The midi mock-up of a Legend of Zelda arrangement for Wind Quintet I did a while ago.  

Hyrule Field - Ocarina of Time (Arrangement)

In morse code, Save Our Souls is commonly referred to as the international distress signal S.O.S.  The signal is composed of nine continuous parts, 3 dits (short) to make the letter “S,” 3 dahs (long) to make the letter “O,” and three more dits for the last “S.”  I used this as an outline for the harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic aspects of this work.  The harmonic and melodic elements come from dissecting the code for “S” and “O.”  In the German musical notation system, E flat is spelled “Es,” and is often interpreted as “S,” like how Dmitri Shostakovich created his musical initials DSCH.  The “O” is interpreted through the Fixed Do solfège system as sounding like “do,” thus providing the note C.  The interval between the two notes is a minor third, relating back to the element of 3 in the morse code.  Melodic lines, when they do occur, do not venture too far away from the minor third interval or are constructed primarily of thirds.  The harmonic content juxtaposes the minor third and the major third (one half step larger than the minor third) vertically, creating a crunchy and uneasy sound.  Proportions between the long and short values of the morse code create the rhythmic material of the work.

While the distress signal lends musical aspects to Save Our Souls, the context of why one would send out the signal plays into the overall mood and feeling.  When one needs help, or calls out for help, they feel uneasy, helpless, tense, and lost.  The piano’s extreme range, the intense oscillation between fast and slow tempos, the dynamic contrast, and the difficulty of playing thirds lend themselves to these vulnerable human emotions.   

Save Our Souls

Angry Birds Brass Quintet Arrangement

Brothers (Brat-Ja) Orchestra Arrangement

The piano rendition of my male a Capella arrangement of "Why I Cry" by Ninja Sex Party. Had a lot of fun doing this one! 

It's a quartet of soloists with a backing ensemble and beatboxer.

Why I Cry (piano rendition of male a Capella arrangement)

My piano piece Save Our Souls as performed by Anthony Ribaya. Part of my senior recital at the University of Redlands.

Save Our Souls ft. Anthony Ribaya - Ian Sharpe Undergraduate Senior Recital recording

New song I'm working on. This is a raw recording of the chorus

Ian Sharpe

Popular tracks