Zentangles (2018) for Saxophone Quartet and Percussion was commissioned by the Dynasax Quartet to be performed at the North American Saxophone Alliance in March of 2018. The concept of zentangles originated from my wife who teaches k-2 art. One of her exercises for her students was on zentangles, which are simple yet structured pattern-based drawings which are designed as a relaxing technique.

Zentangles (2018)

A piece I wrote in 2010 before pursuing degrees in music composition. My house in Indiana became overrun by an annoying frustration of Ladybird Beetles, so naturally instead of calling an exterminator I wrote a fun waltz about the little buggers.

Waltz of the Ladybird Beetles (2010)

This was my capstone project for the film and media portion of my undergraduate degree in music composition. This music was written to accompany some scenes from the BBC's series 'Walking with Dinosaurs', however the video content is owned by the BBC and I am not able to share it - so you'll need to use your imagination! 

0:00-1:07 - Coelophysis. Walking by a stream hunting for fish.

1:07 - 2:21 Scavenger. An Allosaurus wanders onto the scene and finds a dead carcus in which he happily makes his next meal.

2:21 - 5:21 Winged Beasts. Flying dinosaurs take to the skies, but also to the beaches while they nurture their young.

Three Mesozoic Episodes

Inspired my wife's art lessons with her elementary students centering around Zentangles.

This piece was commissioned by Cory Barnfield and Dynasax Quartet and was performed at the North American Saxophone Alliance biannual conference at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. (Note: This recording is from the dress rehearsal and is not a recording of the actual performance)

Zentangles - Structure III

Zentangles - Structure II

Zentangles - Structure I

The Bourbon Trail: Concerto for English Horn and Band written for Autumn Grasty and the IU Southeast Concert Band, conducted by Phil Thomas

The Bourbon Trail (2018) - World Premiere Recording

Texts:

TEXTS:

From "Death Be Not Proud," John Gunther

  "My grief, I find, is not desolation or rebellion at universal law or deity. I find grief to be much simpler and sadder... All the things he loved tear at my heart because he is no longer here on earth to enjoy them. All the things he loved!" – Frances Gunther      

From "Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night," Dylan Thomas  

Rage, Rage against the dying of the light.  
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,  
And learned, too late, they grieved it on its way, 
 Do not go gentle into that good night.     
Grave men, near death, who see the blinding sight. 
 Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, 
 Rage, rage against the dying of the light.    
 Do not go gently into that good night. 
 Rage, Rage against the dying of the light.      

From "Song," Christina Rossetti 

 I shall not see the shadows,
  I shall not feel the rain;
  I shall not hear the nightingale  
Sing on, as if in pain;  
And dreaming through the twilight 
 That doth not rise nor set,  
Haply I may remember,
  And haply may forget.

The Dying Of Light (2015) - Masters Thesis at Michigan State University

The second piece I have ever written for my principal instrument.

Lucidity In Confusion (2020)

Peter is a native of Lexington, Ky. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition from Indiana University Southeast and is currently seeking his Master of Music in Composition at Michigan State University.

Peter currently lives in East Lansing, Michigan.

Peter J Felice

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