Elegy and Retribution (2018)
$45 for Complete Set via PDF
$50 for physical set via JWPepper (coming soon)
$50 for physical set via JWPepper (coming soon)
New for 2018 - now available.
Much modern band and choral music today is focused on chord structure, tension, release, and other elements of crafting music not specifically focused on traditional melody. However, that music tends to be out of the reach of more novice musicians and so the purpose of this commission was to bridge some of that gap and provide musicians of all ages a chance to perform music of a similar structure. This work is also designed to be engaging for performers of all levels, in spite of the technical limitations presented. Generally, the range of the instruments is within the grasp of 2nd year and 3rd year players and the rhythms are limited.
Elegy and Retribution is a two movement work that can be performed as one complete piece or each movement separately. Although there is no deliberate story or programmatic elements, the style of the work is reminiscent of many modern film scores: minor/major mode alteration, short motif segments, and repetitive rhythmic ostinato. In short, the work has a feel not dissimilar from the backstory and revenge often observed within the popular super hero cinematic universe. Each movement is connected by a 3 note motif. This piece is a great opportunity to discuss the use of motif in music and how it can be developed and altered to not only connect ideas but to portray complex emotion.
The slow movement focuses on expression through chord structures [sustain, release, tension] while removing other factors that tend to make this type of music difficult (i.e. rhythms, large range, etc.). I removed typical obstacles from the performer perspective so even younger musicians can experience heightened tension and address tone/balance in more unusual structures without having to also work through complex rhythms and range issues. However, the nature of the work is such that even advanced performers can engage with and enjoy the aesthetic quality of the music.
The faster movement is similar with regard to avoidance of large a range or complex rhythms; instead focusing on tone, some monorhythmic shifting, articulation, and the use of motif.
Much modern band and choral music today is focused on chord structure, tension, release, and other elements of crafting music not specifically focused on traditional melody. However, that music tends to be out of the reach of more novice musicians and so the purpose of this commission was to bridge some of that gap and provide musicians of all ages a chance to perform music of a similar structure. This work is also designed to be engaging for performers of all levels, in spite of the technical limitations presented. Generally, the range of the instruments is within the grasp of 2nd year and 3rd year players and the rhythms are limited.
Elegy and Retribution is a two movement work that can be performed as one complete piece or each movement separately. Although there is no deliberate story or programmatic elements, the style of the work is reminiscent of many modern film scores: minor/major mode alteration, short motif segments, and repetitive rhythmic ostinato. In short, the work has a feel not dissimilar from the backstory and revenge often observed within the popular super hero cinematic universe. Each movement is connected by a 3 note motif. This piece is a great opportunity to discuss the use of motif in music and how it can be developed and altered to not only connect ideas but to portray complex emotion.
The slow movement focuses on expression through chord structures [sustain, release, tension] while removing other factors that tend to make this type of music difficult (i.e. rhythms, large range, etc.). I removed typical obstacles from the performer perspective so even younger musicians can experience heightened tension and address tone/balance in more unusual structures without having to also work through complex rhythms and range issues. However, the nature of the work is such that even advanced performers can engage with and enjoy the aesthetic quality of the music.
The faster movement is similar with regard to avoidance of large a range or complex rhythms; instead focusing on tone, some monorhythmic shifting, articulation, and the use of motif.