Home     Music   Studio   Events   Press Kit   Contact       [or... view quick list with player
]
    All Duos Trios Quartets Quintets Choral Orchestral Chamber Whimsy
 
           
listing:
 
 
"12:45"
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
oboe, piano, classical, chamber, duo, duet
 
 
A Past and Future Wish
This was originally a trio (for horn, violin, guitar) I wrote very early in my career. It was written to encourage a young horn player named Suzanne. I came across it (~20 yrs later) and decided to give it an update, adding a flute part and some additional arranging while trying to maintain the original intent. It evolved to this piece.

"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_and_Future_Wish.mp3

A_Past_and_Future_Wish_qtet_Score.pdf
horn, flute, clarinet, viola, guitar, classical, chamber, quartet
 
 
A Twist of Lime (Tropical Caprice)
A lively and lighthearted trio with the cello providing a clave-like rhythm against the flutes.

"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
flute, flute, cello, trio, classical, chamber, latin
 
 
At a Busy Intersection
Energetic piece for piano quartet.* Edgy, driving, a little whimsical... autobahn intersection.
duration 3:01 (230 bpm) key of Am

*Also arranged for quintet ensemble of piano, violin, cello, clarinet, flute (moved to Bm)

One of your very best works! -- C. Lewis

Premiered by the San Francisco Chamber Players, 2013

Intersection_Quartet_v107b1.mp3

Intersection_Quartet_v107a1_PNO.pdf
Intersection_Quartet_v107b1_FULL.pdf
Intersection_Quartet_v107b1_VC.pdf
Intersection_Quartet_v107b1_VLA.pdf
Intersection_Quartet_v107b1_VLN.pdf
quartet, piano, violin, viola, cello, chamber, spunky, prestissimo, street scenes
 
 
At a Busy Intersection [gtr, cello, alto flute]

Energetic piece re-arranged for guitar trio. duration ~2:50 (228 bpm) key of Am

Intersection_gtr_trio_v113.mp3

Intersection_gtr_trio_v113tr_aFL.pdf
Intersection_gtr_trio_v113tr_FULL.pdf
Intersection_gtr_trio_v113_FULL.pdf
Intersection_gtr_trio_v113_GTR.pdf
Intersection_gtr_trio_v113_VC.pdf
guitar, cello, alto flute, chamber, trio, intersection_g
 
 
At a Busy Intersection [with winds]
Energetic piece arranged for mixed piano quintet.* Edgy, driving, a little whimsical... intersection.
key of Bm duration 2:50 (230 bpm)

*piano violin, cello, clarinet, flute

"One of your very best works!" -- C. Lewis

Intersection_ww_Bm_v108.mp3

Intersection_ww_Bm_v108_CL-A.pdf
Intersection_ww_Bm_v108_CL-Bb.pdf
Intersection_ww_Bm_v108_FL.pdf
Intersection_ww_Bm_v108_FULL.pdf
Intersection_ww_Bm_v108_PNO.pdf
Intersection_ww_Bm_v108_VC.pdf
Intersection_ww_Bm_v108_VLN.pdf
quintet, piano, cello, violin, clarinet, flute, chamber, spunky, prestissimo
 
 
At a Sidewalk Cafe
It is languid, with a contemplative, impressionistic feeling.
Part of a collection of four single-movement pieces for piano quartet called "Street Scenes." duration 3:40, key of A

Lovely chords, and the melody warms with repeated listens. --John
Sidewalk_Cafe_v108.mp3

Sidewalk_Cafe_v108_FULL.pdf
Sidewalk_Cafe_v108_PNO.pdf
Sidewalk_Cafe_v108_VC.pdf
Sidewalk_Cafe_v108_VLA.pdf
Sidewalk_Cafe_v108_VLN.pdf
quartet, piano, violin, viola, cello, chamber, largo, street scenes
 
 
At the Fountain in the Plaza
It is calm... moves at a strolling pace. Part of a collection of four single-movement pieces for piano quartet called Street Scenes.

duration 2:53, key of D

Hear a performance by the San Francisco Chamber Players, 2013

At_the_Fountain_v107.mp3

At_the_Fountain_v107_FULL.pdf
At_the_Fountain_v107_PNO.pdf
At_the_Fountain_v107_VC.pdf
At_the_Fountain_v107_VLA.pdf
At_the_Fountain_v107_VLN.pdf
quartet, piano, violin, viola, cello, chamber, andante, street scenes
 
