W O R K S
I have composed music since I was seven years old. Composing is second nature.
Before the days of computer software, many tunes and harmonies in my head were lost.
If I wasn’t near a piano or organ, there was no way to facilitate the saving of the music,
if it wasn't manually written down.
This is about my music, and an overview of the works, with individual commentary
on each piece. After 1984 when I acquired, “Music Studio”, for my Atari ST,
I began to do transcriptions. Everything from Mussorgsky’s, “Pictures at an Exhibition”,
to Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue”. I also did transcriptions of over 150 national anthems.
Sadly, these are lost. Music Studio had a proprietary, “.sng” file that these were saved in.
The file type .mid wasn’t familiar to me though I could have saved these in the old .mid 1,
file but did not. However, the software did have the ability to print out sheet music,
and I did so with my own works, so I could later transcribe them with Synthfont, and Voyetra.
Starting with Opus 7, “Turner Pictures”, and ending with about Opus 18, my music was composed
using this software. I made extra copies and gave them out. I was friendly with a music professor
at a local community college and gave him a copy.
Unfortunately, he hated computer music, because he thought it took jobs from live musicians.
In this collection, I have included works I believe to be polished enough to be included.
They range from piano works, orchestral works, two ballets, and a smattering of chamber works.
I have included commentary or synopsis of each of the works included in this collection.
Juvenalia, Op 1
_ _III. Carousel Waltz
This is the third of the juvenilia pieces and it was generated when I was at my father’s
company picnic, and I was watching the merry-go-round when the music went out.
This tune popped into my head and I was able to write it down when I got home. I was 13.
Dorian, Op 3
My mother taught keyboard and took classes to improve her skills. One class on music theory
required her to write a theme in the, “Dorian Mode”, and do a set of variations on it. She had to
explain what, “Dorian Mode”, was. I wrote this theme that day, gave it to her, and developed
my own piece later.
Nocturne #2, Op 4
Early attempt at the form
The Tarot, Op 5
My mother was a fan of tarot cards, and I took her to a lecture by a fellow named Yeager who did
a full set of paintings of the cards. They were nudes (LOL). My idea was to make a full set of
pieces for the Major Arcana. Most all have sketches. The following six are complete:
Sections:
_ _I. The Magician
_ _II. The High Priestess
_ _V. The Heirophant
_ _VI. The Lovers
_ _VII. The Chariot
_ _IX. The Hermit
Turner Pictures, Op 7
Inspired by Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition”, I set forth to complete a similar group of
works. There were 24 in all. These are the ones I consider to be presentable:
Sections:
_ _1. The Fifth Plague of Egypt (Pestilance)
_ _2. Sun Rising Through Vapour - Fishermen Cleaning and Selling Fish
_ _3. Mortlake Terrace - The Seat of William Moffitt, Esq.
_ _4. The Eruption of Vesuvius
_ _5. Dort or Dordrecht - The Dort Packet-Boat from Rotterdam, Becalmed
_ _6. Ulysses Deriding Polyphemus
_ _7. Stonehenge
_ _8. Prudhoe Castle - Northumberland
_ _9. Dido Building Carthage
_ _10. Shade and Darkness, The Evening of the Deluge
_ _13. Rain, Steam and Speed - The Great Western Railway
_ _14. Frosty Morning
_ _15. The Blacksmith Shop
_ _17. Festival on the Bringing in the Harvest of Macon
_ _20. Snowstorm! - Hannibal and His Army Crossing the Alps
_ _21. Keelmen Hauling in Coals by Moonlight
_ _22. Slavers Throwing Overboard the Dead and Dying - Typhoon Coming On
Electrons, Op 9
A piece about atom level activity
Fanfare on the Birth of Eric Jason Schaffer, Op 18
Inspired by the birth of my son. Written the night he was born after coming home from the hospital
Prayer for the Victims of 9-11, Op 19
For the victims of the demonic minions of Osama bin Laden
Preludio, With Bob the Poodle, Op 22
“Bob the Poodle”, was a toy poodle we got who belonged to my mother-in-law. This depicts
him chasing crows in the back yard, and a glooming day looking outside as I composed.
Mithios Creation Suite, Op 23
A friend of mine, Craig Hinkle is a writer of fantasy stories. In his world, Mithios, there was a
dawn of everything. He described the events in his world at the time of his creation story.
Gregorian melodies harmonized by me were used for the, “Dawn of Man”, piece.
Movements:
_ _I. The Undergods Form
_ _II. The Rhythm of Life
_ _III. Dawn of the Dragons
_ _IV. Dragons Become Sentient
_ _V. Dawn of the Elves
_ _VI. Dawn of the Dwarves and Gnomes
_ _VII. Dawn of Man
Symphony #1, Sinfonietta, Op 25
“I’m going to write a symphony”, I told my wife, who replied, “Yeah, right”. Didn’t blame her,
but in the end, it came out fine, and with polishing over the years, it has gotten better.
This piece also was the one that started all the controversy at the website I participated in.
Some of the original problems were my own doing, yet the snarky petty jealousy over time were
more a reflection of the dominant participants, who had too much musical education,
and too little talent.
Movements:
_ _I. Allegro rondo
_ _II. Andante cantabile
_ _III. Scherzo
_ _IV. Allegro risoluto
Tundra, Op 26
Caribou frolic beneath the Northern Lights
Violin Sonata, Op 28
My attempt at a form of chamber music. This came out surprisingly well, though it has been
recently described as weird. LOL. It isn’t weird.
Movements:
_ _I. Allegro
_ _II. Andante
_ _III. Presto
Oboe Concerto, Op 28a
Based on the Violin Sonata
Movements:
_ _I. Allegro
_ _II. Andante - III. Presto
Piano Concerto in a minor, Op 29
Three movements - kind of angry
Movements:
_ _I. Allegro agiatato
_ _II. Lento non canto
_ _III. Presto
The High Lama, from, Lost Horizon, Symphonic Poem after Hilton, Op 30a
From a symphonic poem about James Hilton's fantasy world, where people live to fantastic ages.
Macbeth, Symphonic Poem after Shakespeare, Op 31
Piece which more or less follows the Shakespeare play.
Fantasy on the Scottish Folksong, `Loch Lomand`, Op 32
A work using the Scottish folksong molded into several variations
Dogs of Old, Op 33
Pieces about two dogs no longer with us. Zita the German Shepherd, and Ike the Boxer.
__I. She Tain't A Lazy Dog (Zita)
__II. Noble White Boxer Knight (Ike I)
Hymn, It's Important, Orchestral Version, Op 34a
Hymn tune from a lost symphonic poem
Pandora, A Greek Legend, Op 35
This work follows the story of Pandora who was given a special JAR, not a box, by her father, Zeus,
at her wedding to Epimetheus. The moral of the story is – Listen to your father.
This work follows the story of Pandora who was given a special JAR, not a box, by her father, Zeus, at her wedding to Epimetheus. The moral of the story: Listen to your father.
Sections:
The wedding of Pandora to Epimetheus is celebrated, and Zeus gives Pandora a jar
Growing temptation for Pandora to open the jar
Pandora gives into temptation, and opens the jar
Evil flies about and Chaos ensues
When the dust clears, Pandora looks in the jar, and, hope remains
Zeus is the king of the Universe
Mulholland Fountain, Ballet, Op 36
Mulholland Fountain is a fountain located at the Southeast entrance to Griffith Park,
Los Angeles, California. Built in 1940 to celebrate William Mulholland bringing water to the city.
