Keuka Lake, one of the New York Finger Lakes, is a Y-shaped lake.  That unusual shape has also earned it the nickname “Crooked Lake.”

This slow and gentle work is inspired by the view over the lake, with the sun glinting off of the surface, and the sounds of the birds and the breezes across the water.

This work was recorded by Trio Casals for their "Moto Eterno" CD.

Moto Eterno

Crooked Lake

The poem was a gift to a loved one.  Set to music for vocalist Kristie Collura, the work is a trio rather than vocal with accompaniment.

Let Me Help

Sitting on a porch swing high in the Appalachia mountains, the evening sounds ebb and ﬂow over the listener.

This work changes with every performance.  This is from a 2008 performance by the Syracuse University Flute Choir.  The choir was positioned throughout the auditorium, surrounding the audience.

Porch Music SU Flute Choir

For Piano Trio

When Ovidiu Marinescu of Trio Casals asked if I had a work suitable for their upcoming CD, I jumped on the opportunity to write a new work for them. Three Songs is that work.

 

The first movement, Street Song, is born the discomfort of a busy, crowded city street with nameless, faceless characters moving, bumping, rushing to get to their destinations. It is relentless from start to finish. Mountain Song is the complete

opposite. It is green grass, chirping insects, and the smell of lavender drifting on the breeze. The final movement, Sky Song, brings the changing wind and a gentle spirit watching over those he left behind.

Moto Continuo

Three Songs  III. Sky Song

Three Songs  II. Mountain Song

Three Songs  I. Street Song

Piano Trio

Inspired by the Museum series of photographer Carrie Mae Weems.  Carrie Mae's imagery provides a stunning contrast of the artist as both "a part of" the image, while still "apart from" her surroundings.

Moto Bello

Woman A/Part

Piano Trio

Inspired by the NASA image captured by Apollo 8, the work is a single movement in 3 sections - the sun rising in the morning, a dance in the moonlight, and finally the awe-inspiring image of the earth as seen from space.

Moto Celeste

Earth Rise

Trombone Concerto

Written for Haim Avitsur, Dreamcatcher weaves music in increasingly intricate patterns.

Neue Kraft Fuhlend/With Renewed Strength

Dreamcatcher

Commissioned by the Society for New Music for the 2015 Vision of Sound program.  This was recorded live at the premiere with Robert Auler, piano, Kelly Covert, flute, and Arvilla Wendland, viola

Earth. Air. Fire. Water.  These are the elements that are the building blocks of all that surround us.  

This was co-choreographed by Cheryl Wilkins-Mitchell and Dominique Dawkins, and performed by Dominique.

Elemental Suite

The overarching concept of “Shame, Guilt and Trickery” is one of Western instrumentation and ideas overtaking the Native American sounds presented in the opening bars.  The gentle, breathy flute of the opening strains is soon overpowered by the remainder of the ensemble, and although the same haunting opening melody is presented again at the end, it has now become a “western imitation” of the flute, played now by the viola, with a modified drumbeat for accompaniment.

New Music Delaware Relache Concert Nov 14, 2004

Shame, Guilt & Trickery

Unaccompanied Trombone

Composed for Andrew Friedrichs for the Rising Stars program.  Music is as much about the space between the notes as the notes themselves.

This was recorded live in concert

Open Space

This is a live performance from the Vision of Sound program, featuring percussionists Robert Bridge and Jennifer Vacanti, with choreography by Cheryl Wilkins-Mitchell.

Rhythmody is an exploration of melody from non-pitched instruments, and rhythm from pitched percussion.  The driving rhythm of all three movements carries the listeners from beginning to end.

Rhythmody was commissioned by the Society for New Music for their 2014 Vision of Sound program, to accompany the choreography of Cheryl Wilkins-Mitchell.

Rhythmody

“Bound” is relentless. Everything is held steadfast by a steady, constant arpeggiated figure that ties the music together at every turn.

"Bound" was premiered at the Vision of Sound Festival of Music and Dance.

Bound

Composer living and working in beautiful Central New York.  Also, host and producer of Feminine Fusion, the nationally syndicated radio show highlighting women in classical music.

Diane Jones

Pinned to spotlight

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