Object Study (2021)

Train Dreams - for piano and electronics

There Was a Child Went Forth is a setting of Walt Whitman’s poem of the same name for tenor and chamber orchestra. The text follows the everyday wanderings of a child as they notice and incorporate the world around them into their being. The music taps into a melancholic nostalgia for childhood, belonging—or not fully belonging—to a family, and the spirit of wanting to become an individual. 

The music’s contemplative and introspective mood refects the child’s journey of self-discovery and exploration in the poem. The orchestra provides a rich harmonic backdrop for the tenor’s voice, which soars above the textured accompaniment. throughout the piece, the melody is transformed through a series of variations, refecting the evolving nature of the child’s experiences.

There Was a Child Went Forth was commissioned by the President’s Own Marine Band and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation to celebrate the 225th anniversary of the Band and is dedicated to Jason Fettig and Nicholas Phan. 

Through this piece, the listener is invited to join the child on their growth, discovery, and self-realization journey. This work was premiered on April 30, 2023 by Nicholas Phan at the Music Center at Strathmore with the President’s Own Marine Band Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Jason Fetig.

Aspire - "The President's Own" at 225 Vol. II

There Was a Child Went Forth; IV. The Village on the Highland

There Was a Child Went Forth; III. And His Parents

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/78fMoDzZ6TU7N8HcHohNIM?si=cKYbxhMiRISzjaUx3HNUaQ

Soul Trap

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/78fMoDzZ6TU7N8HcHohNIM?si=cKYbxhMiRISzjaUx3HNUaQ

Soul Trap - SPED UP

VHS-0001-WALTZ

Vampires demo

Rumble Rebajada11

Portugal Hot/Ring of Fire (Lucas J. Mesenko)

Hope Radford, Jennifer Murnane - Violin 
Tom Morrison - Viola 
Saje Johns - Cello 
Milan House - Piano

Recorded live at "New Music Missoula", 29 September, 2012

http://www.lucasjmesenko.com

Portugal Hot/Ring of Fire

Lucas J. Mesenko

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