It is lit by multi-colored lights after dark. The scenario for this ballet is by me.
Sections:
_ _1. Sunset - The Fountain Rises
Two couples have come to the fountain one evening, and all their lives change. Jack and Giselle
have been a couple for a couple of years, and their relationship is thinning. Giselle is always
and Jack is seemingly always tired. Mary Jane and Freddy to have had a long-term relationship,
which is fraying. Freddy is always selling, selling, selling and Mary Jane is more laid back, and
Freddy’s hyper personality, and wandering eye have made Mary Jane sad. They both came to
Mulholland Fountain for inspiration, and they had seen the newlywed couples come there after
nuptials for photos and everyone seems seems so happy.
_ _2. Red, The Color of the Heart
Genuine affection is a part of any relationship, the heart and empathy. The two couples stand
looking at the fountain, then move around it, trying to communicate; Jack and Giselle, and
Mary Jane and Fred. They are physically near to each other but each couple is on their own.
_ _3. Heralds - Red to Orange
_ _4. Orange, The Color of Fire
Passion (Fire) is a natural part of any relationship, Fred tries to initiate some gently ‘play’ with
Mary Jane, and she responds to a point, but she is somehow not fully in the mood, and tries
distract Fred with less physical activity. Jack wants to have kiss with Giselle, but she pushes him
back as well. The activity seems to be at least playful, but in the end each couple separates.
Both Jack and Mary Jean spot a hot dog cart, and offer to get their partner a sausage on a bun.
_ _5. Heralds - Orange to Yellow
_ _6. Yellow, for the Sun, With Which God Gives us Life
Jack and Mary Jane arrive separately at the hotdog cart. Each places an order, and the vendor at
first acts as though they are together, Jack and Mary Jane both look at each other, smile, and
exchange pleasantries. At the end each takes their hotdogs back to their partners, and the
partners have an expression about assuming that there was more going on at the hot dog cart
than the purchase of sausages on a bun.
_ _7. Heralds - Yellow to Green
_ _8. Green, the Color of Jeslousy
Giselle and Freddy are angry. Giselle throws the hot dog on the ground, they argue, she hails a
taxi, and leaves. Fred eats the hotdog as though it is his last meal yells at Mary Jane spitting out
half-chewed bun and hot dog, storm off gets in his car and drives away, leaving Mary Jane
stranded. Both Jack and Mary Jane sit on the fountain’s edge (there is a place to sit) feeling sad.
_ _9. Heralds - Green to Blue
_ _10. Blue, The Color of Dreams
Jack notices Mary Jane sitting by herself, and it looks like she is almost in tears. He goes and
approaches her. He motioned (that) no one liked their hot dog? She smiles. They get up and start
to dance together, and soon both are smiling… At this point, some gentle blue-colored fog
envelopes the couple, and they dance the, “Dream Waltz”.
_ _11. Heralds - Blue to Violet
_ _12. Violet, The Color of Triumph
The honking of car horns reveals a taxi bringing back Giselle. She sees Jack and Mary Jane and
approaches them at first yelling with Jack, then it looks like she is pleading. Freddy has arrived
and also sees what is going on, but Jack and Mary Jane are oblivious to the other two, who run
into each other. They figure out what is going on, i.e. they are both on the outs, and they start
to dance with each other, as light fades on them. Soon everyone is dancing around the fountain
_ _13. White, Towards the Light, Sunrise
Gradually all the people depart, except Jack and Mary Jane, who are lost in one another,
they look at each other, embrace, and then turn east and watch the rising sun.
Note: there are short sections danced by, “Heralds”, between the six color sections
Piano Suite, Op 37
Movements:
_ _I. Prelude
_ _II. Nocturne
_ _III. Waltz
_ _IV. Albumleaf
_ _V. Impromptu
Julius Caeser, Symphonic Poem after Shakespeare, Op 39
Piece which more or less follows the Shakespeare play.
Sections:
Flavius & Marullius
Caesar Parades through Rome
Soothsayer - Beware the Ides of March
Brutus & The Conspirators
Caesar Enters the Senate March 15, 44BC
Assassination
Marc Antony & the Funeral
Battle of Philippi
Death of Brutus
Epilogue
Autumn, Op 40
Short Pictorial work later used in, “Stonehenge”
Stonehenge, Ballet, Op 41
Certainly, most people have heard of Stonehenge, the archaeological monument of
Salisbury, England, and most people have heard of Druids, the Celtic religion of note.
But contrary to popular belief, it appears that Druids did not celebrate at Stonehenge,
so this scenario is just made up by me, the composer. However, it is a good story
that someday ballet dancers will find themselves dancing to. Scenario by me.
The movements are events or festivals.
Those festivals are connected to the Celtic pagan calendar.
Part I
_ _I. Dawn on the Salisbury Plain - II. The Elders Gather
It is dawn on a frosty morning in March. All around there is the bareness of late winter.
A few birds announce the first rays of the sun over the distant horizon.
Stonehenge is seen in the distance. A youth appears and enters the hut of the wise
but elderly Archdruid. He is noticeably frail but very alert, and slowly arises,
and leaves his shelter, to join the other holy men in the center of the village to prepare
to pray to Eochaid Ollathir, the god of time, for the onset of Spring,
and the end of the cold.
_ _III. Celebration of Imbolc
The Archdruid, other Priests, and Elders are soon joined by the other villagers in
the Celebration of Imbolc, as the Shaman has called everyone's attention to the
breaking of the frost, at the first sign of spring.
_ _IV. The Sacred Oak Tree
In the center of the settlement, there is a great oak tree.
The villagers dance in praise of what they consider to be a sacred tree,
which each one would protect with their life.
_ _V. Festival of Beltaine
Danu's avatar appears and directs that planting begin.
The villagers comply. Danu is the Goddess of Agriculture, who appears as a tall,
light brown haired woman. She shows her pleasure at their actions.
_ _VI. Pastorale Rituals
Three young couples are chosen dance to Danu so that the animals; sheep, pigs,
and cows will be fruitful and multiply. One couple represents each sort of animal.
It becomes vigorous, then subsides. It is hoped that each of the three couples
will bear a child at the time of the winter solstice.
_ _VII. The Legend of Breoghan - Escape from Phonecia
The old shaman appears and appears to change into the spirit of Breoghan who, many
centuries previous, led the escape from the Phoenicians, and traveled across the sea
to the new islands.
_ _VIII. The Horrific Prophecy of Rome
The shaman returns to his regular form and has a vision of the future…
a large invading army with a charismatic general at the head of it.
He is horrified and has to be aided by another elder.
_ _IX. The Dagda and the Maiden of Death
Another priest aids the Shaman by invoking the avatars of Eochaid Ollathir
and Mór Rígan (who appear as if in a dream sequence), and they state that if there
is an invading army, and the folk fight bravely in their names, there will be paradise
awaiting if anyone dies in battle.
_ _X. The Courtship of Princess and Her Chosen (included with below)
_ _XI. The Blessing of the Archdruid - Wedding Vows
The daughter of the tribal chieftain, prime princess, and her chosen one receive the
blessing of the Archdruid, then exchange wedding vows. The hereditary kings in the
Celtic world are passed through the female line though the male becomes king or chief.
Prime princess gives birth to the next chief (eldest male), but her eldest daughter will
give birth to the one that follows.
_ _XII. Wedding Waltz - Pas de Deux
The newly married couple has a spirited dance, then has a slower moment.
When the faster music returns, the others in the wedding party join in the dancing.
