Constructing Thought, One Note at a Time
Continuance
Uncle Hokum’s Fiddle for solo violin (2013)
Arias with Dance Glitch (2016)
When the World Disintegrates Before Your Eyes for solo viola (2013)
Movable Home (for string orchestra) (2015)
Wine Ring App Launch Video Score
Triptych for solo cello (2013)
Tomorrow Never Knows
Fallings (Workshop Excerpts)
Gamestop
Gravity of Honey
Concerto (In the Form of Variations) for Viola and Orchestra
The Emily Songs
Elastic Band
What the Living Do
Pas de Deux
Red Ice
Personals – I Think You Should Know
T Tables
Hey Ho, the Wind and the Rain!
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.
World Premiere of Elastic Band, for Septet by Inscape!
1st October 2017 By joel
The fantastic Inscape Chamber Orchestra asked for a new version of my popular piece Elastic Band – this time I’ve scored it for clarinet, string quintet, and percussion (it is all about the bass…). They will be performing the piece twice this October! The premiere is October 7, 2017 . 4PM at the Christ Church here in Georgetown, and features me and Mozart, a lovely combination. And it’s FREE! For information click HERE. The second performance is on October 22, 2017 . 5PM and features works by Golijov, me, and Hindemith, and is at the Episcopal Church Of the Redeemer in Bethesda, MD. It too is free! For information click HERE. And I’d be remiss not to mention the upcoming release of Elastic Band, for Chamber Orchestra, on the New Orchestra of Washington’s latest CD Bepoke on Acis. The CD also includes works by Elena Ruehr and Julian Wachner. Coming October 25, 2017!
New septet edition of Elastic Band for Inscape Chamber Orchestra: It’s all about that (added) bass!
1st August 2017 By joel
The following important announcement is directed to all clarinetists, or string quintets, or string quartets who often play with added bassists, or percussionists, or new music ensembles, or conductors, or basically anyone in the wide music community:
I am excited to announce that at the request of Inscape Chamber Orchestra I have unleashed upon the world… a brand NEW edition of Elastic Band scored for SEPTET: clarinet, string quintet, and percussion! Originally a sextet (clarinet, string quartet, and percussion), this new edition completes the Elastic Band Family: sextet, septet, and chamber orchestra (which in addition to the featured clarinet, has a larger, more colorful string compliment, and a second percussionist for über-cool color and groove). Inscape will be performing this new version Fall 2017, details to be announced soon! You can peruse the septet score HERE and the chamber orchestra version HERE. So, you ask: why septet? Because, it’s all about that (added) bass!
Some good news: my Spring 2017 newsletter! 3 commissions, and more!
10th May 2017 By joel
I’m happy to share some exciting spring news: my Spring 2017 newsletter! CLICK HERE! Commissions, performances, articles, and more! Enjoy.