The past week or so has been busy, but as far as music goes, I have two new pieces! Which further proves that I’m somehow managing to get things done. So let’s talk about these new pieces.
Nocturne for Prepared Piano (and unprepared pianist) is a nine-minute work for prepared piano (duh) and theatrical pianist, and it takes Chopin’s E-minor nocturne as its source material. The work explores two primary themes including the obvious textural/timbrel changes to the piano and the emotional impact of things simply not going your way.
Skepticism for solo clarinet was written for Arianna Tieghi for the 2012 International Arts Educators Forum in Perugia, Italy. Because Ms. Tieghi is looking for a piece from all 50 states, I figured I would write a piece highlighting the stereotypical Missourian response: Skepticism. The work begins in skeptical 12-tone and moves to a convincing, whimsical, tonal melody.
Nocturne is scheduled to be premiered in mid-April, 2012, while Skepticism should be premiered in July. I’ll be forgoing the usual posting of musical examples until after the premieres. Meanwhile, I’m off to work on a piece for cello and electronics!
