A round on a bit of verse by Ambrose Bierce.  

[Read more →]

Again, I don’t know how old I was when I composed this series of descriptive pieces.  Nor do I remember why I used only two pitches.  (Those stray Fs in the first piece are obviously an error.)  I do remember, however, that I insisted my father play them, because I wanted to hear them played […]

[Read more →]

I’m not sure how old I was when I committed my “Opus No. 1” to paper.  Six?  Seven?  Unfortunately, I didn’t date it.  At any rate, it’s a curious little piece, with the virtue of brevity.  The key signature in the bass at the beginning is probably an error.  And there seem to be sketches […]

[Read more →]

There’s a glorious town at the end of the earth…  It’s a wonderful place, but, unfortunately, they won’t let you in. Here’s the start of it, with its doleful three-part harmonies.

[Read more →]

“The Fussbudgets’ Ball” is a sprightly tune for viola, baritone horn, tuba, and guitar (ad lib). At its first performance, I played the baritone part an octave higher, on an alto melodica. That seemed to work too.

[Read more →]

Every year, I do a show around the time of my birthday, January 7.  This year it took place at Jalopy Theater on January 3.  Joining me were David Gold (viola), Ralph Hamperian (tuba), and Doug Roesch (guitar).  Despite snow, unusually low temperatures, and speeches from the mayor urging all New Yorkers to stay at […]

[Read more →]

I wrote this for the Holiday Recording Party, which Meg Reichardt organizes every year in Brooklyn.  You can hear it over here; joining me are Doug Roesch on guitar and Ralph Hamperian on tuba. Poor little Jim and May!  I hope your holidays are better than theirs.

[Read more →]

Another round for the holidays.  

[Read more →]

Aleister Crowley used to great carolers by flinging open the door and roaring, “To the lions with them!” This charming holiday tradition inspired the following round.  

[Read more →]

A reflective round, on the workings of nature.

[Read more →]