Orchestral
As a composer, I can attest to the special nature of composing for orchestra. There is something truly magical about working with an ensemble of musicians, each with their own unique abilities and voices, to create a piece of music. Hearing my compositions come to life, with the help of skilled musicians, and adding those final touches, is a dream come true.
BALLESTRA
THREE TURNS
During some of the most challenging and uncertain times in Covid, I was asked to compose a piece of music that would reflect the emotions and struggles we were all collectively experiencing, while doing my best to weave in a sense of hope and positiveness for the future - this is where Ballestra was born. A piece composed for the Diablo Ballet and the Diablo Symphony. I kept the dancers and orchestra in mind throughout the writing process.
This piece was truly a labor of love during very challenging times. I hope you enjoy Ballestea and that it connects with you. I put my heart and soul into every single note. It's amazing to have something so special to show after everything we all went through during Covid. Thank god for music and the arts!
*This recording was performed by the Budapest Scoring Orchestra in the Winter of 2021.
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This piece was specifically created for ballet. My initial objective was to create a solo piano version, and from there, orchestrate it and have it recorded. This dream became a reality when the world-class Budapest Scoring Orchestra recorded it in the Winter of 2021. Throughout the writing process, I kept dance at the forefront of my mind, envisioning how each note would complement the dancer's movements and how the music and story would transition from scene to scene and dancer to dancer.
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While I've crafted the musical narrative, it is left open-ended, inviting a choreographer to interpret and tell their own story through dance.
BEHIND THE SMILE
"There are many faces, hats and robes we wear. The foot we lead with, is followed closely behind by the challenges, and weight of the world carried by these tired shoulders. This piece encompasses what is kept hidden behind a smile to give myself and others the strength and encouragement to stay positive no matter what is going on inside."
—Justin Levitt
Originally composed as a solo piano work, this piece was later arranged for piano, cello, and violin. After hearing the music, Diablo Ballet approached Justin to choreograph a dance, resulting in a unique and meaningful collaboration. Working alongside acclaimed dancer and choreographer Michael Wells, the arrangement was brought vividly to life, making the experience exceptionally memorable. As a deeply personal composition, sharing it through both music and dance added special resonance to its message.
This recording features Raquel Fisk (piano), Cuna Kim (cello), and Danielle Kim (violin), with choreography by Michael Wells and artistic direction by Lauren Jonas. The performance also highlights the talented dancers of Diablo Ballet.
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TRAUER
Trauer = Sorrow, Morning, Grief
I reflected on the beginning of 2020, so much hope for a new year, a new decade for that matter. But before our plans could be put to the test, we we're tested in a way we weren't accustom to. Fear overtook the world, helplessness and grief washed over many of us. We became a grieving nation for all the loved ones that were being lost day-by-day. And although there was great loss and pain, strength and hope were not forgotten. This piece is a reflection of that initial sorrow and fear that enveloped us and the renewed hope and fortitude that is inevitably taking its place.
FROM ANOTHER TIME
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You’ll hear composers often say, “I don’t know where the music came from, it just came through me, and I listened.” In some cases, a piece appears from another time, in life or even in history. As I was writing this piece, I could see snow falling and felt the cold of a winter inside myself. At the same time, I felt warmed by the melody and passion of the somewhat sorrowful yet hopeful story the music was telling me of a distant land, from a very long time ago. This led me to the title, “From Another Time.”