Part II
_ _XIII. Procession to the Holy Place
Summer Solstice. The Archdruid and his senior priests gather in the center of the
settlement to begin the procession to Stonehenge. At one point the Archdruid looks as
if he is about to collapse, but he regains his balance and waves off assistance.
At the end of the segment they are at the entrance to Stonehenge.
_ _XIV. Elders Position Themselves Inside Inside Stonehenge - XV. Lughnasadh
The priests gather themselves in a circle inside Stonehenge, and when they are done,
they perform a prayer of Lughnasadh. When the prayer is done they begin to depart.
The Archdruid again has difficulty, and waves off assistance.
_ _XVI. Homage to Danu of the Harvest
In the settlement, the villagers perform a ceremony to Danu, thanking her
for a bountiful harvest.
_ _XVII. The Celebration of Samhain
The villagers harvest the crops and celebrate with a great feast.
At the end of the festivities, the Archdruid collapses, and dies.
_ _XVIII. The Old Archdruid's Funeral - XIX. New Archdruid is Annointed
The funeral march and ceremony wishing the soul of the Archdruid, preach on his
ascendency to the Heavens. Then the new Archdruid is chosen and blesses the villagers.
_ _XX. Yule-tide
There is snow on the ground, and the new Archdruid, praises the Gods for the year
just concluded, and asks for a bountiful year ahead. The group gathers around the great
fir tree, and there is a ceremony so that the sun will return, and with it the warmth.
_ _XXI. Archdruid Dismisses Worshippers - XXII. Sunset
The Archdruid dismisses the worshippers from the Yule celebration and they return
to each their own huts. In plain sight are the three couples from 'Pastorale Rituals'
now carrying infants. Then the sun slowly disappears to the southwest.
Pinocchio, Op 42
Based on the Italian Folk-Tale of Geppetto forming a puppet who came to life
and went through trials to become a real boy.
A Christmas Carol, Symphonic Poem After Dickens, Op 43
Symphonic Poem following the story, "A Christmas Carol", by Charles Dickens…
Marley's ghost is xylophones of rattling chains. Each of the ghosts is represented by
the chiming of the hour, and Scrooge is awakened at 7:00 AM by the Big Ben chimes.
The Nimean Lion Rag, Op 44
Symphony #2, The Seasons, Op 45
Symphony based on the four seasons
Movements:
_ _I. Autumn
_ _II. Winter
_ _III. Spring
_ _IV. Summer
King Arthur Suite, Op 46
The legend of Camelot
Movements:
_ _I. Uther and Ygrayn
_ _II. Merlin
_ _III. Gwynever
_ _IV. Lancelot
_ _V. The Round Table
_ _VI. Arthur
String Quartet, Op 47
_ _I. Serious Thoughts
_ _II. Lightened Mood
Concerto Grosso in One Movement, Op 47a
Based on the 1st movement of the quartet
Poem for Clarinet and Piano, Op 48
Poem for Clarinet and Strings, Op 48a
Alley Cat for Solo Sax, Op 50
Alley Cat for Solo Clarinet, Op 50a
Riff on, 'Itsy Bitsy Spider', Op 51
Thinking outside the box
Meditation for Cello and Strings, Op 52
Meditation for String Orchestra, Op 52a
Symphony #3, Op 53
Movements:
_ _I. Allegro rondo
_ _II. Lento
_ _III. Scherzo
_ _IV. Allegro risoluto
In Old Judea, Op 54 (Christmas Carol)
Lyrics:
Words by me:
In old Judea, long ago,
A star above with mighty glow,
It was a sign from on high,
The world was changing now,
The world was changing now
In Bethlehem there t'was a babe,
In manger's stall was where He laid,
In Him there was a new hope,
The world was changing now,
The world was changing now
Folks came miles around,
To see Him from where He lay,
One day would give us His words,
To live good each day,
Three kings came from far away,
Gifts they did bring on that one day,
We offer our praise to you
The world was changing now,
The world was changing now...
Violin Concerto #1, Op 55
Movements:
_ _I. Allegro moderato
_ _II. Andante e danza rustica
_ _III. Allegro risoluto
To the bane of my detractors - one of my most popular works!
Symphony #4, Heliocentric, Op 57
Symphony to honor the four giants of the Renaissance , astronomy-wise
Movements:
_ _I. Copernicus
_ _II. Kepler
_ _III. Galileo (Scherzo)
_ _IV. Newton
The Missing Slice of Pie, Op 58
Study in the 7/8 meter
Moonshine, Op 59
In honor of, "corn squeezin's"
Organ Prelude for Dave Albrecht, Op 60
My friend Dave in Netherlands asked me to write an organ prelude since he is a Church organist,
and I played an organ as a kid. This is what I came up with. Nostalgia with a Bourdon 16'
Symphony #5, Op 61
Movements:
_ _I. Allegro-Andante
_ _II. Adagio
_ _III. Scherzo
_ _IV. Fantasia Anglese
I particularly like the scherzo on on this one.
A Seance with Scriabin, Op 62
From a challenge to write a piece using tritones
Mystic Dawn, Op 67
Poem:
Upon the first rays of light,
Memories of the past night,
Standing on the shore,
New that had not gone before,
Mystic Dawn!
Eerie Quiet, Op 68
The unearthly quiet is eerie, so eerie that you can hear the working of your own mind
Mount Lassen Thermal Spring, Op 69
Based on photos from a 1992 vacation and a trip to the National Park (Bubbling Mud)
Beneath a Canopy of Stars, Op 70
Love song – perhaps to be used in a future Opera
Verse I (her):
In this place, in this time,
Here at sunset,
on a Western, cool windswept shore,
You are here with me now,
As you were through this long path,
Let us say that, it wasn't all smooth…
I love you,
But you're my friend too,
And, I feel so safe with you…
I'm an odd duck,
For those things I do…
But you just think it’s cute…
I thank God high above,
For bringing us,
Now, together right here...
Now and forever more
Verse II (Him):
And you here by me now,
In the deep growing twilight,
In your ...eyes I see the world.
From what has gone before,
Its all done with now,
Just you and me forever more…
I am strong, when you're with me,
My heart is filled with joy…
By this sea, even with that breeze,
Comes a warmth from deep within…
With you there, I'm at peace,
In the coming eve,
Everything around lights up for me
Verse III:
Her
What the future will bring,
Is unknown to us,
Its only in a higher power's hands
(Him)
But right now… you and me,
In this place and time,
All that… that we do need..
We need to know now..
(Duet)
I love you
We are now as one
We do stand together so
You for me, and
Me for you
It is what's important now
So let us go forth now
Beneath this Canopy of Stars
The future is ours, my love...
Her: Aaaahhh
Mount Shasta Glacial Cave, Op 71
Chilling iceforms high on the mountain
Imperial March of the Zeta Reticuli, Band Version, Op 73a
(Snicker) It was once suggested that I was from Mars. This is not true. I am from
a planet called Serpo that circles the star you earthlings call Zeta Reticuli B.
I wrote this for our emperor.
The Grizzly Bear, Op 74
A large grizzly bear ambles along the shore of a small lake in the Sierra Nevada of Northern California.
Suddenly his attention is caught by a splash in the water. Trout! Dinner! He wades into the stream,
but his attention is diverted by his own reflection, and the trout makes a hasty retreat.
. Sadly, the trout is lost, so he returns to the bank, and his journey upstream in search of food.
This work won the “Story Song” Contest at fanmusic.com in November 2014, prize $100.
