Hommage A Gary Gygax - Digital DEMO

In the Spring of 2022 I found myself enthralled in a popular video game called Elden Ring. It offered a frequent outlet from the impending stresses that grad school brings (thesis, recitals, oral exams, etc.). I had not considered myself much of a ‘gamer’ at that point, but something about this game captivated me. Each movement is inspired by particular moments and imagery in the game. This piece is not an attempt to ‘rescore’ or ‘replicate’ the music. Alternatively, this piece serves as my artistic response to the beautiful experience this game brought to me. Thank you to Dr. Talley and the Ohio University Wind Symphony for giving me the opportunity to write and premiere this work. It has been an incredible experience and one that I will cherish more than the game itself.

An Elden Suite (2024) – for concert band

Like the entertaining, two-dimensional characters articulated on a flat screen in this ancient form of Chinese theater, our lives are veiled in shadow. We are all shadowed by the memory of those who have come before us. Additionally, many aspects of our personal relationships are often closely guarded secrets, hidden from direct view. Only the participants understand the depth and complexity of the show, while those on the outside regard our silhouettes with varied levels of interest, as they begin to recognize and explore the shadowy features of their own existence.

Shadow Play was created during the spring and summer of 2015 and dedicated to my wife, Jamie Leigh Sampson, who has been my constant musical companion and partner during our own brand of theater. The pitch material for this composition was taken from Three Pieces for Clarinet Solo by Igor Stravinsky, a composer who has cast his shadow on all contemporary musicians.

Douglas Monroe, clarinet
Michael Harley, bassoon

SHADOW PLAY (2015)

Andrew Martin Smith

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