Small Ensemble

Music containing multiple instruments but not enough to constitute an orchestra

Day Trip (2023)

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Duration: ca. 2 minutes

Instrumentation: Flute, Marimba, Guitar, Strings

Inspired by a recent day trip to Oklahoma's Red Rock Canyon, this piece tells the tale of a short excursion to a small-scale tourism spot. With likewise light mood and low stakes, the chamber orchestra bounces its way to a more lyrical middle section before returning from whence it came in similar fashion. Anyone who's ever spontaneously whisked off to a tranquil nature spot can probably relate!

Dedicated to my mother.

Within Reach (2021)

Duration: ca. 3.5 minutes

Instrumentation: Piano, Synthesizers, Strings, and Fixed Media

For over a year, the pandemic forced the world to become a much lonelier place. Commercial travel limitations reinstated physical distance challenges of centuries past. The closings of jobs and educational institutions prevented people from meeting their co-workers and friends. And shelter-in-place orders at the worst of times made seeing anyone at all nearly impossible. Irreplaceable by virtual communications, these activities that we took for granted became longed-for novelties of the past, erased by the pandemic and its "new normal." Yet there is light at the end of the tunnel. With infection rates falling and vaccination rates rising, restrictions are lifting and society tries desperately to pick up where it left off. Nothing is certain, but it seems like the end is near; a brighter future is within reach.

Muses for Pierrot Ensemble (2020-21)

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Duration: ca. 17.5 minutes

Instrumentation: Pierrot Ensemble (Flute, Clarinet, Percussion, Piano, Violin, Cello)

The Nine Muses of Greek mythology were said to preside over and inspire the fundamental arts of the Ancient Greeks. They are: Calliope (epic poetry), Polyhymnia (sacred hymns), Terpsichore (dance), Thalia (comedy), Erato (love poetry), Melpomene (tragedy), Euterpe (lyrical poetry), Urania (astronomy), and Clio (history). Tackling the essence of each of these figures is this collection of character pieces set for Pierrot ensemble. Built upon a rotating nine-tone row and touching upon signature elements of major periods in music history, these movements are as much an experimental mixture of the modern with the traditional as they are colorful personifications of the mythological immortals for which they are named.

Drei (2020)

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Duration: ca. 6 minutes

Instrumentation: Percussion Trio

"Drei", German for "three", was used as the creative impetus for most aspects of this piece. The 'rule of three' began with instrumentation: there are three percussionists, each of whom plays three instruments. These nine instruments were classified based on three characteristics – register, tonality, and timbre – that are further sub-divided into three different categories. Timbre was then used in tandem with the 'rule of three' to implement a basic ternary structure – the first section centers on metallic instruments, the second on woods, and the third on drums. An intensity curve with three distinct dynamic peaks frames each section. Derived from this curve are the only three dynamic levels (pp, mp, and f) used throughout the piece. Finally, groupings of three notes in various rhythmic permutations comprise the bulk of the compositional material.

The Fear of the Lord (2020)

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Duration: ca. 4 minutes

Instrumentation: Men's Chorus (TTBB)

This piece transforms the hero's theme from The Kingdom Suite into a solemn proclamation of the source of all wisdom. Solomon's original words in Proverbs 9 are as much a warning against foolishness as they are a recognition of God's sovereignty, mirrored in the music through the juxtaposition of a dominating minor modality with passages and cadences of brighter character. The work is anchored by the harmonic progression of the borrowed theme, of which each chord correlates to the important words of Proverbs 9:10. In all, the piece is intended to provoke a profound sense of insight in accordance with the text's message while at the same time instilling the seriousness of rejecting God.

Ursidae (2020)

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Duration: ca. 8 minutes

Instrumentation: Brass Quintet (1211)

A bear steps out of his den and breathes in the crisp autumn air. Sauntering through the forest, he surveys his fellow creatures as an overseer does his subjects. He is the undisputed king of the region, and this thought carries him happily back to his home for winter hibernation. However, just as his senses are beginning to dull by his slumber, he is suddenly awakened by unusual footsteps. Peering outside his den, he spots no less than three humans on the hunt! He bolts away in terror, a predator turned prey. Through the hunters are hot on his heels. the bear ultimately escapes their clutches and rejoices in the preservation of his life and reputation.

