Writing music is like creating abstract stories or movies; the various melodies and motifs are individual characters while the accompaniments are different settings where these characters develop and interact with one another.  As a very visual person, I tend to form images in my mind whenever I’m creating music. As my compositions develop and unfold over time, my mind connects the various melodies and different sections in a way that (to me) makes sense as a cohesive narrative. This concerto is a dark and magical journey through mystical lands that ends in a virtuosic dance. 
Darrin Milling (Bass Trombone Principal at São Paulo State Symphony) requested an adaptation of a quartet that I composed in 2019 for bass trombone and three percussionists into a concerto for bass trombone and symphonic band. The subtitle of this concerto is Quest, named after the original quartet.  
Bass Trombone Concerto No. 1 in D-Minor
I. Moderato con il peso
II. Andante con moto
III. Con moto

Bass Trombone Concerto No. 1 in D-Minor - III. Con moto

Bass Trombone Concerto No. 1 in D-Minor - II.Andante con moto

Bass Trombone Concerto No. 1 in D-Minor - I. Moderato con il peso

Sheet music available at: https://www.iandeterling.com/witch-of-november
The “witch” in Witch of November is a personification of the prevailing winds that blow across the Great Lakes region in late autumn. Beginning with impressionistic wind chimes, the vibraphone evokes the approaching tempest. The ‘Witch’ appears as descending tritones (tuba, measure 21) and begins to conjure the destructive power of Lake Superior with its churning melody. After a harrowing storm, the winds drift away, leaving behind a calm lake under a clear, frosty night. 
Commissioned by Dr. Derek Bromme, tuba

Witch Of November

Sheet music available at: https://www.iandeterling.com/nocturnes-and-dances

Composed by Ian Deterling, published by Deterling Music. 

Nocturnes and Dances is a four-movement work (for four-hand piano) with enchanting melodies, dark sonorities, and lively rhythms. Commissioned by the University of Wisconsin-Superior MTNA Student Chapter. 

Movements: 
 - I. Allegro moderato
 - II. Lento con gran espressione
 - III. Grave
 - IV. Allegro con brio

Nocturnes and Dances - Mvt. IV. Allegro con brio

Nocturnes and Dances - Mvt. III. Grave

Nocturnes and Dances - Mvt. II. Lento con gran espressione

Nocturnes and Dances - Mvt. I. Allegro moderato

Sheet music available at: http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/duet-in-c-minor-for-cello-and-english-horn-digital-sheet-music/20033841

Duet for Cello and Cor Anglais in C Minor

Duet for Cello and English Horn in C Minor

The Black Cat is a piece about my cat, Béla. I was sitting next to a campfire behind my apartment when I suddenly heard a cat meowing behind me. I turned around and saw this beautiful black cat with green eyes. He walked towards me, slowly crawled up into my lap, and fell asleep. He didn't belong to any of the neighbors, and no one claimed him when I brought him to the Humane Society - so I adopted him and named him Béla. He's a playful and frisky cat that spends most of his time sleeping; however, Béla also gets into mischief once in a while... and I wanted to capture all of this in the music. This piece is about him - the black cat.

Learn more at https://www.iandeterling.com/the-black-cat

The Black Cat (for clarinet ensemble)

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
The Fredonia School of Music Concert Band

Sheet music available at iandeterling.com

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is silent German expressionist film from 1920. Considered by many to be the first 'true' horror film, Caligari was incredibly innovative with its use of cinematography, warped sets, and the first substantial use of what is now known as the ‘plot-twist’ ending. The title character of the film, Dr. Caligari, has a cabinet - (believe it or not!) - and in this cabinet lives the somnambulist (the sleepwalker), Cesare, who goes around carrying out Caligari's evil deeds. Directed by Robert Wiene and staring Werner Krauss and Conrad Veidt, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari continues to influence, inspire, and captivate filmmakers even today.

The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari (Symphonic Band)

This advanced arrangement is perfect for the guitar ensemble that seeks a challenge. This arrangement captures the essence of the original orchestral work while adding a contemporary flair of electric guitars! 

Composed by Camile Saint-Saëns, arranged by Ian Deterling. 

Guitars 1-4 and Bass guitar - Ian Deterling 

Sheet music available at iandeterling.com

Danse Macabre (electric guitar quintet)

Nosferatu is piece for piano and electronics that illustrates the character of Count Orlok in Nosferatu: eine Symphonie des Grauens (Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror), a German expressionist film made in 1921 (released in 1922) that was an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula. Count Orlok is a vampire of folklore; an undead corpse that spreads plague and disease and brings death with him.

This piece for piano and electronics is in two parts:

Part 1. - The performer has the option to either prerecord Part. 1. ahead of time or to be recorded during the actual performance. Either way, a recording of Part 1. will be needed for Part 2. Special care must be taken in recording Part 1. so that there is no rubato and that all note values are as literal as possible.

Part 2. - The recording of Part 1. needs to be reversed. Part 2. begins with the recording of Part 1. played backwards over the sound system. This reversed recording should start immediately after the end of Part 1. to have as little of a pause between the two parts as possible. The volumes of the piano and the recording should be the same.

Sheet music available at iandeterling.com

Nosferatu (piano and electronics)

As a composer and arranger, I strive to find a balance between making a work aesthetically intriguing while accessible for musicians of varying skill levels. My works have been performed by educational ensembles at high schools and colleges as well as amateur community bands, orchestras, and ensembles all around the world. More demanding works in my portfolio have attracted the attention of members from prestigious organizations such as the London Symphony Orchestra, the São Paulo State Symphony, and the San Antonio Symphony.

I carry not only a passion for creating, but a devotion to sharing my work, ideas, and unquenchable thirst for knowledge. In pursuit of a deeper understanding of everyday life, I teach students to approach their education with enthusiasm and to always reach for deeper insight. I guide them to overcoming their fear of failure and self doubt - especially those that are transitioning into college for the first time. I live by the principles I teach and strive to maintain relevance as an instructor in my field through frequent performances of my works, my creative portfolio, and my professional network. As a lifelong learner, I am continuously experimenting with new techniques, approaches, and ideas.

Ian Deterling

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