One of my earliest works, this duo was written over many months using pencil, paper, and the remarkable Casio Music Calculator. I begn it just after midnight, having come home from my swing-shift Summer job. It is dedicated to my long time friend, oboist Diane Stillman. At the time she was my dorm neighbor, and fielded innumerable questions from a novice musician.
It's structured as a suite of five short episodes, approximating a rondo. I've made only a few changes from the original, mostly to a couple of additional chances for the player to breathe. After all this time, it's still one of my melodic favorites.
1983, revised 2007. (A score is also available pno/clarinet.)
"Lovely. Nice mix of traditional and modern tonalities and rhythms." --Kristy
| 1245_Duet_v3.mp3 | |
 | 1245 Duet Pno Oboe v3.pdf |
This quartet for horn, flute, viola & guitar was originally concieved as a trio, written *very* early in my career. It was for a young horn player named Suzanne. I came across it again (after many years) and decided to give it a much needed update.
"The guitar works unbelievably well in this arrangement. I was not convinced when I read your notes, but when I actually listened... the guitar solo framed by the rest of the piece sounds incredible!" --Feenix
| A_Past_&_Future_Wish.mp3 | |
| A_Past_and_Future_Wish_qtet_Score.pdf |
A lively and lighthearted trio with the cello providing a clave-like rhythm against the flutes.
April 2008
"This trio of well-phrased voices is utterly charming. The melody uplifts the listener, while at the same time, the accompaniment keeps the listener anchored. Bravo!" --Jeanette
| A Twist of Lime [trio] v1_3.mp3 | |
| A Twist of Lime v1_2 Score.pdf |
A short renaissance-style piece for soprano, alto, tenor and bass recorders and tambourine. (Arrangements also for brass quartet, and for 2 fl, vla, cello.)
"Lovely piece of music." -- Jeff M.
| Adieu_O_Lovely_Spring_[rec].mp3 | |
| Adieu [recorders] Score.pdf |
A light-hearted trio for two flutes and cello inspired on the evening of the Autumn equinox... thus the "day" and "night" equal-time motifs in the two flutes, with the cello as the ocean and the wind in the trees... (A companion piece to A Twist of Lime.
"This sounds larger than three instruments; you have a lot of musical ideas in this piece--but it's not cluttered. I like the now and then chromaticisms [and] how you approach a cadence and your use novel ways of creating release." --John M.
| Autumn Equinox Caprice.mp3 | |
| Autumn_Equinox_Caprice_Score.pdf |
Standing on deck of a small boat in the Sea of Cortez watching for Humpback whales.
| Blue_Whale_blue.mp3 |
This piece for recorder and guitar was written for the occasion of my wedding. The wedding was a full renaissance theme, and my musician friends accompanied us as we waltzed into the audience after our vows, initiating the reception.party.
| Candle Waltz v1_1.mp3 | |
| CandleWaltz Score.pdf |
A lighthearted piece for clarinet and strings.
12/8 meter with a 4/4 middle section. (4 min)
"Nice! ... I love it" --Calum M.
| Clarinet_Quintet_v103.mp3 |
A concertino* in the baroque style featuring the oboe, plus a string quartet & harpsichord. It is in the traditional three movements. Movements 1 & 2 are in F and Cm respectively. Movement 3 begins in E and modulates several times to end up in Bb. I was trying to get the sound and feel of the era, while adding my personal stamp to it.
*A concertino is a baroque-era concerto, which is shorter and uses fewer instruments than the later concerto.
A three movement work based on the themes and concept I envisioned as a beginning music student in college.
"Fantastic." --Kathy
| Concerto_Anacapa_all_128.mp3 |
An orchestral suite of 5 episodes organized into three movements. (The 3rd movement was posted a while back as 'sol invictus' and updated to become the finale of this piece.
