice project AND one that will get performed!!!

Placement Test

So, today I have my placement test for Lakeland.  I am sooo nervous.  I've been working on the study guide and practice test for it all week.  I got the english portion pretty much down AND I have the arithmetic and basic algebra parts down as well.  The only one that is giving me problems is college algebra.  I don't think I've used trig or any of the other maths at that level in the past 10 years.  Pretty psyched for it.

Set of 6 preludes

So, I had some problems the beginning of last week involving my laptop - had to purchase a brand new computer to use.  In the interim, I have been working on a set of 6 preludes for piano.  The purpose of these is to compose works utilizing ridiculously small restrictions.  The first is a prelude using only one note.  The second uses only 2, third uses only 3, fourth uses only 4, and so on.  The inspiration for this is Ligeti's Musica Ricercata.
Let me know what you think so far!

Prelude a 1
Prelude a 2
Prelude a 3 e 4

Going Back to School

So, after a decade of not being in classes - I have made the decision to go back to school!  I will start my classes 1/2 time this summer via Lakeland Community College here in Mattoon.  I plan to do 2 years for an Associates in Liberal Arts and then transfer to EIU to finish the degree out - or perhaps switch to a degree more suited to me. 

New Miniature!!

I composed this last week.  It has gotten some nice reviews!!  Tell me what you think!

http://forum.youngcomposers.com/t23879/miniature/

Laptop probs

So, I have a sony vaio that I use to do ALL my work.  Well, it won't turn on at all - no led lights in front, nothing.  So, now I am out of commission for a few days till I get the darn thing fixed.  I'm just sooo done with it!

New projects... hmmm

So, I'm trying to figure what to compose next.  I spent the last day and a half breaking from composition - but I feel like I am completely wasting time.  I know I should be working and composing more, but the piano trio really took a lot out of me to compose.  I haven't had a piece effect me so much in quite a while. 

Piano Trio no. 2 is DONE!!!!!

Finally!  After three hectic day's of composition - and nearly driving my self crazy staring at the notation program - I finally have the entire Piano Trio finished.  I'm very proud of this work overall - my first large scale serial work!  Enjoy!!


Piano Trio no. 2

Piano Trio Nearly Complete

I've been working like crazy the past 3 days on this Piano Trio.  The First and Second movements are complete.  I feel, however, that the 3rd movement will be the crowning gem of this work.  The first two movements were mere warm ups to what I've done in the 3rd movement.  I don't know, this piece (much like my last trio) resonates deeply with me.  The emotive qualities are everywhere through out it.  In the final movement, which I have now 160 measures of, I even put my name in nomenclature - designing a row for it.  The personal nature of the three instruments assists in making this work personal to me in many ways.  I'll post the finished work here on the blog as well on young composers.

Piano Trio no. 2

Well, I've started work on a 3 movement piano trio that is my first major serial work. I've completed two movements and am currently working on the third and final movement. The piece utilizes 2 rows (and their various permutations.) Despite being serialistic music, I actually rather enjoy what I've created so far - it has a unique, ethereal quality to it. Enjoy the first two movements!

Piano Trio no. 2

Nervousness while waiting

So, I sent out two works to really BIG competitions and now I'm nervous like never before. Will I win anything? Place anywhere? Will my work get chosen??? I hope so.. but you never know what will happen.

New Direction!

So, after spending three days getting asked over and over and over again to write something using serialism... I finally caved in. Tonight, I composed a short work that was 100% serial. The work is posted on my online forum (Young Composers). I actually enjoy the work - and despite being built completely from serial technique - it's quite listenable and accessible. Have a listen!

Starlight and Solitude

Finally finished and submitted

So today I completed my work for the submission to the Cabrillo festival. I expect there to be quite a deal of revision IF I am selected to participate - which I really, really, REALLY want to participate! The work is quite unlike any of my previous orchestral works and I think really shows a nice amount of growth in my own personal style and sound. I posted the work for peer review on Young Composers. If any of my readers, whoever you are, wish to hear it click the link below! Enjoy!

The Western Gates