Bracha is a musical interpretation of the Jewish concept of blessing. The Hebrew word bracha is related to breycha, which means pool of water, or flowing stream. In this composition, it is interpreted as a stream of Divine goodness flowing downward into the world. The opening gesture represents this stream in its flowing melodic descent. As the […]
Spirals of Light
Spirals of Light invites the listener into the sacred center, swirling and spiraling into stillness. The quiet, which follows, resonates with the mystery of the Infinite. Joyous energy then awakens, flowing into the world. Spirals of Light trio and the poem by Ani Tuzman were commissioned and premiered by the Columbia College Departments of Music […]
Shevet Achim (Brothers Dwell)
Shevet Achim (Brothers Dwell) for two bass clarinets is a response to the troubled relationship between the descendants of half-brothers Yitzchak and Yishmael (sons of Abraham), now Israelis and Palestinians. Written in fall, 2000, the piece roils with the conflict between the two peoples, expressing both intense animosity and common identification. It has been observed […]
Yiddish Fantasy for string quintet, solo violin, and piano
Yiddish Fantasy is an arrangement of several Yiddish songs and klezmer tunes which were popular among the Jews of Eastern Europe at the turn of the century. It opens with Vu is dus Gessele (Where is the little street?), author unknown, to take us on a journey into the time and place of the shtetl, […]
In Memoriam
Subsequent versions for: violin solo (commissioned by Gregory Harrington) violin and cello duo violin and bass clarinet duo clarinet solo clarinet and bass clarinet duo clarinet and cello duo (arr. By Suzanne Mueller) Solo cello with cello ensemble (6 celli, arr. by Mirel Iancovici) Solo cello with string ensemble (9 players: 3 2 2 1 […]
Bati L’Gani (I Came Into My Garden)
Bati l’gani (I have come into my garden) offers glimpses of intimacy between lovers, between G-d and His/Her creation, the delight of recognition: Divine goodness flowing into the world. The Shechinah, God’s in-dwelling Presence, enters the earthly garden of Creation. It is inspired by Song of Songs, Ch. 5, vs. 1: I have come into […]
Yishakeyni (Sweeter Than Wine)
“Yishakeyni (Sweeter than Wine)” sets the first four verses of “Song of Songs,” the great love song of the Bible. It invites the listener into a realm of human and Divine love which transcends boundaries through intimate merging. In this realm, all is beauty, with longing and ecstasy the poles of expression. The soprano sings […]
Seascapes
These two movements, titled Seascapes I and II, are the beginning of what I hope will be a series of compositions inspired by water. I grew up on the coast of North Carolina, and the ocean is a part of me. When given the opportunity to compose a new work for the Chamber Wind Ensemble […]
Ocean Calling I: Waves and Currents
Ocean Calling I: Waves and Currents is the first in a series of compositions for two pianos dedicated to the ocean. Called our “life-support” system, the ocean covers 72% of the planet’s surface and provides half the oxygen we breathe and many other resources, while regulating our climate with currents traversing thousands of miles. As […]
Ocean Calling II: From the Depths
Ocean Calling II: From the Depths is the second in a series of compositions for two pianos dedicated to the ocean. Called our “life-support” system, the ocean covers 72% of the planet’s surface and provides half the oxygen we breathe and many other resources, while regulating our climate with currents traversing thousands of miles. As […]
Ocean Calling III: The Giant Blue
Ocean Calling III: The Giant Blue is the third in a series of compositions for two pianos dedicated to the ocean. Called our “life-support” system, the ocean covers 72% of the planet’s surface and provides half the oxygen we breathe and many other resources, while regulating our climate with currents traversing thousands of miles. As […]