I. Tempesta d'estiu
II. Llum de la lluna
III. Sol invicte
translation from the beautiful language of Catalan:
I. Summer Storm
II. Light of the Moon
III. Invincible Sun
Keys and duration: I. Dm 1:12, II. Eb 5:20 (3 subsections), III. Bm 1:20 Instruments: woodwinds, brass, strings, timpani, snare, bass drum, plus marimba, clave, maracas, tubular bells
Painting "Moonlit Night" by Nelya Taylor, used with permission
Moonlit Night Canvas
| I Tempesta d'estiu.pdf |
| II Llum de la Lluna.pdf |
| III_Sol_Invicte.pdf |
Divertimento: a piece of incidental music for string orchestra, plus tuba and hwo horns. (In Process)
~3.5min, Lento, key of F
| divertimento_for_strings_v105.mp3 | |
| divertimento for strings_v105.pdf |
An ensemble featuring harp and double bass, plus flute, clarinet, viola, cello. 12/8 meter.
| Dizzy-ish_v108_CL-Bb.pdf |
| Dizzy-ish_v108_CL-C.pdf |
| Dizzy-ish_v108_DB.pdf |
| Dizzy-ish_v108_FL.pdf |
| Dizzy-ish_v108_FULL.pdf |
| Dizzy-ish_v108_HARP.pdf |
| Dizzy-ish_v108_VC.pdf |
| Dizzy-ish_v108_VLA.pdf |
A one minute whirlwind using a mini ensemble. Incorporates a fragment of one of my favorite Bach themes and another Bach-like bit, plus a prominent collection of timpani. Prepared for a new music competition whose only requirement was < 60sec.
"Great piece -- snappy and sharp." --J.R.
| Drums_in_Bach's_Closet.mp3 | |
| Drums_in_Bach's_Closet_Score2.pdf |
Inspired by the "Sea Chantey" muse, and with a penchant for medleys, here is "The Drunken Sailor/Early Up She Rises with combined with "Ninety-nine Bottles of Beer" and "Theme from Gilligan's Isle."
Instr: two flugel horns, tenor recorder, bagpipes, cello, bass, trombone, tuba, snare drum, bass drum, tambourine key: Am
Enjoyed the bagpipe-sound. Very cool arrangement! --Andreas
| drunken_sailor_v1_2.mp3 |
A piano piece in three short episodes using a variety of meters, esp. 5/4 5/8, 6/8.
| Five-Four_Five-Eight_Etude.mp3 |
Gravel Highway is a piece for orchestra with two movements: Allegro, Maestoso. 2 flutes, Oboe, E.Hn, 2 clar, bass clar, bsn, 2 hns, tpt, bass trombone, timpani, snare, susp & crash cymbals, strings. (In Process)
Allegro: Em, Maestoso, Em/G#m/Cm
~7min
| Gravel_Highway_v111.mp3 | |
| Gravel_Highway_v109.pdf |
This piece starts and ends in Am, with an opening section in 4/4 to contrast with the featured motif in 7/8 meter, The original string duo was extended in length and arranged for flute, clarinet and cello. dur: 4:40
| Heli Elu Seitse [fl,cl,vc] v114 cues.mp3 | |
| Heli Elu Seitse Trio CL.pdf |
| Heli Elu Seitse Trio FL.pdf |
| Heli Elu Seitse Trio FULL.pdf |
| Heli Elu Seitse Trio VC.pdf |
Written by request for an unusual duo of violin and contrabass. Mostly in 7/8 meter. (Later arranged for trio of flute, clarinet, cello.)
*Estonian: translated means (The Sound of Life in Seven)
Short URL to this location... http://tiny.cc/heli_elu_seitse
| duo,Heli_Elu_Seitse_v106.mp3 | |
| Heli_Elu_Seitse_v106_CB.pdf |
| Heli_Elu_Seitse_v106_VLN.pdf |
An impromptu for two flutes and harp. Uncomplicated. ~1.5min, Starts in Dm, ends in G, Moderato.
Image by love1008:deviantART
| je_ne_sais_quoi_trio_V103.mp3 | |
| je_ne_sais_quoi_trio_V105.pdf |
| je_ne_sais_quoi_trio_V105_HARP.pdf |
One night early in a Winter, I needed to do something--the right thing, a sad thing... and I did... and then I wrote the opening of this piece. Shortly thereafter, I developed it to its completion. It is structured A B C A'.
