Aria arises from the “idea” of an aria. It is an expressive and melodic work, incorporating modal and jazz inflected harmonies for the solo violin and orchestra to “sing” together. This new arrangement for string orchestra makes ample use of the expanded colors of the orchestra. It is appropriate for intermediate to advance players, offering beautiful, soaring melodies, interesting harmonies and ample opportunity for ensemble interplay.

Aria for Violin and String Orchestra

"Against the dark shore
 the murmuring of the sea
 a secret language"

The traditional Japanese haiku delivers a powerful expressive impact despite its rigorous form and style. In this suite, a single haiku is the title for each movement. The music reflects the nature of the poem, capturing a moment, which is the essence of “haiku.”

In the final movement, the sea murmurs to itself in its own secret language of waves at the shore and movements in the deep. The repeated ostinato and minimalistically developed accompaniment suggest the ageless, inexorable motion of the waters.

The music of Haiku and the poems that inspired it are united in that they reveal a world that exists out of our view. A world of magic, beauty and danger, that has its own secrets and cannot truly be known, only experienced.

Haiku #3

The complete MERTON SONGS song cycle. A setting of 7 poems by the great theologian and humanist Thomas Merton, composed by A. Douglas Biggs and performed by the composer accompanied by pianist Deborah Dierks.

7 Gentlemen, Adios

6 Song

5 The Bottom Of The Sea Has Come

4 Nombril Walketh On The Loam

3 Song For Nobody

2 Carol

1 The Flight Into Egypt

QUIXOTIQUE presents the musical result of the struggle for control between two strong-willed partners who have essentially different characters but a singular goal. Flute is lyrical, eloquent and a little sarcastic, while Piano is brash and somewhat moody. Their back-and-forth carries the two through various musical developments, with the partners at times engaging in dialogue and sometimes arguments!  Their tension creates an interesting dynamic that moves between aggression, commiseration, gentle mockery, and even amusement! Truly quixotic!

Quixotique for Flute and Piano

Soaring passion and devotion swells from this gorgeous song, "Night" by Earnest Charles. Performed in Recital by Douglas Biggs (tenor) and Debbie Dierks (piano)

Night

A. Douglas Biggs DMA lives in Fern Creek, Kentucky, just outside of Louisville. He owns Tunesmith Music (www.tunesmithmusic.com) where he works as a composer, arranger, editor and music engraver. Dr. Biggs is a recognized expert in the music processing platforms Finale and Sibelius as well as music notation, theory and orchestration. 

Biggs received his bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College, his master’s degree in music theory and composition from the University of Louisville School of Music and holds a doctorate in composition from the University of Kentucky School of Music, where he was a two-time recipient of the Al Haig graduate fellowship. 

Dr. Biggs work spans a wide range of styles and genres. He is the creator of numerous works for orchestra, band, chamber music, and chorus, as well as video, film and game projects. His life-long love of jazz and latin music often informs his work as do his many years’ experience as a pianist, both jazz and classical, and as a professional operatic tenor and recitalist. As a singer, Biggs has been a winner of numerous competitions and awards and appeared professionally with various opera companies, orchestras and on recital series around the country.

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