Joel Philip Friedman--composer/currator/colaborator

Not only does Joel have a vast selction of works, but many of them have been written about. You can learn more about these articles in the "reviews & gallery" section of the website. To visit this section, use the top navigation bar, or just click here>

There are PDF scores for perusal and MP3 files for listings for many of the works listed on this page. Either click on the specific work's link (below the listing), or to goto the "scores & sounds" section, click here>

To learn more about Joel, including his in depth interview with new music writer, Frank J. Oteri, visit the "more about Joel" section. Use the top navigation bar, or just click here>

Fallings
(work-in-progress) ca. 30 minutes
A chamber music theater work for soprano, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, and pre-recorded sound.

Libretto: Seth Friedman

First Performance: TBA. Susan Narucki, soprano; the Contrasts Quartet.

Instrumentation: soprano, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, and pre-recorded sound NB: a CD or DAT of the pre-recorded material will be available from the composer.

Stew!
(1991-2) ca. 20 minutes
Educational Music Theater work that blends world cultures, food, and music.

See Young Performers/Young Audiences

A Vindictive Poem for a
Hot Summer's Evening -
A Malevolent Comic Opera
(1989)
Comic chamber opera
(UNFINISHED EXCERPT, CURRENTLY NOT AVAILBLE)

Commission: American Opera Projects, Inc.

First Performance: November 1989, WEDNESDAYS AT 7:00 series, Blue Door Studio, New York City.

Libretto: Bela-Lisa Friedman
Director: Grethe Holby
Producer: American Opera Projects
Instrumentation: Mary (coloratura soprano); Andy (Tenor); The Mother (mezzo-soprano); mixed chorus; piano.
NB: piano-vocal score only

Personals
(1985) two-act musical
Co-composer of award winning Off-Broadway hit musical revue about the trials and tribulations of trying to find love in modern times.

Prizes/awards: Voted one of the ten best shows of 1985; nominated for 4 Outer Critics Circle Awards (winning one) and 4 Drama Desk Awards including Best Score and Best Musical; winner 1980 American College Theater Festival and showcased at John F. Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C.; USO tour of Europe.

Book & Lyrics: David Crane, Seth Friedman, Marta Kauffman
Director: Paul Lazarus
Producers: Silverman/Hill/MacKenzie/Fujisankei (NYC original production)

Opening night: Brandeis University: November 1979 Kennedy Center: January 1980 USO European Tour: June-July 1980 Off-Broadway: November 24, 1985, Minetta Lane Theater, New York City. London/West End: June 2000, Apollo Theatre, London Additional performances: in over 150 cities worldwide

Recording: Original London Cast Recording (Jay Records, CDJAY 1319)

Published: Samuel French

Instrumentation: 2 kybds (I=pft+Yamaha Dx-7; II=2 Dx-7's); gtr (electric, acoustic, and banjo), bass (optional, covered by kybd II); 1 reed (a+t saxes, cl+ fl, cabasa); perc (drum set, cowbell, woodblock, bell tree, cabasa, tgl, rachet, vib, xyl, orchestral bells, Simmons synthesized drum set).

See Samuel French for details, materials, and Dx-7 RAM cartridges.

ASSORTED THEATER SONGS

Knock On The Door
(1987) 4 minutes
Theater song from the musical revue Let Freedom Sing.

Commission: the American Music Theater Festival for the Bicentennial Celebration of the Nation's Constitution

Lyrics: Seth Friedman
Director: Paul Lazarus
Producer: the American Music Theater Festival

Opening night: Shubert Theater: September 12, 1987, Philadelphia ,PA.
John F. Kennedy Center: January 1988, Washington, D.C.

Forgive and Forget
(1987) 6 minutes
Song from musical.

Co-author of words and music with Seth Friedman

Commission: TheatreWorks USA.

Trunk Songs
"Trunk songs" are outtakes from musicals that for various reasons are deleted from the final version of a musical. Joel's "trunk songs" are from earlier projects (including original chestnuts from Personals written in collaboration with his brother Seth Friedman). Many of these songs can be performed separately in a cabaret setting, as lighter fare for recitals, or as encores. For more information please contact the composer.

Incidental Music
Joel has written incidental music in numerous styles and for a variety of theatrical productions. Ranging from a Tango for Paul Coughlin's production of Cappuccino to brass band music for Alex Gelman's staging of Play Strindberg, Joel's stylistic diversity and knowledge of the theater make him a natural collaborator for productions.

Incedental Music
Joel has written incidental music in numerous styles and for a variety of theatrical productions. Ranging from a Tango for Paul Coughlin's production of Cappuccino to brass band music for Alex Gelman's staging of Play Strindberg, Joel's stylistic diversity and knowledge of the theater make him a natural collaborator for productions.

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RECORDINGS

Americus

Crystal Records

Jay/Ter