I got word recently from my editor that I'll have two new pieces in Alfred Publishing's 2013-2014 String Orchestra catalog!
First is "Across the Wind," an intermediate-level major-key concert overture that features 16th note ostinatos. It features a lyrical middle section that I'm particularly proud of.
The second is "Dragonfly," an minor key piece that not only features furious 16th note rhythms, but also meter changes. It's intended for advanced groups, but I'm sure it will get picked up by ambitious intermediate players. "Dragonfly" was developed from a piece I wrote many years ago on commission for a local school orchestra. That version was never published, but I was very happy with the themes, so I split it up and recycled it. The first part of that piece became the main theme to my first opera and the second part developed into "Dragonfly." And now it's getting published! So it's been a long interesting road for this particular piece.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Gauntlet, Zydeco Two-Step, Las Mariposas Exoticas
How about a little online concert? Let's kick things off with Gauntlet, performed by the McMath 8th Grade Orchestra of Denton, Texas.
This might be one of the best performances of Gauntlet I've ever heard. Here's why:
1. The tempo is perfect.
2. The expression is really great (especially in the "hard part": mm. 56 to 80)
3. Fantastic intonation and rhythmic precision.
4. The articulations are dead-on perfect. Listen to how short those staccato notes are. They're so dry they're practically a fire hazard. You could go out and get a bite to eat between each of those notes.
Up next is the 2012 Middle School Honors Orchestra (there's no indication of what district or city, but I've been able to narrow it to the state of Georgia) performing Zydeco Two-Step (they start playing at 1:00).
Nice job! It's a little faster than I'm used to hearing it, but it was handled nicely and the increased tempo adds a rollicking feel to the piece. Also, nice use of dynamics. Everyone looks like they had a good time playing this one.
Finally, here's the Cooper Middle School Orchestra (possibly of McLean, Virginia?) performing Las Mariposas Exoticas.
Delightful! They did a good job of making it sound delicate and light. The key to this piece is to make the arco articulations match the sound of the pizzicato and this group did a great job, especially at the ends of phrases.
Well done, all!
This might be one of the best performances of Gauntlet I've ever heard. Here's why:
1. The tempo is perfect.
2. The expression is really great (especially in the "hard part": mm. 56 to 80)
3. Fantastic intonation and rhythmic precision.
4. The articulations are dead-on perfect. Listen to how short those staccato notes are. They're so dry they're practically a fire hazard. You could go out and get a bite to eat between each of those notes.
Up next is the 2012 Middle School Honors Orchestra (there's no indication of what district or city, but I've been able to narrow it to the state of Georgia) performing Zydeco Two-Step (they start playing at 1:00).
Nice job! It's a little faster than I'm used to hearing it, but it was handled nicely and the increased tempo adds a rollicking feel to the piece. Also, nice use of dynamics. Everyone looks like they had a good time playing this one.
Finally, here's the Cooper Middle School Orchestra (possibly of McLean, Virginia?) performing Las Mariposas Exoticas.
Delightful! They did a good job of making it sound delicate and light. The key to this piece is to make the arco articulations match the sound of the pizzicato and this group did a great job, especially at the ends of phrases.
Well done, all!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Lemon Twist Tutorials
I was on YouTube recently and came across these great play-along tutorial videos for Lemon Twist. There's not a lot of info about who this wonderful teacher is, but she's providing these videos for her students in the Middletown Middle School Orchestra.
Violin I
Violin II
Viola
'Cello
Sorry, Bass players, looks like you're on your own because there's no Bass video in this series. But anyway, great job to this wonderful orchestra teacher for her dedication to her students. I hope the orchestra, their parents, and your administrators appreciate all your efforts!
Friday, April 13, 2012
MP3 Downloads 2012
One of my absolute favorite things about working with Alfred Publishing is hearing their promotional recordings of my music. The studio orchestra does a great job every year and I always look forward to their professional interpretations. This year's recordings are no exception.
The links below are to Alfred's music download website, Alfred-music.com, and my three new pieces for 2012-2013. You can listen via Flash or download each piece for only $.99 USD. You can search for my name or for any of my pieces and you can download those as well. For example, Gauntlet, Gargoyles, Agincourt, and Maharaja. Enjoy!
The links below are to Alfred's music download website, Alfred-music.com, and my three new pieces for 2012-2013. You can listen via Flash or download each piece for only $.99 USD. You can search for my name or for any of my pieces and you can download those as well. For example, Gauntlet, Gargoyles, Agincourt, and Maharaja. Enjoy!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Music Engraving
Watch this video. It's fascinating.
I don't think any of my music is prepared this way. I'm pretty sure that my publisher creates printing plates electronically. But still, imagine engraving whole pieces, symphonies, and even operas in this painstaking method. And doing it all backwards. Hats off to these engravers and their artistry.
I don't think any of my music is prepared this way. I'm pretty sure that my publisher creates printing plates electronically. But still, imagine engraving whole pieces, symphonies, and even operas in this painstaking method. And doing it all backwards. Hats off to these engravers and their artistry.
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