Mini-Adventures for String Trio (2019)

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Duration: ca. 6 minutes

Instrumentation: String Trio (Violin, Viola, Cello)

Three members of the string family are promised a short but fun experience on this multi-continent-spanning trip of a lifetime! In central Asia, the trio joins a lively caravan traversing the Gobi Desert. Continuing into northern Europe, the strings set sail across the Baltic Sea with a stately Flotilla. The fast-paced journey comes to an end in eastern Africa, where the trio embarks on a mischief-filled safari in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Though a worthwhile excursion, let interested parties be warned: this instance of globetrotting is not for the faint of heart nor frayed of bowstring!

Dedicated to my sister.

Going to the Sun (2019)

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Duration: ca. 5.5 minutes

Instrumentation: Oboe, Alto Saxophone, Bassoon

The centerpiece of Montana's Glacier National Park is Going-to-the-Sun Road, a winding pathway through the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The road begins at serene Lake McDonald before its rapid ascent between two enormous peaks. Doubling back at Crystal Point, it climbs ever higher up the back of mountains straddling the Continental Divide until it triumphantly reaches Logan's Pass, the highest point of the journey. The road then crosses over the Divide and gently descends to Saint Mary Lake, where its awe-inspiring trek comes to a reflective end. 

Día en el Lago (2019)

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Duration: ca. 3 minutes

Instrumentation: Marimba, Maracas, Guitar, String Quartet, and Bass

With the arrival of summer comes renewed hopes in the minds of many that they can travel somewhere tropical. Influenced by the music of Guatemala, this piece features a marimba front and center that cheerfully takes the listener to a faraway paradise, if only for a couple of minutes. 

Dedicated to my mother.

Duo for Flute and Clarinet (2019)

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Duration: ca. 12 minutes

Instrumentation: Flute (doubling piccolo), Clarinet in B♭ (doubling Bass Clarinet)

Each movement of this piece explores a different mood and compositional style in an attempt to demonstrate the diversity of playing techniques that wind instruments can offer. I. Invention is bright and energetic and contains technical passages within counterpoint. II. Passacaglia is dark and dramatic and contains rapid dynamic changes in a variety of registers in each instrument. III. Allegro Vivace is adventurous and persistent and contains strict rhythmic adherence with minimal harmonic development. And IV. Largo Bruscamente - V. Cantabile transitions from jagged and deranged to sweet and wistful, switching from microtones at unusual intervals to melodies in common-practice harmonic relationships.

A World Without Internet (2018)

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Duration: ca. 2.5 minutes

Instrumentation: Chamber Orchestra (111 / 211 / 3perc / str) 

What would happen if the internet went down? The world would be thrown into terror and chaos, of course! In this piece, the emotions of such a horrible event are captured, as well as the great relief that would take hold once that precious utility came back.

Genius (Quintet Variation) (2017)

Duration: ca. 1 minute

Instrumentation: Piano Quintet (Piano, 2 Violins, Viola, Cello)

Submitted for Hans Zimmer & Lorne Balfe's Show Us Your Musical GENIUS Challenge. this piece twists the original Genius theme into a lighter, major-key setting. Inspired by Einstein's musical interests, particularly his background as a violinist and lover of Mozart, the piece was intentionally kept piano-quintet small for a more classical feel.

Sonatina for String Quartet (2017)

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Duration: ca. 4 minutes

Instrumentation: String Quartet

This piece, a brief emulation of classical-era composition, was written for the biggest Mozart fan and all-around classical enthusiast I know - my father. Following traditional sonata form and filled with modulations, authentic cadences, and lots of chucking, I made him proud!