The Anasazi of Mesa Verde, Op 75
Inspired by a visit in the 1980s.
Poem:
Sentinels carved into a mountainside,
Sandstone monoliths for all time,
Remnants of a lost world,
The wind blows,
Stories lost forever!
Poem for Strings, Op 76
Abstract work for string orchestra
Moonlight on the River, Op 77
Summer night pastorale
The Lone Pine Rustles in the Breeze, Op 78
Poem:
Solitary on a mountaintop
Standing through ages
Persistence
Endurance
Everlasting
Known only to God
Prelude in Eb Major for Piano, Op 79
Solo piano work
Solemn Prelude, Op 80
Submitted to a "contest" for a theme song for a site. The mod made sure it finished last
Symphony #6, Trevails, Op 81
Symphony on the "trevails" of life
Movements:
_ _1. To Overcome Frustration
_ _2. Hymn and Celebration
_ _3. Scherzotic Chaos
_ _4. The Future is Uncertain
_ _Aladdin's Theme from Aladdin, Symphonic Poem, Op 82a
Aladdin's theme from a 45 minute Aladdin symphonic poem.
Backlit by the Setting Sun, Op 83
Poem:
Sitting at the shore on the sand, I drink in the air,
And watch the sun as it embraces the horizon.
Then, a beautiful woman gracefully strides in front of me.
She is tall, slender, with large expressive eyes.
I smile at her, and she returns it as she passes.
She approaches the water, and stands at the edge,
Which gets only her feet and ankles wet.
All one sees is but a silhouette, as the last crimson rays erode.
Her golden hair, backlit, rustled by the sea breeze.
For a moment, I am not of this world.
Hercules and the Lernaen Hydra, Op 84
The second of the labors of Hercules, the first one dealt with in the “Nemean Lion Rag”.
Synopsis:
Hercules sets forth on his second task, to slay the Lernaen Hydra with his nephew
Iolaus, and after many difficulties, does so. He and his nephew are triumphant.
When he returns to Eurystheus, there is a problem because Iolaus helped him, and so
this `labor` of Hercules `doesn`t count`. Hercules has no time to argue, and must
ponder his next task, dealing with the Hind (Special Red Deer) of Ceryneia, and not
angering its protector, the Moon Goddess Diana.
Symphony #7, The Elements of Aristotle, Op 85
Scenarios:
_ _I. Canzone d'aria
Imagine yourself laying on your back in a park somewhere, on the grass.
You have just consumed a picnic lunch with a friend, and you are looking at the sky,
and the ever-moving clouds. It is sunny, but not overwhelmingly hot. There is a gentle
breeze blowing. On the horizon there are storm clouds, and at one point a distant rumble
distant rumble of thunder can be heard, but, not enough of a threat to disturb your
peaceful contemplation. Later, your eyes catch a glimpse of a hawk soaring gently
high overhead (harp), but then in a nearby tree a crow (saxophone), and pigeon (clarinet)
complain that there are two humans in the way of inspecting for scraps. They soon give
up and you are back watching the clouds in their dance of the sky.
_ _II. Canzone di terra
You are awaken by a small earthquake and go outside to see that all is calm...
but it is too calm, and there is an uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach.
Suddenly a much large earthquaker happens, and you lose your balance.
When it subsides, there is concern, but things return to normal, and there is minimal
damage. The birds calm down. and the song of the Earth returns. A small aftershock
which begins to close the piece and passes to remind you that the earth will
always be unpredictable...
_ _III. Canto del fuoco
The fury and the power of a volcanic eruption is before you. You took a vacation
to see this, and nature is putting on the big show. The recent activity of Kilhauea
Volcano in Hawaii is an exmple of what inspired this. You are knocked off your feet by
an explosion, but you are relatively safe and wouldn't miss the bubbling magma you
see below you for any reason… Also solar storms are involved here.
_ _IV. Canzone di acqua
Floating on the endless sea, but near enough to shore to have gulls, and pelicans.
There are passing dolphins who pay their respects. Occasionally there is a play
of the waves... From horizon to horizon - all is calm. The calmness of the sea is
hypnotizing and on your boat, you are rocked to sleep by the peacefulness
Flute Concerto, Op 86
Never touched a flute, but this sounds decent, which is good for a theoretical piece
Movements:
_ _I. Allegro
_ _II. Largo e allegretto
_ _III. Birdsong
The Big Dipper Points North, Op 87
Just picked a name for an abstract piece of music
Modus Suite, Op 88
Works by mode excluding Ionian (Major) and Aeolian (Minor)
Movements:
_ _I Modus Dorian
_ _II Modus Phrygian
_ _III Modus Lydian
_ _IV Modus Mixolydian
_ _V Modus Locrian
Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra, Op 89
Work for Piano and Orchestra, Oringinally "Second Street". Changed to be more general
Rhapsody for Orchestra, Op 89a
Arrangement of above without piano
Hercules and the Ceryneian Hind, Op 92
Hercules third task was to bring back the sacred Hind (Deer) of Diana from Ceryneia.
He shot the hind with his bow, and Diana appeared angry. He told Diana the story,
and she healed the hind and Hercules returned with the hind to Eurystheus.
Hercules and the Erymanthian Boar, Op 93
Hercules fourth task was to capture and bring back the Erymanthian Boar.
This boar was a pestilence because he would make a daily trip down a mountain
which he lived on killing men and livestock. But Hercules being Hercules captured
the boar and brought it back to Eurystheus, who was frightened by the sight of the boar
Be Baroque, Op 94
For harpsichord in a baroque style
Carnival Waltz, for Horn and Piano, Op 95
The first MP3 I sold on Soundclick
Carnival Waltz, for Horn and Strings, Op 95a
Arrangement for Strings of the above
Serious Song, Op 99
For Chorus and Strings on the 10th anniversary of 9-11 (Needed an Op 99 - Written later)
Serious Song for Brass, Op 99a
Arrangement for Brass of the above
Run-on Sentences and Non-Standard Harmonic Progressions, Op 100
My response to the trolls and mod of that website I was on for 10 years to the whining
about the chords I used
Fantasia on the Delphic Hymn, Op 101
A musical work based on a theme from, "The First Delphic Hymn To Apollo", written
by an Athenian composer in the 2nd Century B.C. The music was discovered
at an archaeological dig in 1895.
The Percolator-I Gotta Have My Coffee, Op 102
Inspired to write by the comments of a composer I know who was studying for her
masters degree in engineering at Yale (?), and had been studying all night. Donya Quick
is a fine composer with works like, “Song of the White Whale”, and,
and, “Poem for a Sine Wave”.
Cyclone - It's a Twister!, Op 103
Scenario:
“It’s A Twistaa”, was the cry in the movie, "The Wizard of Oz". And, indeed it is.
The music opens with a peaceful scene on a corn field in Kansas. Soon the peace is
interrupted by the sound of an approaching storm which grows nearer and louder with
each passing moment. Then the funnel cloud. They say that a passing tornado sounds
like a passing freight train? Well the tornado passes, and there is a deathly calm.
Soon one looks around and sees the destruction. All the cleanup must be done.
But in time with the help of God most all wounds are healed, and the peaceful scene r
returns to the corn field once more.
I was on a vacation and passed through Kansas some years ago. I noted with
amusement that the hotel I stayed at had a card on the TV warning the "tourists"
like me that we were in tornado country. It gave a map to the hotel's storm shelter.
I also saw endless corn and wheat fields there and made photos with nothing in sight
but corn, sky, and a lone hawk circling overhead looking for lunch.
