Constructing Thought, One Note at a Time
Latest News
Musically, I am a “synthesist” - someone who is fascinated by all types of music regardless of genre or style, or whether it is narrative or abstract in nature. When I was a kid, I loved jazz and rock and later discovered classical music. But, as a composition student, I was urged by several of my teachers to specialize among my musical activities – to choose between musical theater/rock or concert music. I resisted and instead resolved to synthesize, rather than compartmentalize my creative work. I have composed music for the concert hall (small and large ensembles), and for musical theater, opera, dance, film, jazz, and rock. My thinking is constantly refreshed through collaborations, teaching activities, and new creative projects.
New Stanford Beatles Course February 14th: The White Album!
7th January 2024 By Joel Friedman
It wouldn’t be a new year without a new Beatles course! Indeed, I return to Stanford’s Continuing Studies Program, where I have taught since 2008, with Music 48 The Beatles (AKA “The White Album”) starting February 14th. From Rishikesh to the last take of Julia, this 4-session mini course will be live online, Wednesday evenings, which means the best of all possible worlds. Watch it live with wonderful audio and attend the post-class Q&A. Missed something in class? Watch it again later at your convenience. Forgot you had that trip planned making you miss the 3rd class? Don’t worry, watch it later upon your return. If you are registered for the class, you have unlimited access to class videos until the end of the quarter. Wait, isn’t February 14th Valentine’s Day? Why, yes it is. It makes a great gift for your Valentine, even if you are registering for yourself. You can register HERE. “A splendid time is guaranteed for all.”
New vocal setting of Blake’s “The Angel”
7th January 2024 By Joel Friedman
I’ll be our joining our composition students and other Catholic Univeristy faculty writing a joint song cycle setting of excerpts from William Blake’s Songs of Innocence and Experience for talented CUA singers (in my case Carolyn Shaffer) and the awesome ensemble-in-residence Balance Campaign. My friend and colleague Stephen Gorbos and impresario thought up this wonderful project. What was I assigned? The Angel! Mmmm…The song is done and it’s fun. Let’s see where this goes. See you there on April 24, 2024!
New & Timely Song & Video: DREAM
28th September 2022 By Joel Friedman
And I have a request: please watch DREAM (it’s just 4 minutes long) and share it WIDELY. I would like it to make a constructive difference for our upcoming midterm elections on November 8th. Democracy and freedom – and all that follows – are on the ballot. We need to “sing that out” loud and clear, and art can help. Thank you. — Joel Phillip Friedman (composer/lyricist). Special thanks for the talents of Alex Gallows (voice) and Scott Thureen (video).
This project was supported by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.