Welcome to my blog

I have created this site in order to provide performers, listeners and composers with a description of a composer's experiences with the creative process. The posts will provide discussions of the inspirations, challenges, and successes of a composer from the inception of the piece to the culmination in performance. I will provide a link to where you can see and hear the works in progress. Comments and questions are always welcomed. They will not posted unless you grant me permission.

Friday, November 24, 2017

Lexicon II for Brass Quintet - Movement 4

This is a composition that I am writing as a result of a commissioning consortium. The composition is for Brass Quintet. For more information about the consortium, please visit http://www.cooppress.net/page9/page385/index.html

Lexicon II is the second composition in a series that defines words through music.

The fourth movement, Amok, is filled with dissonance, counterpoint, and chromaticism in order to represent its definition; "to behave uncontrollably and disruptively." Sections of order seem to break down into sections of chaos and the movement ends on an unsettled chord.


Your comments are always welcomed.

Dr. B

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Lexicon II for Brass Quintet - Movement 3

This is a composition that I am writing as a result of a commissioning consortium. The composition is for Brass Quintet. For more information about the consortium, please visit http://www.cooppress.net/page9/page385/index.html


Lexicon II is the second composition in a series that defines words through music.
In order to represent Eerie, the word for the third movement, a slow tempo and sparse instrumentation are used along with dissonance, extreme dynamics, trills and glissandi. Eerie means "uncanny, so as to inspire superstitious fear."



Your comments are always welcomed.

Dr. B

Friday, November 10, 2017

Lexicon II for Brass Quintet - Movement 2

This is a composition that I am writing as a result of a commissioning consortium. The composition is for Brass Quintet. For more information about the consortium, please visit http://www.cooppress.net/page9/page385/index.html


Lexicon II is the second composition in a series that defines words through music. The second movement, Clandestine, uses pyramids to disguise the melodic line and asymetrical meter to disguise the beat in order to represent the definition of "characterized by, done in, or executed with secrecy or concealment, especially for purposes of subversion or deception." The brass instruments are muted throughout this movement.



Your comments are always welcomed.

Dr. B

Divertimento II for Brass Quintet - Movement I

This is a composition that I am writing as a result of a commissioning consortium. The composition is for Brass Quintet. For more information about the consortium, please visit http://www.cooppress.net/page9/page385/index.html


Lexicon II is the second composition in a series that defines words through music. The first movement, Ballyhoo, means "clamor or outcry." This is achieved musically through a fast tempo, wide intervals, asymetric meter, imitative sixteenth note patterns, and mild dissonance.




Your comments are always welcomed.

Dr. B



Sunday, January 29, 2017

Spectrum Suite for Alto Saxophone and Tuba Movements 6-7

This is a composition that I am writing as a result of a commissioning consortium. The composition is for Alto Saxophone and Tuba. For more information about the consortium, please visit http://www.cooppress.net/page9/page10/index.html 

Spectrum Suite consists of seven short movements that musically depict the seven colors of the spectrum. Here are movements 6 and 7.

Indigo–Indigo is mystical as it bridges the Gap between Finite and Infinite. Indigo colored gemstones are often used for spiritual attainment, psychic abilities, self-awareness and enhancement of Intuition. This movement is mystical in nature.


Violet–is considered the highest element of spirituality. This movement is rich and inspirational.


Your comments are always welcomed.

Dr. B

Spectrum Suite for Alto Saxophone and Tuba Movements 4-5

This is a composition that I am writing as a result of a commissioning consortium. The composition is for Alto Saxophone and Tuba. For more information about the consortium, please visit http://www.cooppress.net/page9/page10/index.html 

Spectrum Suite consists of seven short movements that musically depict the seven colors of the spectrum. Here are movements 4 and 5.

Green–denotes fertility, growth, balance, health and wealth. This movement has a pastoral nature with lush harmonies.


Blue–makes us think of the Unknown. The sky and the wide oceans are in this color and hence it has been associated with Spirituality and Divinity. This movement  focuses on the vastness of the oceans and would contain sea scenes.



Your comments are always welcomed.

Dr. B

Monday, January 16, 2017

Spectrum Suite for Alto Saxophone and Tuba Movements 1-3

This is a composition that I am writing as a result of a commissioning consortium. The composition is for Alto Saxophone and Tuba. For more information about the consortium, please visit http://www.cooppress.net/page9/page10/index.html 

Spectrum Suite consists of seven short movements that musically depict the seven colors of the spectrum. Here are the first three movements.

Red–signifies passion, vitality, enthusiasm and security. This movement is lively and passionate.


Orange–represents creativity, practicality, playfulness as well as equilibrium or control. This movement is moderate and playful.


Yellow–represents clarity of thought, wisdom, orderliness and energy. This movement contains clear counterpoint and is energetic.



Your comments are always welcomed.

Dr. B