Threnody on the Death of Luciano Pavarotti, Op 104
When Pavarotti died, I wrote this. RIP Luciano.
Dark Ages for Chorus, Op 105
Medieval music, largely incorporated in to the Easter movement of Symphony #11
It's Atomic - Fusion for Orchestra, Op 107
In one of my odder moods, I wrote this:
Musical Depiction of Nuclear Fusion from a single neutron to oxygen-16,
like in the middle of the Sun.
Sections:
neutron
Hydrogen 1 -2 -3
Helium 3-4
mass 5 crevasse
Lithium 6-7
mass 8 crevasse
Beryllium 9
Boron 10-11
Carbon 12-13-14
Nitrogen 14-15
Oxygen 16
The Sun Announces to the Mountaintops That it Is Dawn, Op 108
A short work depicting sunrise in the mountains. Birds taking flight included.
The reaction to this piece is generally positive, but the two comments that struck me
were that, A) it was too short, and B) there was a weird pizzicato. That was no pizzicato
I was trying to create a Violin arco to show birds taking flight.
Eochaid Ollathir and Mor Rigan, Op 109
Added to the ballet “Stonehenge” it started as a stand alone piece.
Scenario:
Eochaid Ollathir, The Dagda, God of Time and the harvest in the Celtic mythologies…
Together with Mór Rígan, his consort, Goddess of Death they were Masters of time
in their world… The Celtic afterlife was so ingrained that the goddess of death could
appear as a gentler sort, a beautiful woman with long flowing red hair, or as an old
grandmotherly woman accompanied by several crows. They appeared to Cu-Chulainn
more than once.
Night Rain, Op 110
Depicting rain at night
Foggy Dock, Op 111
While sitting with my wife at an Indian restaurant (Kamal Palace) for dinner, the picture
window showed a foggy scene outside (Long Beach Marina). Music was inspired by that
scene of all the ships in the fog.
Danu of th Harvest, Op 112
Added to the ballet “Stonehenge” it started as a stand alone piece.
Inflammable October, Op 113
In October, 2007 there were nasty fires in the mountains above Los Angeles.
The destruction was widespread. Where the fires came through, there wasn’t much left.
In October, 2007 there were nasty fires in the mountains above Los Angeles. The destruction was widespread. Where the fires came through, there wasn’t much left.
In the Mists of Appalachia - Tribute to Ives, Op 114
A work done as a tribute to pay tribute to the iconoclastic Charles Ives who used
American melodies in new formats throughout all of his works. I quoted the folksong,
“Shenandoah”, in the piece. The work depicts a man walking from his home on a cool
autumn morning to a nearby coffee shop. Shenandoah is being practiced by the High
School band as he passed. He gets to the diner, orders his oatmeal, and sometime later,
one of the horn players from the band comes into to the diner to get his oatmeal.
The Moons of Jupiter, Op 115
Jupiter has four main moons and over 60 little ones
Movements:
_ _I. Io
_ _II. Europa
_ _III. Ganymede
_ _IV. Callisto
Towards a Point of Singularity, The Black Hole, Op 116
The birth - life and death of a type B main sequence star.
Sections:
Collection of the Cosmic Dust
Swirling and Forming and Growing
The Main Sequence B Class Star Emerges
Growth to the Red Giant Stage
Death Pulsation
Nova!
Towards Singularity
Singularity Achieved – Nothing Escapes – Emptiness
Lazy Tuesday Afternoon for Clarinet, Oboe, and Piano, Op 117
Chamber work for Oboe, Clarinet and Piano written on a Tuesday Afternoon
And I Looked, and Beheld a Pale Horse, Op 118
Based on the Turner Painting, "Death on a Pale Horse"
Revelation 6:8 KJV : And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on
him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the
fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with
the beasts of the earth.
Christmas Etude for Organ, Op 119
Short etude for organ
Within an Ancient Glade, Op 120
Based on a story of mine of the same name:
Scenario:
_ _I. Prelude
There is an ancient glade that is along the highway somewhere in the middle of
Missouri. People say it is haunted. They say people have entered thts glade and never
come out. That it has been that way for over 200 years.
_ _II. The Ancient Ones
Inside the glade are ancient spirits who control everything within and without
Not necessarily evil or good. Just about controlling the ancient trees,
and all that lies within the glade.
_ _III. Lured to the Glade - IV. Confronting the Ancient Ones
A couple out for a nice Friday dinner has their car breakdown along the highway just
outside the glade. Caused by the ancient ones? Who can say. But they think they see
lights of a house within, and go down a path they did not see before towards that light.
As they go down the path there is a sudden flash of light. They come to a clearing with
five glowing spirits on a dais at the other end, and about 20 people with clothing from
different eras, the most recent being something out of the 1950s.
The ancient ones say that the two arrivals are the newest members and they must stay,
for each first day of autumn the Ancients come alive and perform a ritual.
The ancients use psychic power to control the people, and they age one day per year
as they are only present one day per year. The ancients didn’t count on the presence of
the new arrival Diana. Petite very pretty with intense large eyes and short black hair.
They tried to ensnare her, but she has such Psychic energy that the ancient ones have
their own psychic attack rebound back on them. The earth shakes, and in another flash
of light, the glade and ancients vanish.
Her date asks her, "Are you OK?". She looks at him winks, and says, "Of course!"
_ _V. Welcome to the 21st Century
The two newest people turn around and see the highway but the car is gone.
And the cell phones, a marvel to the other has only emergency service.
Diana calls 911, and they send a Highway Patrol out to get the people.
The officer makes a remark about Halloween being several weeks off.
Then the stunning story becomes clear. Diana and Jason have been missing a year,
and the others – can’t be explained.
The Fifth Sun, Mayan Calendar ends, 12-21-2012, Op 121
Scenario:
In 2012 there was a great deal of hoopla about the Winter Solstice of 2012 and the
impending end of the Mayan calendar. Did we cross the plane of the Milky Way galaxy?
If we did it, was a nothing-burger. But it was what was depicted here, and
nothing bad happened
Akhenaten, Op 122
Scenario:
At the museum, I am drawn to a display for the Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten.
The monotheistic leader of Egypt. The antiquities fascinate me, and I am so entranced
by them that I find myself being transported by a whirlwind back to that time.
I am on a barge traveling in the Nile delta in the 14th Century BC... Passing the old capital
of Thebes, and unhappy place stripped from the center of power, calm is only on the
surface. we come in sight of the new center of power, the city of Akhet-Aton. As we draw
closer we see the royal passage of the Pharaoh himself followed by his retinue.
All those people near are paying homage. As our barge travels beyond the site we
realize that there are those outside who plot and scheme to return to the old order.
As the music passes so did Akhenaten. Akhet-Aton soon in ruins, and Thebes returned
to its former glory. And as quick as I arrived a whirlwind carries me back to the modern
times. When I become aware of my surroundings, I am on the front steps of the museum.
Upon the Island of Manus, Tribute to my Father, Op 123
For my father, and his service in the Navy in World War II
Quetzalcoatl, Op 124
The mystical figure who was enlightenment to many Meso-Americans. Some believe
he was the manifestation of Jesus to the Aztecs and Mayans. Who is to say they are
incorrect? God works in mysterious ways.
Jabberwocky - Tribute to Lewis Carroll, Op 125
From the author:
“Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!”
