Bull in a China Shop (2020) for alto saxophone and piano
Duration: 7:30
Follow the Leader (2015) for tuba and pianoTo hear a full recording, click here.
Follow the Leader was commissioned by tubist Matthew Hightower, who was also a former composition student of mine at Murray State University. It begins with a challenging melody, characterized by minor-seventh leaps, presented initially by the tuba and piano together. That melody gets repeated and varied throughout the work, with each new version taking the piece in a new direction. The final variation is set in the left hand of the piano in a fast 9/8 meter, bringing the work to its exciting conclusion.
The piece is so titled for two reasons. Matthew was a model student in the music department at Murray State, studying music education, tuba, and composition at a high level. His work ethic and dedication set a great example for his peers (and those who have come along afterward)—an example to be followed. Matt ended up getting a doctorate in Tuba Performance at the University of Texas and has become a professional performer and educator. In addition, this piece makes heavy use of the canon, a composition device where one musical line is placed on top of itself but a little behind. In the following example, the two lines are an octave apart with only an eighth note separating them:
In all cases, canons have a leader and a follower. There are over ten canons that occur throughout the piece and are marked in the score.
Score and parts available for sale at Potenza Music.
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Pistol Pete’s Passacaglia (2008) for violin and contrabass (solo strings)
Fantasy in Six Continuous Movements (2006) for alto sax [or Bb clarinet] and piano
The Red Thread (2002)for trumpet and organ
Sonata for Alto Sax and Piano (2001)
Re-Emergence (1998) for cello and piano
Two Pieces for Horn and Piano (1997)
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