This is an experiment in contrast. Using layers of competing harmonies and some old school arrangements to develop a chaotic build, a lilting day dream and a final push for that ultimate prize.... an open parking space. 

The Muggle Commute

A musical character study of the tsunami disaster that hit Japan in 2011. Old Japan and New Japan experiencing the transformation of the tsunami and persevering with stoic, unchanging grace.

A Sendai

Negative space. This piece was composed using a negative space technique starting with a palette of themes and transitions then removing what was required to reveal an underlying structure. There was no a priori knowledge of what it would be or where the composition was going to go. This is dark water.

 This is dark water. Dangerous Sirens with free parking.

Mystery Of Water

Lead Me In, Lead Me Out 
 Misdirection. Alludes in multiple directions with contrasting styles and rhythms. Leads the listener into the piece, then abandons him/her to find his/her way out. Mistakes are made during the journey by phasing out of the rhythm, then the listener is brought back out again, synch'd and safe. 

 Quality of life is measured not by where we are but by the experiences we had getting there. 

Lead Me In, Lead Me Out

Inner Voice. It is a common technique to engage the listener with an aural inner voice but in this piece, it does this rhythmically. The timings, though appearing to be off, are actually leading/lagging the energy and movements of the strings so as to either regulate the listener's ear or to cause the listener to misstep. 

This is the conversation that occurs within the moment when you graze the arm of a loved one lying next to you just before you fall asleep.

Joelle's Valentine

Diffusion. Multiple textures, leading lines toward and away from the listener. Intersections occur where a tonic may fall but then diffuses to 2nds and 6ths. The textures reinforce the bassoon and horns, giving them a foundation; but it moves and is short lived.  Not unlike God's light in the forest, there is a peace... but you can't hold it or pin it down. Is it really there? There is no boundary between.... anything.



Fern Grotto

Whale Tongue Drums, ethnic and tribal drumming, choirs and neural shocks.It's not what you want to hear. Our journey into hell from our separation from God.

Descent Into Hell

Piano solo improvisation #101

Solo improvisation building on resonances, 9ths and 7ths. Performed on a Yamaha grand so I take advantage of the high register and use the low register sparingly. Pacing it slowly with quick high glances, warming it with rich middle support using 6ths, and then anchoring the support with subtle low tones. 

ArtHughes