David, The Shepherd, Op 126
David, the Shepherd, who would change Israel... The slaying of Goliath, and King Saul’s madness
Sections:
Opening
David the Shepherd
The Tormented King Saul
David Soothes Saul and is Chosen to Confront Goliath
Procession to the Plain
Confronting and Defeating Goliath
Celebration - Saul Slew 1000s / David, 10s of 1000s
David Escapes Saul's Wrath, and Plots His Future
Chicxulub, The Dinosaur's End, Op 127
66,043,000 years ago, +/- 11,000 years, so the current theory is (radioisotope dating),
a meteor 15 km in diameter struck in the region that is currently the Yucatan peninsula
of Mexico, creating the Chicxulub Crater.
It was sudden and impacted all life. The scene depicted in the music takes place at a
location now known as Hell Creek, North Dakota. The theory was advanced, and
research on this was done by several individuals. They Included Luis Alvarez,
Antonio Camargo, and Alan Hildebrand
Sections:
Pterodactyls Alight
Parasaurolophus Mating
T. rex pursues prey
Chicxulub Meteor
Devastation/The Dinosaurs Die
Paleocene Birds & Mammals Emerge
Symphony #8, The Four Temperaments, Op 128
A symphony about the four temperaments, psychological symphony. A subject also touched on by
Carl Nielsen, and Paul Hindemith. Info from Wikipedia
Movements:
_ _I. Choleric
Choleric individuals also tend to be more extroverted. They are described as being
independent, decisive, and goal oriented. They enjoy being in charge of a group since
they have many leadership qualities as well as ambition. Choleric personalities also
have a logical and fact-based outlook on the world. Color - Red
_ _II. Phlegmatic
Phlegmatic individual tends to be relaxed, peaceful, quiet, and easy-going.
They are sympathetic and care about others yet try to hide their emotions.
Phlegmatic individuals also are good at generalizing ideas or problems to the world
and making compromises. Color - Green
_ _III. Melancholic
Melancholic individuals tend to be analytical, detail oriented, and are deep thinkers
and feelers. They are introverted and try to avoid being singled out in a crowd.
A melancholic personality leads to self-reliant individuals, who are thoughtful,
reserved, and often anxious. They often strive for perfection within themselves and their
surroundings, which leads to tidy and detail-oriented behavior. Color - Violet
_ _IV. Sanguine
The personality type of Sanguine, is described primarily as being enthusiastic, active,
and social. Sanguines tend to be more extroverted and enjoy being part of a crowd;
they find that being social, outgoing, and charismatic is easy to accomplish.
Individuals with this personality have a hard time doing nothing and engage in more
risk seeking behavior. Color - Gold
Quiet Night for Trumpet and Strings, Op 129
Jazz inspired piece for trumpet and strings
Quiet Night for Brass, Op 129a
Same as above for all brass
Interdimsenional Sonorities, Op 131
Poem:
Soaring on the plane of Infinity ...
Multiverse quarks to galaxies align ...
Existence is?
No beginning nor end?
Just being?
Song of the Up Quarks, Two-Thirds Positive, Op 132
There were supposed to be six of these, but only one was finished
Barren Snowscape, Op 136
Poem:
Minimalist desolation,
White ground,
Blue sky,
But wait!
A bird?
The whistle of the wind?
A fleeting glimpse of imagination?
Nothing more!
Isolation?
Desolation, but not discomfort,
For there is God.
Tongue in Cheek, for Piano, Op 137
Sarcastic prelude for piano
Dr Fermata's Lives of the Reeds, Backstage at Symphony Hall, Op 138
Winds and Brass talk and are bothered by brass
Prelude in the Locrian Mode and Nine-eighths Meter, Op 139
I was challenged by a composer associate to write a piece in a non-major-minor scale,
and a non-standard meter
Dialogue of the Muses, Op 141
Scenario:
Four of the muses are sitting around and discussing their roles in inspiration.
Polyhymnia opens the discussion saying that all inspiration, in the end comes from Zeus.
Euterpe and Erato both agree, and they add that there is more to life than the worship
of the Gods, and that even Zeus would probably agree, and insist upon that. They
continue to go back and forth, when Terpsichore, who had been silent to this point, gets
up and begins to dance to the beat of an unseen drum (Zeus?). They all join her and
Apollo appears and dances with them. When the dance ends, Terpsichore says,
“Remember the dance too!” They all realize that each of them has as a role to play
in the creative process. Polyhymnia ends the discussion, reminding them in the final
analysis, it is through the benevolence of Zeus that they are there, and all the
others nod in agreement.
Aslan and Lucy, from Aslan of Narnia - Tribute to CS Lewis, Op 143a
From "Aslan, Symphonic Poem", about the special; relationship between Aslan and Lucy Pevense
Vanilla Latte - The Coffee House Barrista, Op 144
At the various coffee places I go to, this is for the multitude of female baristas, with due respect to the male ones.
Gliding effortlessly behind the counter, she can operate the cappuccino maker in her sleep
Morning on the Oligocene Savanna, Op 145
Scenario:
A pastoral scene in North America - A spring morning 35 million years ago…Birds fly
about and sing their songs, and various animals make their announcements of the
morning. Suddenly a herd of Mesohippus, primitive horses the size of a large dog, gallops
past… A primitive cat, Hopolophenus, like all cats, is trying to decide if he is hungry
enough to cull out the weakest of the herd, but before he can decide they disappear
in a cloud of dust, and he tries to go back to sleep. But, the thundering stomp of a
Brontops who appears foraging for tree branches passes. That is too big for the small cat,
and he quietly lets it pass. Soon the calm returns, the cat goes to sleep…
The sun is high in the sky.
The River Anduin, Tribute to JRR Tolkien, Op 146
Scenario:
The great river depicted in Tolkien’s, “Lord of the Rings”, in a musical sense.
Episodes from a Man's Life, Op 147
Hero journeys through life... Starting with birth, then youth, romance, raising children, then realizing
that time is limited, Hero becomes contemplative, and seeks the beyond.
Sections:
Birth
Childhood
Romance
Children
Reflection
Epilogue
The Spector of a Poker Game, The Haunted House, Op 148
Scenario:
The sounds of a poker game downstairs in a house in “somewhere”. There is a clank
of beer bottles constantly. There is a knock at the door, after which the scent of pizza
comes up from the stairwell. People are going up and down the stairs to the bathroom.
Only thing is … no one is there. They go off topic, discussing health, love lives, and
many subjects. Someone always interjects, “Enough of this. Let’s play cards.” But you
can see that the house is dark, and no one is there.
Daylight comes, and there is no house.... Only a hole in the ground. A small boy walks
his dog and stops at the cracked path to what used to be the front door....
At his feet. An ace of spaces, and a blue poker chip....
The Aviary at the San Diego Zoo, Op 149
During my trip to the San Diego Zoo, I walked through the aviary.
O Vast Rondure, Tribute to Walt Whitman, Op 150
Poem:
O Vast Rondure, swimming in space,
Cover’d all over with visible power and beauty,
Alternate light and day and the teeming spiritual darkness,
Unspeakable high processions of sun and moon and countless stars above,
Below, the manifold grass and waters, animals, mountains, trees,
With inscrutable purpose, some hidden prophetic intention,
Now first it seems my thought begins to span thee.
-Walt Whitman
Helios, The Charioteer, Op 151
Scenario:
Helios, the Greek God of the Sun, spends the day crossing the sky…
Before dawn there is a glint of light in the east, then it increases in brightness
Soon, Helios comes over the horizon in the east on his chariot drawn by his four noble
steeds; Pyrois, Eos, Aethon and Phlegon. He first encounters the unfortunate Icarus, and
in spite of warnings by both himself and Icarus' father, Daedalus, Icarus comes too close
to Helios, and the wax holding his wings together melts, and he plunges
tragically to earth.