 
At the Subway Stairs
A single-movement piece for piano quartet. Image of the activity and improv typical of portals to the subway on city streets. Part of a series of "street scenes."

duration 2:50 (120 bpm)

"A very cool 'mise en scne'... Great ending!" -- John M.

at_the_subway_stairs_v110.mp3

at_the_subway_stairs_v110_FULL.pdf
quartet, piano, violin, viola, cello, chamber, street scenes
 
 
At the Subway Stairs
At the ensemble's request, I re-arranged this quartet for the trio of flute, guitar & cello. Part of a series of "street scenes." (At a Busy Intersection was also similarly arranged recently.)

duration 3:00 (~121 bpm)

at_the_subway_stairs_v117-trio.mp3

at_the_subway_stairs_v117_FL.pdf
at_the_subway_stairs_v117_FULL.pdf
at_the_subway_stairs_v117_GTR.pdf
at_the_subway_stairs_v117_VC.pdf
trio, flute, guitar, cello, chamber, street scenes
 
 
At the Subway Stairs
A single-movement piece arranged for
harp, cello, flute (118),and
harp, viola, flute (119)

duration 2:50 (~120 bpm)

"A very cool 'mise en scne'... Great ending!" -- John M.

at_the_subway_stairs_v119_harp_trio.mp3

at_the_subway_stairs_v119_harp_vla_fl.mp3

at_the_subway_stairs_v119_harp_trio.pdf
at_the_subway_stairs_v119_harp_vla_fl.pdf
trio, harp, viola, cello, chamber, street scenes
 
 
Autumn Equinox Caprice
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
flute, flute, cello, classical, chamber, trio
 
 
Blue Jeans, Blouse and Army Boots

A trio for bass flute, cello and guitar. An aggressive, percussive acoustic guitar track with lots of body tapping and string tapping brackets a delicate center section where the bass flute carries the melody.

Gm, 3:20

Army_Boots_TRIO_No_2_v108.mp3

Army_boots_trio_B_FL.pdf
Army_boots_trio_GTR.pdf
Army_boots_trio_VC.pdf
bass_fl, guitar DUO-TRIO No_2_v104.pdf
guitar, cello, bass flute, trio, chamber, acoustic, silk
 
 
Clarinet Quintet Caprice
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

clarinet, violin, viola, cello, double bass, chamber, strings
 
 
Concertino in F for oboe, strings, harpsichord
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.

Baroque_Concertino_v1_9c.mp3

Baroque Concertino v1_9c FULL.pdf
Baroque Concertino v1_9c HPSCH.pdf
Baroque Concertino v1_9c OB.pdf
Baroque Concertino v1_9c VC.pdf
Baroque Concertino v1_9c VLA.pdf
Baroque Concertino v1_9c VN1.pdf
Baroque Concertino v1_9c VN2.pdf
oboe, violins, viola, cello, harpsichord, classical, baroque, chamber music
 
 
Dusk at the Pier [trio for alto flute, english horn & guitar]

This is a rare combination of instruments; the english horn and alto flute are both low registered instruments in their family, with distinctly different characters and overlapping ranges. In this piece, the voices intertwine. ~72 bp, due: 6 min

This piece has proven to be adaptable to other arrangements. There are versions for:
alto flute, cello, guitar
viola, cello, guitar
alto flute, english horn, harp

Dusk-gtr,afl,ehorn_v111.mp3

Dusk-guitar,vla,vc_v106.mp3

trio, alto flute, english horn, classical guitar, harp, viola, cello, chamber, cor anglais, slow
 
 
Feelin' Plucky

A trio arranged for alto flute, cello and classical guitar.

The first movement introduces and develops the chipper tune; 2nd movement is darker and crustier, but with a gentle 'chorale-like' interlude. The 3rd movement is a repeat of the first, with additional variations and modulations.

key:
I. D G Bb G F G
II. Em (G) Em
III. E F#

duration: 5:54

Plucky_v118_guit_[trio].mp3

Feelin'_Plucky_v118g_A_FL.pdf
Feelin'_Plucky_v118g_FULL.pdf
Feelin'_Plucky_v118g_GTR.pdf
Feelin'_Plucky_v118g_VC.pdf
alto flute, cello, guitar, trio, chamber, acoustic, pizzicato, Feeling Plucky
 
 
Feelin' Plucky

A trio for viola, cello and harp. A bright melody featuring pizzicato on the viola and cello together and separately. The sound is further extending with the gentle, more sustained sound of the harp--although its notes are frequently damped during the piece to keep notes short like the strings.

