MOST POPULAR

Over the years, these works have proven to be the most popular to perform. They are organized by difficulty.

ADVANCED WORKS

DÉNOUEMENT

TRIBUTARIES

OF FLAMES AND EMBERS

Denouement I. - Tempestoso (Hiltzik) FIN

Of Flames and Embers (Hiltzik) FINAL.jpg

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.

"...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

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.

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INTERMEDIATE WORKS

LAST DAY HOME

Last Day Home started out as a simple theme composed for my Jazz Piano Lessons. After my father passed on in 2004, I found the title poignant and decided to write two variations, one in minor and one in major.

A TOUCH OF TANGO

A Touch of Tango was composed in 2001 for a concert by the Cello Divas. I tried to honor the passionate spirit of the Argentinian tango and added some unexpected harmonies and irregular phrasing. The Divas were such divas that they couldn’t get along and ended up cancelling their concert without ever performing this piece, so I arranged it for solo piano.

SOLACE

Solace expresses a feeling of “sadness consoled”. It’s rondo form and unexpected cadences convey how both the familiar and unforeseen each play a role in healing. This 2004 work has been arranged for and performed by string orchestras, flutists and solo pianists.

All Intermediate Works

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SHORT LYRIC PIECES

SUMMER'S UNFOLDING

Created in 1998 originally a gift for a friend, Summer’s Unfolding has had many lives as an orchestral work, a duet for horn and piano, and solo piano piece. It’s combination of austere simplicity, lyricism and rich harmonies make it expressive in a natural way.

KIANNA TAYLOR

One of many soothing piano lullabies on my All The World Is Sleeping album from 2000. The compositions featuring names as titles were created as gifts for friends’ newborn children.

OLE BLACK EYES

As soon as I learned of the death of my friend and student, Otis, I went to the piano and wrote Ole Black Eyes — a name he used to refer to himself. In retrospect I was creating a lullaby capturing both his spirit and manner of playing the piano, as well as my grief.

All Short Lyric Pieces

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CONTACT

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