As a god of the heavens there is no time to mourn, only time for a warning to others
not to pursue Icarus' path. Helios continues his path across the sky. But now there is
love in the air, and Clymene, an Oceanides catches his eye, and there is a scene of
passion. Then with Clymene in his chariot, they pass over a group of farms, and the
farmers offer up a hymn of harvest that Helios will be neither too weak, or strong.
At the end of the hymn, Helios, Clymene, the chariot and four horses approach the
western horizon and pass over it, Nix pulls the ribbon of night which envelops the sky,
and soon there is peace in the heavens.
Upon the Approach to the Event Horizon, Op 152
Poem:
On a ship.
In the vast expanse,
A myriad of lights,
But this trip is different.
We are all together,
Yet we are split in two,
Many in the ship are drawn,
To a brilliant shining mass.
Yet as we approach it,
The center is hollow and void,
Half don’t care,
Half see alarm.
We pull against
Against each other,
We are drawn close,
Can’t they see danger?
God knows the answer,
In the end our fate,
Our fate is with Him,
The bell tolls.
The Awakening, Op 153
Short tone poem of realization
Emperor Penguins, Op 154
South Polar Music
Mission to Serpo, Op 156
Scenario:
There is a legend that in 1947, saucers landed near Roswell, NM. Not only did the aliens not perish, but arrangements
were made for an exchange between Earth, and a planet which circles the star Zeta Reticuli, 18 light years away.
That mission, a team of 12 militarily trained, were the first interstellar ambassadors…
Sections:
In Space - through the wormhole
Landing & Welcome
The Locals want to see the Aliens (The Aliens is US)
The Crowd Disperses & Heads to the Temple
Thanksgiving Service for the Safe Arrival
George Noory is a lot of fun when you can't sleep at night... Sometimes fantastic stories can give you inspiration...
Sunday Morning in the Park with Emma D., Op 157
Scenario:
On an early Sunday Morning. Emma (Standard Poodle) and I go to the park
Quietness and stillness except for ...
The Skateboard Course
Some kids practicing some baseball
And Emma noticing a squirrel in the trees.
Poeme for Violin and Strings, Op 158
Work for violin solo and strings without an overriding topic
The Winds of Nazca, Op 159
Scenario:
The very first balloon that we know of was a hot air model invented by Father
Bartolomeu de Gusmão. He created a balloon from a paper envelope with burning
material hanging below it.
On 8 August 1709, Gusmão showed his invention to Portuguese King John V.
Gusmão later ran away to Spain, because he was afraid of people claiming his flying
balloon was the result of black magic.
He had heard stories, it is alleged, that Incas constructing the characters at Maccu Piccu
and using hot air balloons ridden by people who would signal directions from
100 feet above the ground.... The balloons were made of alpaca skins...
Music quotes (sort-of) Inca folk music
Ataensic of the Iroquois, Op 160
Sky Goddess who gave birth to two sons, one good, and one evil. This is about the
conflict between the two sons, and their attempt to honor/dishonor their mother.
The Cicadas of Bedford County, Pa, Op 161
An impression of western Pennsylvania when traveling there to research my family tree
and the bugs arose…and made lots of noise
Before the Big Bang, There Was Only God, Op 162
Scenario:
Before it began, 13.7 billion years ago, the Universe was only in the mind of The Creator
Note: The English Carol, "The Old Hundredth" used in this work.
Rorschach, Inkblots in Tones, Op 163
Scenario:
As inkblots on paper are seen to each individual uniquely, as are these sounds to the
ear interpreted to each listener individually. What series of images do you see when
you hear this music?
Amiable Titan-Valet, The Super Poodle Pup, Op 164
Musical impression of a pup from Emma’s first litter. Very bright, a scoundrel,
and lives with his family in Bakersfield, CA
Variations on Arbeau's Pavanne, Op 165
I did this because I like the tune
Towards The Light, Op 167
Originally for Easter 2010, revised. Used in a Christmas Video by producer Ginny Karyn.
The Enchanted Forest, Op 168
My own odd fantasy story manifested as a suite
Scenarios/Movements:
_ _I. Through The Forest, Traveler Encounters Gia
Traveler enters a forest on his journey and encounters a beautiful woman riding a unicorn. They talk and she
senses his mage capabilities and tells of the problem her village where her father is chief. Their conversation at
one point is interrupted by the elf-king’s procession
_ _II. In the Village, Meeting the Chief
Traveler enters the village with Gia, who is greeted warmly by the villagers, and by the head of the guard Marco,
her betrothed. They make their way to the center square where Gia introduces Traveler to her father who explains
that they are being harassed by troll-mage.
Traveler says he’d be happy to help. The Chief says that tomorrow there will be a confrontation in the fields
outside the village.
_ _III. In the Lair of the Trollus Magnus
The troll mage appears as a withered old woman whose powers are waning. He tells her minions that this may the last
opportunity to defeat the village’s head family by magic.
_ _IV. Invocation of Gia Before the Battle
Gia goes to the temple and asks the powers of good to help her father against the evil troll mage. An avatar appears
and tells her to not worry, all will be well, but the victory would come from an unexpected source.
_ _V. Battle and Conclusion - The Traveler Departs
The early morning reveals the two sides facing each other. They approach each other and use spears and crossbows.
Somehow none of the troll mages forces are very good shots. A few of the villager’s shots do hit their mark.
The two leaders step forward and stare at each other. No one notices Cia, Gia’s younger sister climb the oak tree
about 100 feet from where the leaders are facing off. Suddenly, an arrow pierces the forehead of the troll mage.
Cia’s accurate crossbow work has done its job. Gia and her father thank Traveler who had worked out an invisibility
spell which let Cia climb the tree unnoticed. Gia runs to Marco, the guard captain, her betrothed, and Traveler sees
time for him to leave. They offer him a lot of gold, but he only accepts 10% of what he was offered, “for expenses"
and departs
Ominous Clouds, Op 169
Scenario:
For when there are ominous clouds on the horizon, we must always remember what is important..
Faith, Family, Life, and Truth
Poem:
A storm is gathering,
The winds increase,
Hot from the East,
Mindless forces,
No concerns,
For past or present,
Just mindless drive,
Heavenly promises,
Ruses by spielers,
Safe in themselves,
Naive in control,
We are on our own.
The Squid, Avoiding Becoming Fried Calamari, Op 170
Swimming around with trepidation, always the concern is that the next moment he may wind up FRIED CALAMARI!
Dust Devil on Mars, Op 171
Depiction of a dust devil captured in images taken by the Spirit rover.
The Old Utility Pole in the Meadow, Op 174
Poem:
Swirling zephyrs bending blades, creating waves in a hypnotic dance.
Three souls fly above and circle the old monolith long forgotten.
Dark clouds swirl over a verdant sea sprinkled with gold and crimson.
For the winged, there is not much shelter from the approaching storm.
For a moment an unearthly silence, for you can hear your own heartbeat
A flash in the distance, followed by a distant rumble...uncertainty.
Interstate 5 at Night, Op 175
Traveling up the I-5 at night with all the other vehicles, and trucks.
A Multiversian Mysterium of a Diabolical Mind, Op 176
Piece in the style of late Scriabin
When one descends into multi-versian mysteries, the words can come forth, and new realities emerge. But, the mind trends into diabolicity,
with no cohesive thoughts for any appreciable period of time. (And y'all are asking, "What is he talking about?") LOL.
