There is a sense of suspense and uncertainty in taking steps in the night. It brings to mind the evocative aural qualities of someone moving through the dark – at times boldly, other times more carefully measured. – RW
“Steps in the Night” was the winning suggestion entry by J. Shea in a “title contest” sponsored by the Cello Museum.
(Audio is a midi realization)
Mixed Times of Yearning
Originally written as a miniature for viola, this is a reworking for solo cello. It is an interesting challenge to compose a work that is meant to fit within a very short timeframe, and have it stand as a complete piece of music that moves through a sense of emotional depth and development. The title refers not only to the mixed time signatures within the music, but also to a brief expression of mixed poignancies of yearnings encountered at different times in one’s life. – RW
Full Circle
Program note: Full Circle is a contemplation of cycles of emotion that continually emerge and recede throughout life. The music is written for a subtle interplay between the soloist and the orchestra, rather than the traditional role of the soloist being in the forefront. My intention is a shifting of perceptions in which the soloist emerges from the orchestra, in much the way that intense feelings rise from the unconscious, giving voice to emotional currents, and then recede back into the subliminal. A metaphorical image that comes to my mind is of a figure becoming discernible as it emerges from a dense mist, then recedes, blending again into the atmosphere, only to reemerge as a presence again. – RW
Recorded by the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra, Petr Vronský conductor and Petr Nouzovský cello for PARMA Recordings.
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Just beyond Reach
Program Note: Composed near the end of my mother’s long descent into dementia, as witness, I sought a release of wordless expression and reflection through music. –RW (Audio is a midi realization)
Configurations
(Audio files are midi realizations)
Both versions of the work as a duet for two cellists and a duet for cello & double bass are available through the score purchase link.
Midi realization for cello & double bass version.
Score for cello & double bass
Score for two cellists
One Among Minutes
(Midi realization of bass clarinet version)
PDF score of the bass clarinet version. (Purchase the bass clarinet score.)
PDF score of the cello version.
A Moment’s Impression
Originally composed as a submission for Suzanne Mueller, cello & Thomas Piercy, clarinet, 15 Minutes of Fame.
(Video features Géraldine Fastré, clarinette & Bruno Ispiola, violoncelle at Osmose Intermezzo concert, Centre Culturel d’Evere – l’Entrela’ Bruxelles, Belgium)
Then Again
Points of thought restated. – RW
(Audio features cellist, Mira Frisch from the “Dancing on Glass” CD release on Albany Records.)
Resolves
Finding a sense of acceptance and inner strength – a reaffirmation of emotional resolves in life. – RW
The video features the World Premiere of Resolves beautifully performed by cellist, Roger Morelló Ros on October 30, 2020, Kulturkirche-Ost, Köln (Germany). (mask due to COVID measures)
Originally dedicated to cellist, Carmine Miranda.
Carmine breathes life into music with his soulful artistry and nuanced mastery. I am very grateful to have this demo studio recording as a work sample.
Winter’s Solitude
Program note: Clear, cold light and quiet introspection infuse two moods of existential contemplation on a winter’s day.
(Audio is a concert performance at Turtle Bay Music School, NYC.)
Why Is It?
Program note: A moment’s questioning of an emotional circumstance.
(Audio is a concert performance at Turtle Bay Music School, NYC)
In Conversation
Confidentially
A brief intimacy of a shared moment in confidence. – RW
(Audio is a midi realization of the version for bassoon and cello.)
