Meditations I

After composing the second movement of my Piano Trio no. 3, I came to a personalized style of my serial style.  The result of the second movement, is a more personal and intimate usage.  Contemplative in nature and moved by my own personal whim.  I started a new piano work this evening and finished it.  I composed the work originally with the time signature of 37/1 and then switched to 2/4 - which is what I wanted the pieces tempo to be.  The result is quite an interesting work. Tell me what you think!


Meditations I

Piano Trio no. 3

So, in keeping with my focus to enter the Barlow Competition this year, I have started work on my 3rd Piano Trio.  This trio is a bit of a departure from my previous work in the genre.  The first piano trio was firmly rooted in tonality, the second trio was firmly rooted in serialism, this trio takes both and runs with it.  The material and inspiration comes from the events that have occurred to me in the past month.  Namely, the passing of my father.  The first and second movements are finished and can be found on the young composers music forum (links provided below). Leave comments please!

Piano Trio no. 3

Resuming Work

My father's memorial service went very well.  I arrived back in Illinois late last night and am GLAD to be back home!  I registered for courses during my trip and look forward to resuming school in June.  Also, I've started my third piano trio today.  I don't have much of it finished BUT am excited to start composing again (I was unable to compose a lick the last two weeks!)

From Indianapolis

I haven't written anything in a week!  I am soooo sorry.  It's been a very hectic time the past week.  My father passed away and I've been in Indianapolis since.  Sadly, I haven't been able to compose - since my laptop is still in the shop AND I don't have a replacement.  Instead, I purchased a new desktop - which, of course, it is in Illinois.  Some news since:  my father's service is pending, i've met my nephew finally, i've gotten to know my step-mother and her family, AND I've come to realize I miss Indianapolis.  Whether that will equate to me moving back to my hometown - I don't know.  I enjoy the country, it's peaceful.  There's not a lot of people around.  I can compose to my hearts content.  Besides, I start school in June and will register for classes this next Monday.  So, I'm tied down there.  I suppose, if anything, this will mean lots of trips back to Indy to visit all my family - something I will from now on make a regular thing to do!

Death

Today, I received the news that no one my age wishes or wants to hear.  My father, aged 50, died this morning in his workshop.  At first, and even still, the shock is full on - coupled with tears.  I never really got to know him.  He and my mother separated in 1986, when I was only 6 years old.  The animosity she had towards him was always something that kept my brother and I from having a fruitful relationship with him.  I wouldn't see him again till I was 16. My birthday.  He came over and gave me a birthday present: an acoustic guitar.  My mother never nurtured my music in that manner - she would never come to any of my concerts.  But yet, this man who I shared blood with - the very man, my mother called a jackass daily - acknowledged my musical talent.  I wouldn't see him again till 2003 - 2004, when he had a severe seizure that ended him up in the hospital.  I was naive then.  I wanted the relationship with my father - but was afraid to actually get that relationship.  Today, after receiving the news this morning, I regret my naivete.  I know, dad, that you are in a better place now.  Where you won't have to deal with the pangs of existence.  I will miss you.  I wish I had had the chance to share the joys the future holds for me.  I wish I had the chance to share the fruits of my work with you.  I wish I had the chance to get to know you.  To learn from the lessons you saw in life and to relish every moment of life - right to your old age.  I love you, Dad.

End of Writers Block!!!

So, for the past week and a half, I have had a horrible writers block.  Largely due to not placing in any of the competitions I've entered and not being selected for any of the submission opportunities.  The writers block ended last night!  I've started work on a suite for piano, entitled Moments, I hope it goes well.  I'll post the finished product here!

Barlow Prize

Despite having the flu the past few days, I've started work on the second of a set of three piano trios I hope to finish this year.  The best of the 3, I plan to submit to the Barlow Prize this year.  The prize calls for a work for Piano Trio that displays the highest standards of artistry.  We'll see what I can do!