Jeff Morris

This 60-second piece in the style of a 1960’s crime drama theme song was just chosen for the 2008 International Mix of Vox Novus’s 60×60 project. It was also included in the Evolution Mix, which was presented in concert in New York with choreography (see events listing).

Ancient Chinese Secret for three to eight Sudoku and bell players is a sonic performance piece that exploits the inflated mystery of unseen goings-on. In live performance, the details on the paper cannot be seen by the audience, and the sounds produced are only indirectly related to the main task of the performers. In recorded or radio performance, the mystery is heightened because the performers cannot be seen, making the sound seem even more ancient, Chinese, and secret (although they may not be any of these things).

Ancient Chinese Secret score and notes (PDF)

Recorded performance at OurMedia.org (MP3)

My Etude No. 3 for horn was selected to be recorded by Tim Jackson for a feature on Composition:Today.  It uses natural harmonics of the horn in a more contemporary way.  (About the few measures he calls “unplayable:” I played them myself many times before writing them in the first place.)

Read more, see the score, and hear the recording here.

An expressive rendition of the psalm in varied musical languages, to fit the text. Optional keyboard reduction provided.

View and buy the score at SibeliusMusic (plug-in required).

Two different musical voices makes their way through the ensemble, manifest in different ways, making for a stream-of-consciousness musical discourse. Extreme ranges are avoided or accompanied by alternative notes, if needed. For string orchestra, quintet, or quartet.

View and buy the score at SibeliusMusic (plug-in required).

In this quintet, three-voice groups argue out their differences in a rhythmic style inspired by funk. It lays down a unique 3/4 groove that you can pat your foot to, but keeps you guessing. Each instrument has a fun, interesting and challenging part, either working independently, or as a part of an intense rhythmic groove, or in unusual timbral groupings. The first movement (of three) will also be available alone, but works best when played with the others. The second movement interrupts the first with a free “Dream sequence,” and the finale picks up where the first movement left off to take it all home.

View and buy the score at SibeliusMusic (plug-in required).

A minor blues written for the Chisholm Trail Middle School jazz band.

View and buy the scores at SibeliusMusic: for large jazz ensemble or small ensemble (plug-in required).