Epistle
Epistle is a work for SATB choir, soprano, violin, and piano and is a letter to the creator of all things acknowledging the frailty of our bodies and minds. Here the poet, Theresa Shapiro, opens herself completely to the fate that awaits us all. In doing so she revels in the notion of becoming one with the other elements of nature and the universe and that, at some point all will become one with their creator. Then, indeed, there might be peace.
Watch the score and listen to the premiere A Cradle Song, performed by the TCU Concert Chorale and conducted by Dr. Christopher Aspaas.
Scenes from the Oregon Trail
Scenes from the Oregon Trail is a multi-installment work, written in collaboration with the artist-in-residence performers from the Clear Creek Music Festival, as well as the community in Halfway, Oregon.
Scene I – Hopes and Dreams for solo cello and piano
Installment one is written for solo cello, and was premiered at the 2015 Clear Creek Music Festival by Dr. Jesus Castro-Balbi. Please visit my cello works page to see and hear this installment.
Scene II – Crossing the Plains for voice and piano
Installment two is written for soprano and piano in four movements, and was premiered at the Clear Creek Music Festival by vocalist Amy Prickett and pianist John Mueter.
From the musical Gesualdo, with lyrics by Steven Breese.
My Last Alone
Works for Voice
A Cradle Song for SATB choir
Memoir for baritone soloist, SATB choir, organ and piano
Memoir, makes use of the Scottish folk song, Baron O’ Brackley and is scored for choir, baritone soloist, organ, and piano. The poetic treatment here was created by the composer. The work was composed in honor of Dr. Nowell Donovan as he began his first academic year (2004) as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Texas Christian University. It was inspired by a reading given by Dr. Donovan at the inauguration ceremonies for Chancellor Victor Boschini. The passage, taken from the diary of natural scientist John Playfair, describes an awesome scene of geological evolution as recreated through the words of Playfair’s teacher. Inspired teaching and the miracles intrinsic in the earth itself are lifted up as cause for wonder.