Sunday, May 16, 2010

New thoughts

So, as I gear up to start school again after 10 years... It's really making me look back at how far I've come as a composer in that time.   At 19, I was very naive on my views of music.  To me, at that time, music was something far different than it is now.  It was a means at which to relieve myself emotionally.  Today, it's a little more complex than that.  I view music now as a language.  One that can transcend cultural and social boundaries and express ideas and thoughts in ways that words for me can not.  Yes, it still helps relieve my emotions - but it serves far more than that now.  At 19, I didn't want to listen to criticism.  I felt that I had learned everything there was to learn about music.  From the shaping of melody to the fine intricacies of harmony.  That's most likely why I got so discouraged in my time at the University of Indianapolis.  I wanted to just 'do' it instead of take the time to learn from those who 'did' it.  That was a mistake, in my opinion, but not one that I would ever take back.  I've learned a lot in the last 10 years.  My music today is a clear representation of that.  It is an extension of me in every aspect now.  I'm so glad to be going back to school and I look forward to all the connections and opportunities it will bring me.

Friday, May 14, 2010

New Orchestral Work

After spending some time experimenting with various technique in my piano and chamber works, I decided to devote some time to orchestral writing again.  My newest orchestral work is finished.  The work is what I am calling a musical thought.  That title of the piece is called Echo: Rise and Fall.  The thought behind it is the rise and fall of empires and human civilization. The work lasts about 5 - 6 minutes.  It is the first in what I hope will be a suite.  Enjoy!

Rise and Fall

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Rearing up for school...

School starts for me June 7! I'm so excited!!!!  To sort of get myself into the mode, I've been doing a lot of composing of late - since my time will obviously be less free to devote to composition as much as I have this past fall, winter, and spring.  I've completed a few more works: a choral sequenza, a violin sonata, and (of course) more piano works.  I apologize for not writing much on here!  I promise to get back in the swing of things.