ADVANCED

Solo Piano Concert Works

DÉNOUEMENT

The two movements of Dénouement are cast as two contrasting canvases. Tempestoso has an undercurrent of anxiety. It’s undulating ebb and flow convey a sense of restlessness and searching. Beautiful Heartache, in contrast, uses rich harmonies to express a sense of peaceful resignation. The pulsing, rhythmic patterns convey a steadiness and quality of acceptance.

TRIBUTARIES

"...a captivating work balancing a substantial range of contrast and feeling. Encompassing all that is novel, unique and attractive about American musical tradition, it brings to mind spacious landscapes, scenes of nature, and plenty of serene moments in which to enjoy the view.” -pianist Elina Christova

OF FLAMES AND EMBERS

A poetic title seemed appropriate for this piece which encompasses the entirety of a romantic relationship. Though the harmonic language is contemporary, the composition is inspired both formally and emotionally by Brahms. Of Flames & Embers was composed in 2005.

AT THE RECITAL

Duration: 8’30”

Total Pages: 13

 (1997)

At The Recital was inspired while attending the piano recitals of my friends at Oberlin. Along with the “Bach” and Beethoven” — this is the only time I’ve ever imitated the work of other composers! — this piece is about the thoughts passing through our minds during a recital and how their appearances change through the filter of whatever music is being listened to.

DENOUÉMENT

1. TEMPESTOSO

Duration: 10' (Denouément 1-2)

Total Pages: 12

(1999)

The two movements of Dénouement are cast as two contrasting canvases. Tempestoso has an undercurrent of anxiety. It’s undulating ebb and flow convey a sense of restlessness and searching.

DENOUÉMENT

2. BEAUTIFUL HEARTACHE

Duration: 10' (Denouément 1-2)

Total Pages: 6

(1999)

Beautiful Heartache, in contrast, uses rich harmonies to express a sense of peaceful resignation. The pulsing, rhythmic patterns convey a steadiness and quality of acceptance.

OF FLAMES AND EMBERS

Duration: 6'
Total Pages: 8
(2005)

A poetic title seemed appropriate for this piece which encompasses the entirety of a romantic relationship. Though the harmonic language is contemporary, the composition is inspired both formally and emotionally by Brahms. Of Flames & Embers was composed in 2005.

PAINTING AWAY THE DARKNESS

Duration: 4'
Total Pages: 6
(2006)

An interplay of gesture and contrast are used to express the loud and expressive against the quietly meditative.

RAG DOLL

Duration: 3’ 30”
Total Pages: 5
(1996)

I love the elegance and fun of Scott Joplin's ragtime compositions. In composing Rag Doll I set out to create something that Prokofiev or Shostakovich might have written, yet it is to be played with a stronger rhythmic groove. Rag Doll has been arranged for different instruments, though playing it with my modern jazz quartet of piano, electric guitar, bass and drums has been one of the most fun.

SKATTAKA

(TOCCATA)

Duration: 4’30”
Total Pages: 10
(1998)

Toccatas require great technique to play. Skattaca uses repetition, jazz harmonies, and a lyrically expressive contrasting middle section.

TO SPEAK OF SPRING

Duration: 5'
Total Pages: 9
(2005)

To Speak of Spring is a cheerful, multi-metered, almost Baroque tune that gathers energy on its journeys through contrasting sections, embellishments, and modulations. Feelings of newness and freshness are always hiding in plain sight.

TRIBUTARIES

1. MODERATO

Duration: 19' (Tributaries 1-4)
Total Pages: 9
(2006)

Tributaries are small streams or creeks that join together to create a strongly flowing river that leads to the sea. I was inspired by the sense that in life, in music, and in water, everything is always moving and linked together.  Each of the four movements of Tributaries — Moderato, Allegretto, Adagio and Allegro — inhabit a unique sonic world, yet are linked together by this sense of motion.

TRIBUTARIES 2

ALLEGRETTO

Duration: 19' (Tributaries 1-4)
Total Pages: 8
(2006)

The second movement of Tributaries. 

TRIBUTARIES 3

ADAGIO

Duration: 19' (Tributaries 1-4)

Total Pages: 6

(2006)

The third movement of Tributaries. 

TRIBUTARIES 4

ALLEGRO

Duration: 19' (Tributaries 1-4)

Total Pages: 8

(2006)

The last movement's (Allegro) irregular rhythms provide an exciting conclusion to a rich musical journey.

YOU CAN CLAP NOW

1. MARCH

Duration: 13' (You Can Clap Now 1-4)
Total Pages: 3
(2006)

You Can Clap Now is composed for a pianist who claps while playing. It is a coordination etude. Since it’s creation in 2006 it has been an audience favorite, though not for the faint-hearted performer!

YOU CAN CLAP NOW

2. BALLADE

Duration: 13' (You Can Clap Now 1-4)

Total Pages: 5

(2006)

The second movement of You Can Clap Now.

YOU CAN CLAP NOW

3. CELEBRATION

Duration: 13' (You Can Clap Now 1-4)

Total Pages: 6

(2006)

Third movement of You Can Clap Now. 

YOU CAN CLAP NOW

4. DANCE

Duration: 13' (You Can Clap Now 1-4)

Total Pages: 5

(2006)

Fourth movement of You Can Clap Now.