Jeff Morris

Despite the classical-sounding title, the surface level of this work imitates the ‘cool’ jazz style of the early 1950’s. Meanwhile, the underlying structure is based on rather rigorous serial techniques, which has surprised every listener so far. This light, rhythmic movement may be played alone or with the rest of the Concerto. There are plenty of chances to improvise in this non-tonal context (but written solos are provided for the faint-of-heart).

View and buy the score at SibeliusMusic (plug-in required): 1st movement, 2nd-5th movements.

This six-minute composition for unaccompanied trumpet explores serial techniques in a more organic way than is traditionally used in serial music. A very small musical idea (a string of seven pitches) is the underlying “DNA” for the entire piece.  The performer portrays two opposing voices, which manifest themselves and interact in different ways in each of the three movements.  The trumpeter will enjoy challenging leaps and runs as well as the freedom from traditional tonal patterns and phrasing.  This may be played on a trumpet in any key, read without transposing. 

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

peja’chuqegh is a performance work that mocks everything about the stereotype of the classical string quartet, including its use in society, system of tonailty, form, instrumentation, and the foreign languages in which they always write the directions.  This performance is by faculty and students at the Florida State Unviersity (including Butch Rovan).

Recorded performance of movements I, III, and II (in that order) at OurMedia.org (MP3) 

Nobishnobin is a mysterious tune with latin flavor. It is not tonal, but the changes are nice to play over. Chord symbols are given for tenor saxophone soloist and piano and guitar accompaniment; drums and bass have written parts as a basis for improvisation.

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