Recordings

About the Pieces

Nonet: Written in 2007, this piece marks a descent into despair. The first movement begins with a sense of nostalgic naivete. The second movement is dominated by a more demented and frantic atmosphere in which a mood of suppressed aggression might be noted. This leads to the violent outburst that is the third movement and ends with the despair of the fourth movement.

A Divine Image: This piece makes use of two texts: the first a traditional Hebrew text and the second a poem by William Blake. The Hebrew prayer asks god for strength while the Blake poem speaks of humanity's weaknesses.

Portraits from Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus:
Having been inspired by Shakespeare's play, this work explores the concept that is central to that work: revenge destroys all. Each portrait is inspired by an image, concept, or emotion found in or evoked by Shakespeare's work. This piece was completed in 2006 for Dr. Kathryn Fouse, professor of piano at Samford University in Alabama.

Performers

Nonet: Jennifer Bryan, Melicent King, Ruth Kuefler, Dan Komiya, violin; Nikki Taylor, Whitney Van Der Kamp, viola; Tom Maples, Rachel Williams, cello; Tim Patterson, bass

A Divine Image: Calli Schlegel, Amy Cayhill, Lauren Hendersen, Sopranos; KU Men's Glee Club; Tod Fish, director

Portraits from Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus:
Russell Ronnebaum, piano

Szpyrka Publishing