New Projects!

Hey everyone! One of my objectives this semester is to write for as many instruments as I can that I've never written for before. As a result, I've naturally come up with a couple of ideas, which I'd like to share with you.

First, and one I've partially completed, is a set of character pieces for solo oboe inspired by creatures from Del Toro's film Pan's Labyrinth. I've written what I believe will be the final piece in the set, which explores the character of the Faun. In the film, the Faun is introduced as ancient and mystical, yet seemingly untrustworthy. As the film progresses, he regains his youth and becomes steadily more benign. The oboe piece I've written reflects this transformation through metamorphosis of color and rhythmic patterns. The other two pieces I have in mind for this set will portray the Giant Tree Frog and the Pale Man.

Second, I have an idea for setting a poem that I've long been fond of. If you've ever been fortunate enough to have read Lewis Carroll's "Jabberwocky", then you already know what a witty and unique classic it is. For those of you haven't read, first you should look it up, but I'll also explain it a bit. As with much of Carroll's work "Jabberwocky" employs non-sensical words that amazingly make perfect sense to our ears. It tells the story of a boy who, having been warned of the dangerous Jabberwock by his father, takes a sword, faces the beast, and bravely overcomes it. It's a heroic tale, but the language makes it very humorous at the same time, and this creative feel makes it one of my favorites.

So, my idea is to set this poem for a small vocal ensemble accompanied by marimba. I know the piece has been set before, but I'd like to throw in my own interpretation. This also gives me a chance to write for two mediums I've never tried before. I only had this idea today, so I haven't done any work on it, but I'm really excited about how it may turn out.

Anyways, those are pieces to be looking out for in the future, as well as the second episode of Joker's Interlude, which you can read about below. Speaking of Joker's Interlude, this coming thursday (2-11-10) I'll be having I. Spades performed for the second time, and this time there will be a recording made. I am thrilled to say the least!

Also, as a final note, I have a Facebook artist page set up, which everyone should check out. There's music to listen to, and I'll be updating it regularly as I add material to my various webpages. Gotta keep everyone current.

Okay, I'll let you go, but what would be a blog post without a youtube video embedded at the end.

Perhaps my favorite Super Bowl ad this year.