Chamber Music

Notes from Composer:

During the late fall of 2021, I was approached by Connor Altagen, a trombonist in the Quasar Quartet, who asked me if I'd compose a piece for their spring recital in 2022. An homage to the University of North Texas, the recital sought to showcase works by UNT composers and new music for the Trombone. I gladly took up the offer, though quickly realized I'd never written a Trombone quartet, so I'd have to experiment. While it seemed cliché, my first instinct was to write a fanfare; something flashy, impressive, and energetic. For inspiration, I studied some works of the great John Williams. Williams is especially known for his bright, triumphant fanfares, so borrowing a bit of his technique seemed appropriate enough. In particular, influences from the original Superman theme and "The Flight to Neverland" from Hook can be heard throughout. The feeling of this style of music, and the overall nature of the Trombone, seemed self-described as righteous. Thus, the title Fanfare for the Righteous was born. 

The best qualities in us as people are defined by righteousness: excellence, confidence, and heroism. From a more precise perspective, righteousness can also define a strong friendship: nobility, trust, and honor. These two characters are the makeup of the piece, represented by two contrasting themes tied together by acrobatic fanfares and piercing ostinatos. 

Price

Score PDF: $20

Full Digital Set: $40

“Ocho Kandelikas” is an original work by Flory Jagoda, a Bosnian,Jewish-born singer-songwriter and guitarist. The piece is from the Sephardic Jewish culture, a people who were originally from the Iberian peninsula but were banished from Spain after King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castille instituted La Reconquista in 722 AD, expelling practicing Jews and Muslims from the nation. Many Spanish Jews relocated to North Africa and Amsterdam, but many ended up in the Ottoman Empire, living in Turkey and the modern day Balkans region. Here they thrived, combining their Spanish, Jewish, and Turkish traditions into the beautiful blend such as that as you see on the music ahead. The original lyrics to “Ocho Kandelikas” are written in Ladino, a Judeo-Espanyol language. Flory Jagoda wrote this song in childhood memory of the celebration of Hanukkah. The lyrics describe the excitement of a child lighting an eight-candle Menorah around the Hanukkah festival. The listeners and players will find this piece to be a beautiful, fun reflection of the cultural melding found in the Sephardic Jewish community.

Notes to the Performers:

The same approach found in playing Latin music should be applied here. You will find the clave patterns, tumbao patterns on the conga, and harmonies similar to those found in South and Central American music. The performers should stand to play this piece (except for the conga) and the most enjoyment will be gathered from this piece if the performers move and dance as the music calls them. A side step to encourage groove and expression in the players and audience is recommended. The conga part can be played on any large, membranic, hand drum, like a conga itself or a djembe, even. Only one drum is necessary. Enjoy!

Price: $7.99