Word painting of a raw, intense poem by Paul Cummings is the essence of this homage to the miracle of music, which begins: Your harmony invades my being; / my body is captured by the embrace / of a melody that leads me out of dark places.
A flowing Spanish setting from Psalm 90 (91): The Lord will overshadow you with his pinions, and you will find refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will encompass you with a shield.
This marvelous love poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is dynamically dressed with a rich palette of word painting.
Violin, clarinet, cello, and harp [c. 17:30]
This multi-movement work, played continuously, is inspired by Margaret Craven’s affecting novella about life among the Kwakiutl people in British Columbia, I Heard the Owl Call My Name.
“[Gibson’s] moving The Calls of the Owl evoked nature imagery with lyrical counterpoint and flowing ostinatos.” – Los Angeles Times
flute, viola, harp [c. 4:15]
This lively piece now serves as the final movement of Ternion Sonata No. 1, but is available separately, as an encore, etc.
[excerpt performed by the Debussy Trio]
Available from the composer
4 tpts, 4 hns, 3 tbns, bs tbn, tuba [c. 2:00]
This short fanfare was inspired by the sonics of the LA Phil’s brass section and designed to capture the upbeat, celebratory spirit of the orchestra’s Centennial season.
[recorded on the front steps of Walt Disney Concert Hall]
Available from the composer
English horn, string quartet [c. 8:45]
This somber, expressive quintet was inspired by a Wilfred Owen poem, Asleep.
[virtual realization through Sibelius Sounds]
String orchestra [6:40]
This string piece reflects several levels and stages of profound grief. Premiered by the Orange County High School for the Arts, led by Christopher Russell.
(Watch the YouTube video based on this music.)
[virtual realization through Sibelius Sounds]
Flute, clarinet, bassoon [c. 4:15]
MIDI realization by Sibelius
Available from the composer
String orchestra [c. 4:00]
Commissioned by Marcy and Mark Sudock for the Musique Sur La Mer Orchestras (Long Beach, CA), this piece for string orchestra was composed for the Double Coronation of Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla and is set to be premiered in London on May 5, 2023. It intends to capture the tradition of English and American string writing while being appropriately regal and celebratory.
MIDI from Sibelius with Note Performer
Flute, viola, and harp [c. 6:10]
Commissioned, premiered, and recorded by the Debussy Trio, this highly rhythmic chamber work uses both tonal and serial techniques in contemplation of divine interplay. The Debussy Trio released their recording of this work, Look Ahead, both in CD and mp3 formats.
See the score and hear the piece on YouTube.
[Excerpt from "Look Ahead," performed by the Debussy Trio]
Available from the composer
violins 1 and 2, viola, cello [c. 15:00]
This string quartet is in three contrasting movements: 1) Overture, 2) Air, and 3) Scherzo.
MIDI realization via Music Performer/Sibelius
Available from the composer
4 horns [c. 3:25]
This quartet of horns bounces along, built on a distant memory of a motet by Machaut.
MIDI realization via Note Performer/Sibelius
flute, viola, harp [c. 14.30]
Commissioned, premiered, and recorded by the Debussy Trio.
Movements include:
I. Forgetting the Words
II. How sad, how strange the days that are no more
III. DT Variations in a Tasty Rondo Shell
Read a review of the CD.
Available from the composer
flute, viola, harp [c. 10:00]
Commissioned by the Debussy Trio, this second sonata for them features these three movements:
1. A Desirable New Perspective
2. Palate Cleanser
3. Dance Finale
MIDI realization via Note Performer/Sibelius
Available from the composer
oboe, horn, cello [c. 10:00]
Premiered by And Then Some (Victoria Sabonjohn, oboe; Danielle Ondarza, horn; and Cathy Biagini, cello) on November 12, 2022, this unusual chamber work has three movements:
1. One-upmanship
2. But I Digress
3. Agree to Disagree
Performed by Victoria Sabonjohn, oboe; Danielle Ondarza, horn; and Cathy Biagini, cello.