The beginning makes "the statement."
The middle recognizes "moving on."
The finale "remembers."
There are arrangements for woodwind quintet (flute, english horn, clarinet, horn, bassoon) and for horn ensemble.
| Lament_[Wind_Quintet].mp3 |
A Piano Trio with seven movements.
I. Spotlight II. Dappled III. Strobed IV. Twilight V. Blacklight VI. Neon VII. Firelight
| Neon_Trio_v122.mp3 | |
| Neon_Trio_v123_CELLO.pdf |
| Neon_Trio_v123_FULL.pdf |
| Neon_Trio_v123_PNO.pdf |
| Neon_Trio_v123_VLN.pdf |
...A woodwind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon). It has a light mood, and is a single movement containing three episodes.
Beautiful composition, I like the sound colors and the plentitude of unexpected changes. --Andreas
Photo by zen Sutherland, used with permission.
| New_Beneath_the_Snow_[quintet].mp3 |
Duo for Piano and Cello.
3/4, 60 bpm tempo di valse
Delicate.
| Nocturne_No2_cello,pno_v106.mp3 | |
| Nocturne_No2_Giant_Oak_v106_FULL.pdf |
| Nocturne_No2_Giant_Oak_v106_PNO.pdf |
| Nocturne_No2_Giant_Oak_v106_VC.pdf |
Duo for Cello and Piano.
| Nocturne_No3_Foggy_Shore_v104.mp3 |
Duo for Piano and Cello.
9/8 & 6/8
| Nc4_Last_Day_of_Spring_v106.mp3 | |
| Nc4_The_Last_of_Spring_v106_FULL.pdf |
| Nc4_The_Last_of_Spring_v106_PNO.pdf |
| Nc4_The_Last_of_Spring_v106_VC.pdf |
This is a little song based on the text of Carlo Sigismondo Capece, an italian poet from a 15th century. The duet alternates between Italian and English. It is scored for soprano and bass, and singers are accompanied by piano and horn. (Kind of an art song.) I interpret it as: hearing the thoughts of two teenagers wanting to court, but too shy to tell each other.
Non lo diro col Labbro Che tanto ardir non ha;
Forse con le faville Dell'avide pupille,
Per dir come tutt'ardo, Lo sguardo Parlera.
I will not say it with my lips which haven't the courage to speak.
Perhaps the sparks from my burning eyes will reveal my passion
and my look will speak my heart.
| Non_lo_Diro_duet_v4a_AT.mp3 | |
| Non lo Diro duet v2b Score.pdf |
| Not_Quite_Blue_v101.mp3 |
A single movement quartet for oboe and strings.
key of D, modulates to E. tempo=100, 3 minutes
The travellers have been away and they are on the last leg of their journey home, thinking fondly of the adventures of the trip and happy that the village is just over the next rise.
"Lighthearted."
| The_Way_Home_Oboe_Q_v106.mp3 | |
| The Way Home v105_FULL.pdf |
Duo for Piano and Cello. (Work in progress)
| On_the_Rocky_Coast_v104.mp3 | |
| On_the_Rocky_Coast_v104.pdf |
A short choral piece in a madrigal/hymn style for four-part chorus using the text below.
Peace be unto thee, stranger, enter and be not afraid.
I have left the gate open and thou art welcome to my home.
There is room in my house for all.
I have swept the hearth and lighted the fire.
The room is warm and cheerful and you will find comfort and rest within.
The table is laid and the fruits of Life are spread before thee.
The wine is here also, it sparkles in the light.
I have set a chair for you where the sunbeams dance through the shade.
Sit and rest and refresh your soul.
Eat of the fruit and drink the wine.
All, all is yours, and you are welcome.