First movement introduces and develops the tune; 2nd movement is darker and crustier, but with a gentle 'chorale-like' interlude. The 3rd movement is a repeat of the first, with additional variations and modulations.

key: I. A,B,A,C II. Am,C,Am III. A,Am,A,B

duration: 5:42

Feelin'_Plucky_v117.mp3

Feelin'_Plucky_v117_FULL.pdf
Feelin'_Plucky_v117_VLA.pdf
Plucky v117 guit_FULL.pdf
Plucky v117 guit_GTR.pdf
viola, cello, harp, trio, chamber, acoustic, pizzicato
 
 
Five-Four Five-Eight Etude
Originally, a piece for solo piano in three short episodes using a variety of meters, esp. 5/4 5/8, 6/8.
Revisited, extended a little and arranged for piano and cello.

Five_Four_Five_Eight_Etude_v108.mp3

Five_Four_Five_Eight_Etude_v108.pdf
piano, cello, duo, duet, chamber
 
 
For Agustín [trio for two guitars and cello]


Inspired by Allegro from La Catedral a work of paraguayan composer and guitarist Agustín Barrios


Bm --> Cm 2.8min

for_agustin_gtr,gtr,vc_v109.mp3

chamber music, trio, guitar, guitar, cello, David Smith, Agustin Barrios
 
 
Fresh Mint


A short, light and lively trio arranged for guitar, flute, and cello (or bassoon).
2 min, key of D --> G

fresh_mint_fl,gtr,bsn_trio_v106.mp3

Fresh_mint_trio_v106a.mp3

fresh_mint_fl,gtr,bsn_trio_v106.pdf
chamber, trio, light, whimsical, contemporary classical, flute, guitar, cello, bassoon, sfinzi
 
 
Hillside Trio for viola, cello and harp
A miniature study, based on the melody from the 2nd movement of Daniel Pinkham's Christmas Cantata. Languid.

key: G

duration: about 3 minutes.

Hillside_trio_v102.mp3

Hillside_trio_v102_FULL.pdf
viola, cello, harp, trio, chamber, acoustic
 
 
Inner Solstice
Inner solstice was written for the winter time. Score is marked "dark, introspective." Its uncommon scoring uses two cellos, double bass and bass clarinet. (Image is of a lunar eclipse on winter solstice in the sky over Turkey 2010.)

key: Gm

"Enchanting and beautiful..." --Eagle

Inner_Solstice_v202.mp3

Inner_Solstice_v202.pdf
minor revision 2012, chamber, quartet cello, bass clarinet, double bass, winter solstice
 
 
je ne sais quoi
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
two flutes, harp, trio, chamber music
 
 
Lament for a Sound Lost
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

Flute, English Horn, Clarinet, French Horn, Bassoon, horn ensemble, chamber quintet
 
 
Light Snow Falling
A quintet for harp and strings It is languid, with a contemplative, impressionistic feeling.
duration 3 min, tempo: 66, key of F

Lovely composition... cool counterpoint -Chris

Snow_Falling_harp,str_qtet_v105.mp3

quintet, harp, violin, viola, cello, bass, chamber, andante
 
 
Loma Mar Suite
A suite of several episodes* highlighting experiences from the redwood forest and creek of Loma Mar near La Honda California.
dur: 8m in

*1. Listening Creekside, 2. Firebowl Echos, 3. Redwood Cathedral, 4. Tadpoles, 5. On the Big Rock Talking, 6. Rope Swing from the Riverbank.

Loma_Mar_quintet_v113.mp3

Loma_Mar quintet_v113_BSN.pdf
Loma_Mar quintet_v113_CL.pdf
Loma_Mar quintet_v113_FL.pdf
Loma_Mar quintet_v113_FULL,dr.pdf
Loma_Mar quintet_v113_FULL.pdf
Loma_Mar quintet_v113_HN.pdf
Loma_Mar quintet_v113_KIT.pdf
Loma_Mar quintet_v113_OB.pdf
flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon, chamber, quintet
 
 
Neon Trio: Suite of Lights
A Piano Trio with seven movements, seven moods. (minor revision in 2015)

I. Spotlight II. Dappled III. Strobed IV. Twilight V. Blacklight VI. Neon VII. Firelight

Neon_Trio_v125.mp3

Neon_Trio_v125_FULL.pdf
Neon_Trio_v125_PNO.pdf
Neon_Trio_v125_VC.pdf
Neon_Trio_v125_VLN.pdf
violin, cello, piano, trio, chamber
 
 
New Beneath the Snow
...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

Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, chamber, quintet
 
 
Nocturne No. 3 "On a Foggy Shore"
Duo for Cello and Piano.