Solo

Music containing only one instrument or an instrument and accompaniment

Meadowlark of the West (2022)

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Duration: ca. 6.5 minutes

Instrumentation: Viola

The western meadowlark is a beautiful bird with an even more beautiful voice. Distinguishable by its pure whistles and gurgling warbles, a male's song pierces through his surroundings, adding a lovely melody to any ambience. This piece attempts to mimic such sublime sounds through the delicate harmonics of the viola. Other tones across the register of the instrument add ambience to these motives and gently fill the spaces in between, culminating in a homely melody.

Dedicated to my sister.

Eiríni (2022)

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Duration: ca. 3.5 minutes

Instrumentation: Pipe Organ

With a title meaning "peace" in Greek, this piece was written in a time of struggle for a time of calm. A slow-moving melody in the upper voice is complemented by gently shifting harmonies in the lower voices, all of which is softened by all manner of suspensions inspired by the Baroque period. Though a darker passage of doubt comprises its middle section, the work returns to the peaceful materials from which it began.

Dedicated to my mother.

Pinnacle (Arranged for Viola and Organ) (2020)

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Duration: ca. 3.5 minutes

Instrumentation: Viola and Pipe Organ

This piece is a reduction of the first section of my 2019 orchestra opus Pinnacle. In place of the massive instrumentation in the full work that limits its performability is the more plausible pipe organ, which provides a whole other kind of power. A viola also replaces the solo violin for greater body to stand against the organ.


The full version and description of the composition may be found in its section on the orchestral music page.

Cygnus for Viola and Piano (2020)

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Duration: ca. 4 minutes

Instrumentation: Viola and Piano

This piece, originally written for viola and string orchestra as the ninth movement of Constellations: A Suite for String Orchestra, was inspired by Cygnus, the Swan. Where the orchestral version soars to great heights, capturing the bird's dramatic ascent into the stars, this simpler arrangement taps into a gentler, more intimate aspect of Cygnus's exquisite flight. 

Out There (2020)

Duration: ca. 3.5 minutes

Instrumentation: Piano and Synthesizers

What is a composer to do when the world is at a standstill? He sits alone in his studio and writes music as he always does, of course. However, thoughts of the pandemic and its isolating effect on society continue to creep into his mind as he engages with his instruments. The music he produces is dark, introspective, tinged with melancholy. Out there, the composer cannot help but contemplate, millions of people are shut up in their homes. Out there, in spite of digital communications, they feel a lack of interaction and grow lonely in the long, empty hours. Out there, with the death toll ever rising, they witness the consequences of a fallen world and can do nothing but pray. 

Theme and Variations for Organ (2019)

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Duration: ca. 8.5 minutes

Instrumentation: Pipe Organ

The organ's massive versatility is exploited as much as possible through a thorough dissection of this piece's octatonic, irregular-meter theme. The first variation, in contrast to the frenzy that preceded it, quietly and lethargically restates the theme using the organ's flute stops. The second variation increases the tension once more by belching out the theme on the instrument's pedals and low end. After an interlude that echoes the introduction, the third variation places the theme in a mystical whole tone context, and the fourth variation uses the theme as the basis for a bright, march-like fanfare. The brief fifth variation ramps up the chaos once more, leading to the piece's conclusion on an inverse statement of the theme in its original style.

Hypothermia (2018)

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Duration: ca. 6 minutes

Instrumentation: Piano

Shipwrecked on the frozen coast of Antarctica, an explorer has little choice but to wait and hope for another vessel to pass by and rescue him. His time is short, however, for in the wreck the explorer was exposed to the icy Antarctic water. He can feel the cold eating away at his soul, seeping into his bones. As hypothermia sets in, the explorer thinks he sees a ship on the gray horizon, sending a flutter of joy through his body and mind. Real or not, however, the ship disappears in the distance, and the explorer accepts his impending end as he drifts into an eternal sleep.

The Beige Companion (2018)

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Duration: ca. 5 minutes

Instrumentation: Piano

If you have ever lost a beloved pet, you know it can be just as hard as losing a friend or family member. This piece was written to commemorate a loyal dog of 12 years who finally lost his battle with cancer over the summer of 2018.

Dedicated to my mother.

