Search Results for: inventions

Inventions for Orchestra, movt 3

The third movement of Inventions for Orchestra is less subtle than the first two. It’s an all outĀ assaultĀ in 10/8 time. While I like the visceral excitement of this final movement and the way it churns through various harmonic regions, it … Continue reading

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Inventions for Orchestra, movt 2

Inventions for Orchestra, movement 2, began its life as a song called “Raining in Pittsburgh.” One day I’ll record that wistful take off on Bruce Cockburn’s “Thoughts on a Rainy Afternoon.” But in this case, its ever ascending chord sequence … Continue reading

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Inventions for Orchestra, movt 1

I’m slowly trying to digitize my collection of cassette recordings. Here is the first fruit: For a long time I’ve been obsessed with M.C. Escher. My question has always been, “what would Escher have created were he a musician?” Well, … Continue reading

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Two Inventions

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then imitating imitative counterpoint must be utter musical sycophancy. Let’s just say that in the 90s I went through a Bach phase. I studied counterpoint, read through Riemenschneider’s 371 Bach Chorales collection, … Continue reading

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Spring Cleaning: Vocal Invention #1

Inspired by Bach, I wrote a series of instrumental and vocal “Inventions.” Some of the instrumental inventions ended up getting rolled into other compositions, but I haven’t done much with the vocal inventions. Vocal Invention #1 is based entirely on … Continue reading

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The Story of 6

For a couple of years now, rhythm has consumed me. It all started when I got involved in the African Drumming Ensemble at the University of Pittsburgh. Slowly a new way of thinking about rhythm evolved as my mind began … Continue reading

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