Nocturne_No3_Foggy_Shore_v110.mp3

Nocturne_No3_Foggy_Shore_v110_FULL.pdf
Nocturne_No3_Foggy_Shore_v110_PNO-VLN.pdf
Nocturne_No3_Foggy_Shore_v110_PNO.pdf
Nocturne_No3_Foggy_Shore_v110_VC.pdf
Nocturne_No3_Foggy_Shore_v110_VLN.pdf
cello, piano, duo, nocturne, chamber
 
 
Piano Scramble [two pianos, trombone, tuba, congas


Fun, fast, short.
Starts in Dm, ends in F.
piano_scramble_v105.mp3

-2012, chamber music, quintet, ensemble, piano, piano, trombone, tuba, congas, David Smith
 
 
Requiem for Three Blind Mice
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
flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon, piccolo, chamber, winds, whimsy
 
 
Rooftop Drop
A light, fast tune for brass quintet, or horn ensemble.
Rooftop Drop [for brass].mp3

rooftop drop [hns] Score.pdf
rooftop_wind_brass_104_FULL_transp.pdf
rooftop_wind_brass_104_Horn.pdf
rooftop_wind_brass_104_Tpt_I.pdf
rooftop_wind_brass_104_Tpt_II.pdf
rooftop_wind_brass_104_Tromb.pdf
rooftop_wind_brass_104_Tuba.pdf
trumpets,horn,trombone,tuba,chamber, quintet
 
 
Sideways [duo for guitar and bass flute]


Music for guitar and bass flute in 3/4 with a "sideways" melodic line.
Also arranged for guitar and horn.


A --> D --> Db duration: 5 min

Photo credit: Robert W. Howington. Used with permission.

Sideways_bass_fl_guitar_v107a.mp3

Sideways_hn_guitar_v107a.mp3

Sideways_bass_fl_guitar_v107a_FULL.pdf
chamber music, duo, guitar, bass flute, David Smith
 
 
Sideways [duo for guitar and cor anglais]


Music arranged for guitar and english horn in 3/4 with a slow, "sideways" melodic line.


A --> D --> Ab --> Db duration: 5 min

Photo credit: Robert W. Howington. Used with permission.

Sideways_ehorn_guitar_v111.mp3

Sideways_v111_FULL_tr.pdf
chamber music, duo, guitar, english horn, David Smith
 
 
Snazz
A duo for flute and guitar. Also arranged for violin and piano.

dur= 1:45.

"The fascinating shift in meters and styles made this a riveting listen all the way through." --J.R.


snazz_flute,guitar1.mp3

Snazz_duo_fl_gtr_v104_FLUTE.pdf
Snazz_duo_fl_gtr_v105_Score.pdf
guitar, flute, piano, violin, chamber, duo
 
 
Spiral Stones


A short, light trio arranged for guitar, flute, and cello.
dur: 3.5 min, key of D --> B

Spiral_Stones_v109.mp3

Spiral_Stones_v107.pdf
chamber, trio, light, whimsical, contemporary classical, alto flute, guitar, cello, sfinzi
 
 
Splash: Duet for Piano and Bassoon/Trombone

A miniature piece, inspired by a work I heard recently and loved: Bassoon Sonatine by Alexandre Tansman

key: F

duration: about 2 minutes.

The range was a perfect fit, so I tweaked for Trombone as well.

Then i added a video track to make it more FB-friendly.

If not showing, go directly to youtube

Splash_Duet_104_BSN.mp3

Sprinking_duet_104_trmb.mp3

Splash_Duet_104_FULL.pdf
Splash_duet_BSN.pdf
Sprinking_a_duet_104_BSN-TRB.pdf
Sprinking_a_duet_104_FULL.pdf
duet, chamber, acoustic piano, trombone, bassoon, whimsy
 
 
When Time Expands
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,_trio_v4a.mp3

Trio_2bsn,EHrn_v1_4a_FULL.pdf
bassoon, bassoon/Bass Clarinet, English horn, classical, chamber, trio
 

[ ]