Shorter Works
Water Garden (9 minutes) 3.3.2.2. 4.3.3.1. Timp. Perc. (3). Pno. Harp. Strings
Bartesville Symphony Orchestra, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Kansas City Symphony Orchestra. This concert overture has enjoyed scores of performances. Water Garden is a musical portrayal of the famed Water Garden Park in Fort Worth, Texas, which is conceived as a series of contrasting pools. Water Garden expresses the fascinating parallels between the fluidity of both music and water. Listeners experience the beauty and quietness of a reflecting pool, on to the deafening intensity of movement and cascading noise of waterfalls.
Overture to Widow’s Lantern ( 6 minutes) 3.2.2.2. 4.3.3. timp perc.(3). harp. strings
Pensacola Opera, DePauw Symphony Orchestra. Filled with cantabile melodies, emotionally charged passages and a host of mood changes, Widow’s Lantern opens with a flashy garish of orchestral sounds and quickly gives way to a series of rich melodies from the opera. At the midpoint, a seascape interrupts, how appropriate for a hurricane! More aria melodies follow, ending in a strong conclusion making the case as a great concert opener. “Dazzling curtain opener, stuffed with melodies and orchestral magnificence.”
Hurricane Scene from Widow’s Lantern ( 3 minutes) 3.2.2.2. 4.3.3. timp perc.(3).harp. strings
Pensacola Opera, DePauw Symphony Orchestra. The sensational power of the hurricane, one of nature’s most feared and awesome forces, is dramatically portrayed in this brief movement. Exciting, dramatic, and exhilarating. Sensational when paired with the Overture to Widow’s Lantern or it can stand as a single work. “Pulsating energy and dynamism unleashed.”
Angel’s Harp ( 8 minutes) 2.2.2.2. 4.2.3. Timp. Perc. (3). Solo Harp. Strings
Venice Florida Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonic of Northwest Florida. All eyes are on the harp during this one-movement showcase. Lovely melodies and luxuriant harmonies, hushed textures highlight special harp techniques. Now that everyone is smiling, give them a few glissandos, just enough to make the audience happy. Angel’s Harp is gently orchestrated to give full advantage of the harp. “The one piece the audience will talk about long after the concert.”
Sinfonia Dolorosa from Seven Last Words ( 4 minutes) 1.1.1.1. 0.0.0. Harp. Strings
The overture from David Ott’s Seven Last Words, Sinfonia Dolorosa is well-suited for a concert when the entire orchestra may not be in service. Simple, modest and quiet single movement work.Light orchestration showcasing the loveliness of the woodwinds and strings. Reflective and thoughtful from start to finish.
Spirit of Exceptionalism: An Overture ( 6 minutes) 3.2.2.2. 4.3.3.1 Timp. Perc. (3). Harp. Strings
A joyous expression of the exuberant spirit that founded and sustains the American Dream. Especcially well suited as a colorful concert opener for a patriotic program. The buoyant spirit that inspired our growing nation is captured in upbeat tunes that are overt and unpretentious with jaunty, fun-loving rhythms, colorful orchestrations and frequent changes of timbres. The fascinating final minute drives full-force to the final chord. Easy to program with a minimal time needed for preparation.“Wondrously optimistic.”
Elegy ( 6 minutes) 3.2.2.2. 4.3.3.1. Timp. Perc. (3). Harp. Strings
Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, Salisbury Symphony Orchestra, Czech Radio Orchestra. Elegy is romantic, moving and reflective, just the piece to transition into the intermission. Rich in harmonic usage and abundant in its orchestration, the music touches the deep into the soul with transcendent warmth and tenderness. Based on a single, long-drawn out melody, Elegy is elegant yet simple, reaching a sweeping climax that stirs the heart revealing the power of music as an extraordinary tool of healing. Perfect music for a concert of remembrance, i.e., Veteran’s Day, Commemoration of September 11, Martin Luther King Day, or even at the passing of an important dignitary or symphony board member. “Begins when words fail.”
