Bagatelles for Woodwind Quintet is a work that I started to write while working on my Bachelors degree at the University of Utah and then completed (and revised) after my graduation while studying with Stan Funicelli. As such, it contains a mixture of approaches to composition from bagatelle to bagatelle. During my time at the University I was exploring both an expanded tonal language and some atonality (based on sets and intervalic content, not strict serialism) and after my studies at the University I was exploring materials that combined those elements along with some more rhythmically expansive elements. Each bagatelle represents some musical exploration that reflect these foci.

Bagatelles For Woodwind Quintet, Troy Lennerd

Rhapsody for Solo Guitar is based loosely on Villa Lobo’s work, Prelude No. 1 for guitar and the introduction reflects a similar reference to Cappricio Arabe by Tarrega. The language is tonal with the use of open strings throughout. The melodic melody undergoes constant transformations that occur very slowly throughout the stated sections (with the illusion of the repetition of materials).

Rhapsody for Solo Guitar, Troy Lennerd

Austurias

Someday My Prince Will Come

All the Things you Are

Las Olas De Trafalgar

Su Sonrisa

Tin Can Man.

Jeff Bishop Session

Here's That Rainy Day

Jazz Guitar Solo - Troy Lennerd Nielsen

Zahara

Classical Guitar

Partita in A Major

“Well done, Troy. A Piece for Solo Cello is very powerful (and well conceived for the instrument). “ - James Erber (Composer, UK)

"I have a persistent fascination with A Short Piece for Orchestra. It’s so dense and rewarding! Obviously not a moment wasted. The stacked harmonies during the held chords in the strings almost remind me of the IRCAM/spectral sound world. It’s so very rich, really quite textbook. Beautiful Job.” - Gleb Kanasevich (Composer / Clarinetist, USA and Belarus)

"The music in A Piece for Solo Cello is intense and melancholic. You maintain a taut lyrical tension throughout.” - Marc Yeats (Composer, UK)

Troy Lennerd Nielsen is an independent music composer, classical and jazz guitarist, instructor and music engraver. Troy's music has been performed in every continent, worldwide, and has been toured, by many musicians on numerous occasions. Awards include: The Margret Jory Fairbanks award from the American Music Center, 6 time recipient of the ASCAP Plus Award, and the Composers Guild Contest -first place in two categories. Commissions Include several works for Modern Dance, Solo Instruments, chamber music and film.

Troy earned a Bachelors degree in Music Composition and Jazz Guitar Performance from the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. After earning his degree, he continued private study with Stan Funicelli in Composition and Classical Guitar. His composition teachers have also included : Tully Cathy, Henry Wolking, Tracy Peterson, Morris Rosenzweig, and Steve Roens and he has attended master classes with Samuel Adler, Martin Boykan, Roy Harbison and Harvey Sollberger. He has been composing for over 30 years.

Troy is a member of ASCAP, The Society of Composers (SCI), The American Music Center and DCM Contemporary Music Forum. His music is published by LenMuse Music and Great River Books.

“There is vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is: nor, how valuable it is: nor, how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open, no artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction: a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and Makes us more alive than the others.” - Martha Graham to Agnes DeMille.

Troy Lennerd

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