Integrated Frequency 1 - Harmony

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Harmony

In this experiment I took a traditional harmonic progression derived from a single overtone scale, in an arpeggiated pattern, and distributed it to other related overtone scales, in their corresponding tempo families.

I used R40, R120, R160, and R200 in their tempo family of 75BPM and 150BMP.  I used R60 and R120 in their tempo family of 112.5BPM.   

The corresponding relationships created by the harmonic progression in multiple overtone scales and corresponding tempos creates polytonality and polytempo.

I kept R60 in 75BPM to experiment with a Tonic/Dominant relationship between the two instances of R40, then R60.  R60 is derived from the 3rd overtone of the root frequency of .3125Hz.  The third overtone is the ‘fifth’ scale degree.  So, the chord progression was played in R40 (Tonic), then it was played in R60 (Dominant) in the same tempo, then finally back to R40 (Tonic).

Integrated Frequency 1 - Rhythm, Bass

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Rhythm/Bass 

This was an experiment in two different overtone scale/rhythms: R5/R10 against R30/R60.  The familiar rock style is challenged by the convergence of the two tempos and scales, creating polytonal and polytempo moments.

Only two compositional components were used to create this piece: a bass pattern and a rhythm pattern.

(For more information, please see my article, Integrated Frequency)

Integrated Frequency 1 - Rhythm

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Rhythm

Beginning with the lowest fundamentals, here is an experiment in polyrhythms.  Using the root frequencies of R5, R10, R20, R40, R80, and R120 at 75BPM as one rhythmic block, R30 at 112.5BPM and 225BPM as another rhythmic block, and R35 and R70 at 131.25BPM and 525BPM as the last rhythmic block, many polyrhythms are created.  At one point there is a ratio of 12:28:11.

The pitches were created by making a short note on each fundamental using the additive Max synth that I made, so the tempos and pitches of each rhythmic block are in the same family.  There are three main rhythmic families against each other in polyrhythms.  All of these families are related to each other, as branches of the same tree, the foundation being 18.75BPM (or .3125Hz).

(For more information, please see my article: Integrated Frequency)

Psalm 67 (for solo violin)

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This is a contemporary classical composition inspired by Ysaye's works for unaccompanied violin.  Each section is based upon a verse from the Biblical chapter Psalm 67.  The work has been premiered and performed by the composer in New York City, Czechoslovakia and Vienna.

Of the work, Hans Neidhardt, music director of the Volksbildungskreis in Vienna, Austria wrote:

“…his encore (Psalm 67), a composition of his own earned much applause by the audience.”

The Seed

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The Seed

This is an Easter Oratorio, written in a ‘Praise and Worship’ setting.  It is a 20 minute through-composed song, derived from an analogy of Jesus coming to earth as a seed, dying in the ground and resurrecting to new life, ultimately producing fruit for harvest as God’s Kingdom expands throughout the world.

This was a substantial stretch for our group at the time.  I was glad to have obtained a live recording of the work.

String Quartet #2

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String Quartet #2

I wrote this when I was about eighteen years old, while still living in New York City, working on my Bachelor’s degree from Juilliard.  The many string quartet performances I had attended in the New York area, as well as at Meadowmount Summer Music camp, put a desire in me to stretch forth and write for the medium.

I was elated to have it recorded a couple years later by the Thouvenel String Quartet.  In 1985, it was choreographed by Anthony Ferro, named “Novella Blanc.”

String Quartet #3 (Vignettes)

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This work was written for and premiered by the Lindsayan String Quartet in 2001.  The work consists of five short movements, thematically united.  Since the movements were shorter and concise, I sub-titled the work ‘Vignettes.’

Hope you enjoy!

A Bit O' Jazz

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A Bit ‘O Jazz (for Chamber Ensemble)

This was my first attempt at ‘serious’ composition.  I wrote it when I was around 13 years old for my Junior High School Orchestra.  I wasn’t asked to write it, I just thought that if I had enough initiative to write for the group, the director would elect to perform it, or at least read it.

My naivete brought me some initial disappointment from the director of the ensemble.  He had other plans for how he wanted to budget the rehearsal time for the group.

However, since I played in the Midland-Odessa Symphony at the time, the resident String Quartet and a couple other musicians told me they would be glad to read it for me after one of our rehearsals, which is the recording posted here.

This was my first journey into the world of composing and the rewarding feeling that comes from getting a group to play one’s work, along with the thrill of capturing the recording. 

Hope you enjoy it!

More and More Grace

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“But God gives a greater grace.” (James 4:6) More and more grace has been poured out on us, through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Here’s a Gospel song I wrote about it. Hope you enjoy!

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear (Gospel)

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This is an original song I wrote, using text from the well-known Christmas carol. The recording was from a live performance on Christmas Eve at Odessa Christian Faith Center, 2023. Hope you enjoy!

Away In a Manger (for acapella choir)

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This is an essay on the famous Christmas carol, performed live by the Odessa Christian Faith Center Vocal Ensemble, Christmas Eve 2023. It was an experiment in linear textual writing, as well as linear melodic part-writing. Added to the song are some theological thoughts.

Hope you enjoy!

Floodgates, All Hail the Power (score)

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This is a declaration song of God’s ability to break into our awareness. Just like a dam bursting open, His power will not be contained by any human agency. This was presented live at Odessa Christian Faith Center in 2022. I wrote the song for a special presentation, then later added the hymn, ‘All Hail the Power,’ for congregational involvement.

Hope you enjoy it!

America, Come to Me

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God has a call upon this nation. His light will yet shine through us to the benefit of the world. As we humble ourselves under His might hand, He will bring us back to the destiny we are meant to fulfill.

It Is Finished

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When Jesus hung on that cross, He declared '“It is finished!” That means all of our sins, separation from God, and eternal judgement were taken away. We now have peace with God because of His sacrifice, His willingness to pay it all.

Road to Golgotha

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As Jesus carried His cross, the awkwardness and humiliation of facing crucifixion, He did it for us, knowing He would purchase us from our sin and bring us into His family. He gave His life, laying down all privileges, so we could see Heaven. He faced hell in a way no one else could, so we could gain eternal life.

In the Garden (Easter)

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It was actually in the Garden that Jesus won the victory internally before going to the cross. He found the strength in prayer to head toward the cross, being separated from His Father for the first time. He had courage to face the humiliation and pain of crucifixion, knowing the joy that would soon follow in resurrection.

Magnificat

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This is a composition for acapella choir, using the famous text from the Bible, as Mary greeted Elizabeth. (Lk. 1:46-55) The miracle of The Seed being placed in her womb, the Word becoming flesh, Heaven touching earth is even more astounding knowing that it happened to a young girl who was unsuspecting of her destiny to bear the Child Who would be the Savior of the world.

This was a live performance by the Odessa Christian Faith Center choir, directed by Stephanie Carter, Christmas Eve 2021.

Hope you enjoy!