-- from S.O.M. E. Holmes, 1926
short url to here: http://tiny.cc/peace_be
audio link also at http://www.soundcloud.com/davidsmith99 w
| Peace_Be_unto_Thee_v106a.mp3 | |
| Peace_Be_Unto_Thee_v106a.pdf |
Sextet for winds is a little study for winds that became a overlapping whimsical medley of four tunes.
| Requiem_for_Three_Blind_Mice.mp3 | |
| Requiem_for_the_Three_Blind_MIce.pdf |
A light, fast tune for brass quintet, or horn ensemble.
| Rooftop Drop [for brass].mp3 | |
| rooftop drop [hn ensemble] Score.pdf |
| rooftop drop [hns] Score.pdf |
A duo for flute and guitar. There is also an arrangement for flute and piano.
"The fascinating shift in meters and styles made this a riveting listen all the way through." --J.R.
| snazz_flute,guitar.mp3 | |
| snazz,_guitar_and_flute_score.pdf |
| snazz,_piano,_flute_Score.pdf |
A duo for Alto Flute and Guitar. (work in progress)
The Russian River (rio ruso) originates in the mountains of Mendocino county, and flows through the Ukiah valley, and then south to Healdsburg, then veers west to the sea.
Dur: ~7 min, Three movements.
| Russian_River_duo_alto_fl,gtr_v112.mp3 | |
| Russian_River_Sonata_v112_aFL.pdf |
| Russian_River_Sonata_v112_FULL_tr.pdf |
| Russian_River_Sonata_v112_GTR.pdf |
Energetic, cinematic, fast.
Wow...this is outstanding...this is brilliant writing my friend, certainly one of [your] best. --Feter
| Storm_at_Sea_v109.mp3 | |
| Storm Overture v109 Score.pdf |
A single movement piece for jazz orchestra, with elec guitar, elec bass, sax section, drum kit.
| Subliminator_v108.mp3 | |
| Subliminator_v106.pdf |
 duo fl,gtr/seed_sprout.jpg)
A little noncturne named for the opening line of a poem Sine Qua Non by Theresa Whitehill
[key of A]
~5min
| Tender_the_Moment_duo_fl,gtr_v106.mp3 | |
| Tender_the_Moment_duo_fl,gtr_v106.pdf |
| Tender_the_Moment_v106_FL.pdf |
| Tender_the_Moment_v106_GTR.pdf |
Written for our local handbell choir, plus a viola/(cello) part.
| The_Sound_of_Stars_v1.3a.mp3 | |
| The_Sound_of_Stars_v1.3b_VLA.pdf |
| The_Sound_of_Stars_v1_3b_FULL.pdf |
| TSoS_Handbells_Used.pdf |
This trio was commissioned by John and Nancy for their daughters who played these instruments growing up. It has many fugue elements, and a bit of "heart and soul." Movements feature the flute, clar & horn respectively.
8.5min
I. Allison 4/4, D major, Larghetto
II. Laura 4/4, Db major Moderato
III. Caitlin 4/4, A major, Allegro
"Delightful!"
Adagio for chorus and strings in Fm. Written for Vigil for Iraq: honoring the dead, the wounded, the grieving, and the dispossessed.
8.5 min (In this recording, woodwinds are playing the vocal parts.)
| 3fol_v113.mp3 | |
| 3fol_v113a_cues.pdf |
| 3fol_v113b_DB.pdf |
| 3fol_v113b_VC.pdf |
| 3fol_v113b_VLA.pdf |
| 3fol_v113c_FULL.pdf |
Duo for Trumpet and Organ in Bb. Two sections.
| Trumpet_Voluntary_No_1_v103.mp3 | |
| Tpt_Voluntary_v103_Score.pdf |
A madrigal-style song about singing madrigals. (Thanks to Andreas for singing all of the parts in this recording.)
2006.
"Bravo! What a lovely little 'madrigal' -- and a fantastic performance." -- M. Badarak
| WhatShallWeSing_w_dirigent.mp3 |
A trio for two bassoons and english horn. It was specifically written for a bassoonist, but I try to give everyone a "good" part. (Arrangement also for bsn, bass cl, engl hn.)
"The double reed voicing here sounds marvelous. Compositionally stimulating -- complex, yet still approachable..." --J.R.
| When_Time_Expands_EH_v1_4.mp3 |