Turner Pictures II, Op 177
Three more works in the vein of Opus 7, with a redo
_ _I. Colour Beginning
_ _II. Glacus and Scylla
_ _III. Decline of the Carthiginian Empire
Dawn on Battle Day, Op 178
Odd submission to, “Worlds of Warcraft”, contest for music which went nowhere, there.
Prelude in f minor, Op 179
Prelude for Piano soon to come alive with a youtube performance by a professional pianist
Dracula On a Trip, The Hazards of Odorless Garlic, Op 180
Scenario:
Full of himself, as most vampires are, Dracula goes to one of the hottest clubs in town. Chooses his victim, a beautiful
blonde in her 30's, and gets to dance. At the `right` moment he moves in takes his bite. They resume dancing, but something
is wrong. The dancing is halting, and soon Dracula collapses, and is convulsing on the floor, hallucinating. Soon he dies
(for good this time). His `victim` not converted to vampire status, laughs, and dances in triumph around his body. You see
she is a health food addict and takes lots of garlic capsules. – The odorless kind, which were not detected by
Dracula...until it was too late.
Symphonic Lesson - The Devistation Tyrants Can Bring on Their People, Op 181
Scenario:
I will let the title stand by itself, whether the tyrant came to power with the force of arms or was democratically elected.
Some things can happen, and they may be bad...
This in my mind is a piece about Japanese Militarism before and during World War II, leading up to dropping of the
Atomic Bomb. If President Truman hadn’t done this, many more thousands of American and other allied militaries may
have died including my father. So, though some have told me this is in bad taste, I believe they are wrong. I wouldn’t be
here. And, you wouldn't be listening to my music. For my father, who was stationed in the South Pacific and contracted
malaria, and for Navy Fireman 2nd Class James B. Boring, 21, of Vales Mill, Ohio, a distant cousin who was killed
in the sinking of the Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor, I stand by the scenario of this piece.
Song of Irony, Op 182
Sarcastic Piece
Soliloquiy for English Horn and Strings, Op 184
Contemplative piece for English Horn and Strings
The Somber Caldera of Mount Saint Helens, Op 184a
Same music as soliloquy, but in a quiet volcanic mood
Windsong, Op 185
A couple of years ago on the site composersforum.com there was a proposal for a collaborative work. Many volunteered
to write a two minute section. Few finished. I was one who finished. I expanded the work since the idea was abandoned
by the site admin at the time.
Symphony #9, Clouds, Op 186
Symphony on cloud types
Movements:
_ _I. Cumulus
_ _II. Stratus
_ _III. Nimbus
_ _IV. Cirrus
Mercury Vapor Street Lamp - The Legend of Pizzicato Cat, Op 187
Scenario:
The old tomcat on the prowl finds a lady cat to have a tryst with, who then disappears. Somewhere there will be a litter
of kittens, but he only has a memory.
Quantum Mechanics, Beauty at the Bottom of the Universe, Op 188
Scenario:
Marco Bersanelli, a professor of astrophysics at the University of Milan, was recently interviewed and reiterated his belief
in God based on what he saw when he observed the cosmos. He is a member of the team that is gathering data from the ESA
Planck Astrophysical Satellite. He said, "To follow the evolutionary process of the universe, seeing it opening up like a flower
and finding mankind rooted in the cosmic history for 14 billion years is a beautiful and very moving thing"
The Legend of Oisian, Op 189
Scenario:
Oisian is a legendary figure from Irish and Scottish mythology, who had many adventures. The fairy princess Niamh
Goldenhair fell in love with Oisían's poetry and got him to join her in the immortal islands. After a long time there, Oisian
wanted to return to Ireland to see his comrades. Niamh, didn't want him to go, but lent him her horse... warning him that his
feet must not touch the ground, or he would never come back. In Ireland, Oisian not realizing how long he was gone, found
all his comrades dead. Then he saw two men struggling to carry a sack full of sand, and he bent down to help them, but his
saddle girth broke and he fell to the ground, the warning came to pass, Oisian becoming very old instantaneously.
Moral : Be careful of beautiful magical blonde ladies who like your poetry.
The Demise of Betelgeux, Op 190
Scenario:
Recently there have been suggestions that Betelgeuse is collapsing and may nova. Visually it will be an interesting sight,
but when it is done, the constellation Orion will be missing something.
Quiet Sun, Op 191
In the past few years there is an unexpected drop in sunspots, perhaps making the weather cooler?
Curious Day With Rufus Hot Sauce, Op 192
Scenario:
Pea soup Fog
Forget to wear glasses - I guess eyes aren't THAT bad
Rufus (Standard Poodle) Eats shoes
Win $6 Scratcher in Lotto
Praise for chart created at Work
Rufus who ate shoe loses Collar
Wife's grooming van has small problem
Son - 100% in math test
Eat steak for dinner - Rufus begs
Find Rufus` collar - he gets bite of steak
Son plays, "Fur Elise" by ear
CURIOUS DAY - Jumbled events
The Pillars of Bouryngsleigh, Op 193
Scenario:
First, There are suggestions of a couple of folksongs in this - one is very familiar (Greensleeves) and one not so much
(Captain's Apprentice) . Also, the old carol "Dives & Lazarus" is heard near the end of the work. Dives and Lazarus'
theme is also used in the Irish song "Star of County Down", and the Mormon Hymn, "If You Could Hie to Kolob", also
used by Ralph Vaughan Williams in his, "Five Variants on Dives and Lazarus"
Dives and Lazarus parable is in Luke 16 , and the words are based on that parable.
Here are the first two verses:
1. As it fell out upon a day,
Rich Dives made a feast,
And he invited all his friends,
And gentry of the best.
2. Then Lazarus laid him down and down,
And down at Dives' door;
Some meat, some drink, brother Dives,
Bestow upon the poor.
My Poem:
The Pillars of Bouryngsleigh
Deep in the West Country
On an overgrown path
Two pillars - guardians to an ancient manor
What stories do they hide?
What history have they seen?
Spirits of the meadow…
Zephyrs in the grass
An ancient voice along the path
A girl sings long forgotten
Has she ever really been?
Bouryngsleigh is an old manor house built in the late 13th century by a distant ancestor of mine, Stephen Bouryng (Maternal Grandfather's Family)
The Surname Bouryng-Bowring-Boring stretches over 700 years. It lives today among my cousins and was my mother's maiden name
The Zoo of Rush Hour, Op 194
Gridlock Traffic
Haunted Skies, Op 196
After 9/11 Skies seemed haunted
Rats Above the Ceiling Tiles, Op 197
Call the Exterminator! Hire a Cat!. They run above us - Noisy - clicking toenails! One died over the photocopy room.
It smells funny in there. Occasionally I hear a squeak. But I really don`t want to.
The Great Expanse, Op 199
The Universe is grand and wide.
Symphony #10, The Desert, Op 200
Symphony on four desert scenes
Poems:
_Upon an Endless Sea of Sand
Baking sun
Swirling dust devils
Rattlesnakes
Horizon to Horizon
Never ending
_The Song of the Night
Full moon
Coyote calls
Eerie shadows
Song of the breeze
_The Power of Wind
Twirling blades
Eagles, hawks, beware
Too much effort?
Too little result?
Lots of land taken
_Mirage on the Distant Horizon
Scene not real
Water not there
Only mountains
Few are aware