Nostalgia: A Kingdom in Ruin (2018)

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Duration: ca. 1.5 minutes

Instrumentation: Harp

Written in response to a call for scores by a harpist I met at a composition workshop, this piece condenses a couple of themes from The Kingdom Suite into a brief medley for harp. The village theme from the suite, originally played on guitar, translates especially well to the instrument.

Fortitude (2017)

Duration: ca. 2 minutes

Instrumentation: Viola and Piano

Everyone has their times of adversity, times where they are struggling to get ahead or to make ends meet. As the title suggests, this piece calls to all those in difficult situations to persevere, to show courage, to brave the tough times. You can do it; you have the power within you to keep going. You are endowed with fortitude.

Dedicated to my mother.

Sola Fide – Reformation 500 (2017)

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Duration: ca. 2.5 minutes

Instrumentation: Pipe Organ

2017 marked the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. This organ piece of Bachian style commemorates the occasion and attempts to capture some of the core ideals of the movement. The main theme is a chorale in G major that celebrates the positive repercussions of Luther's unwavering faith. The E minor bridge in between each restatement of the theme features elements of counterpoint and seeks to recall Luther's struggle against the Catholic Church. The piece's title, "Sola Fide," is Latin for "faith alone," one of Luther's central complaints that Catholic theology lacked.

The Sailing Ship (2016)

Duration: ca. 2.5 minutes

Instrumentation: Viola and Piano

An easy rondo that transports performers and listeners onto the voyage of a fifteenth-century Spanish galleon.

Dedicated to my mother.

Chorale No. 1 in G Minor (Fear, Love, and Trust) (2016)

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Duration: ca. 1 minute

Instrumentation: Keyboard

In 2016, I began what has become an annual tradition of writing a chorale tune in the style of sixteenth-century Lutheran chorales. This first tune eventually received text courtesy of my father.

Electronic

Music containing only electronic elements or electronic elements with live accompaniment

Negentropy (2022)

Duration: ca. 6 minutes

Instrumentation: Fixed Media

Release Date: July 22, 2022 – Spotify | Apple | Amazon

Entropy is the natural and inevitable decline of all things from a state of order to a state of disorder. Negentropy is its opposite, a process of spontaneity to intentionality. In other words, negentropy is a creative force seldom found in a universe defined by destruction and decay. Taken by this idea, I set out to write a piece that begins in ambiguity and grows into focus, a piece that lacks direction at the start but finds it by the end. The result is this dark and dissonant fixed media work whose initial atonal ambiences evolve into a ferocious rhythmic motive by its climax.

Recesses of the Deep (2021)

Duration: ca. 10 minutes

Instrumentation: Fixed Media

This fixed media soundscape is inspired by the sights and sounds one might experience on a high-risk descent into the deepest trenches of the ocean. Programmatic in construction and execution, the work makes use of various pipe organ sounds – from conventional manual playing to more experimental sounds such as blowing into pipes and rattling the sheet music ledge – to communicate an engrossing deep-sea journey. The listener begins near the ocean’s surface staring down into the depths before sinking down into the dark, the cold, and the pressure. At the very bottom of the ocean floor, the listener explores his/her surroundings, discovering several anomalies and a host of alien life. The piece concludes with the listener’s splashing return to the surface, energized by the otherworldly sights far below.

The Elements (2019)

Duration: ca. 2 minutes

Instrumentation: Fixed Media

Really listening to any environment always reveals the never-ending sounds of motion. Nature provides by far some of the most diverse sounds out there, from the rustling of wind through trees to the chirping and scurrying of insects. In this brief study, the music of the outdoors was imitated by processing a few clips from a drum set / double bass recording session.

Braaam (2019)

Duration: ca. 2 minutes

Instrumentation: Fixed Media

The massive 'braaam' sound that plays at the end of the trailer for the film 'Inception' inspired countless composers of trailers, video games, and films to utilize low brass and large percussion for large swaths of their music. With the exception of piano, this work is built solely on the 5-second clip to demonstrate a range of processing techniques.