Music
An American Hymn – SZM035
(2004) for concert band
Dur: 3:50
Instrumentation: Picc, Fl, Ob, 3Cl, BsCl, Alto, Tn, Bari, Bsn., 3Tpt, Hrn, 3Tbn, Euph, Tuba, Timp, Perc 1 - 5
This piece is subtitled “A modern essay on the American Revolution.” This piece is evocative of a fife and drum band leading a march to battle, and a sweeping hymn that captured the desire for freedom from tyranny. I like to say that it’s a hymn without a hymn and a march that you can’t march to!
Purchase this title directly from Grand Mesa Music! (www.grandmesamusic.com)
One Myth of Mind – SZM036
(2004) – for chorus and piano
Dur: 6:00
Instrumentation: sop, alto, ten, bass
This piece was composed in collaboration with New England Lyricist Steven Withrow. It explores the science fiction writers of the 20th centuries and their flights of fancy.
| Full Score $10.00 | |
| Full Set $35.00 |
On the Banks of the River Shannon – SZM037
(2004)
Named to ABC/ Bandworld/ WIBC's top 100 new band publications for 2006 - 2007!
Dur: 5:00
Instrumentation: 2Fl, Ob, 3Cl, BsCl, 2Alto, Tn, Bari, Bsn., 3Tpt, Hrn, 3Tbn, Euph, Tuba, Timp, Perc 1 - 5
This piece was commissioned by Rory Davis and the Cinco Ranch Jr. High Honors Band in commemoration of their performance at the 2004 Mid West International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. The piece is a musical ride down the Irish river that passed through the city of Limerick. One section celebrates the town’s rich history and modern present day, the other explores the walls of an old English castle long forgotten.
Purchase this title directly from TRN Music! (www.trnmusic.com)
Reflections – SZM038
(2004) for string orchestra
Dur: 9:15
Instrumentation: 3 violin, viola, cello, bass
“Reflections” is a soft wandering journey through the world. Not an overly complex work, it relies on a keen conductor and fine musicians to bring it to life. $100.00
| Full Score $15.00 | |
| Full Set $100.00 |
Dynasty – SZM039
(2005)
- Selected as “Editor’s Choice” by J. W. Pepper! -
Dur: 3:50
Instrumentation: Fl, Ob, 3Cl, BsCl, Alto, Tn, Bari, Bsn., 3Tpt, Hrn, 2Tbn, Euph, Tuba, Timp, Perc 1 - 4
This is for younger groups and is a tribute to my own personal addiction . . . the New England Patriots! After championship wins in Superbowl's 36, 38 and 39, the Patriots are the next NFL football dynasty! This piece is a quick romp through the stadium on a Sunday afternoon. This exciting and dynamic work is quickly becoming a staple of contemporary band repertoire!
urchase this title directly from Grand Mesa Music! (www.grandmesamusic.com)
What is, and What Should Be – SZM040
(2005) for symphony orchestra
Dur: 13:25
Instrumentation: 2Fl, 2Ob, 3Cl, BsCl, 2Alto, Tn, Bari, Bsn, CBsn 3Tpt, 4Hrn, 3Tbn, Euph, Tuba, Timp, Perc 1 – 5, Piano, Harp, 2Vlns, Viola, Cello, Bass.
What is, and What Should Be was commissioned by the Turner Family in honor of Darrel Turner. The piece is written in three distinct sections that each deal with different aspects of Darrell's life. Themes for each section are based upon and inspired by music selected by her family members; they each hold a deep and very personal meaning.
A hint of tension and foreshadowing opens "What Is, and What Should Be" in a calm, yet somewhat unsettled introduction. Primary melodic material in this section was taken from the Chi Omega hymn 'Shades'. The text relates to members leaving to go out into the world, yet always remembering their special sisterhood. It is a hymn of sadness for their departure, but more importantly, realizing a lifetime of wonderful memories. The melody is taken through several mutations, just as Darrell's illness began to take root and physical changes were observed. This section also features a bit of unique musical imaging, including a heartbeat that can clearly be heard and a reference to clock bells as time ticks ahead. A reflective duet is immediately followed by a defiant fanfare that closes the section...life continues to change, yet we move ahead with a more determined understanding.
The middle section of the work is a musical tribute to Darrell and her husband, John. Their individual melodies are inspired by John Denver's 'Aspenglow'. No material is taken directly from 'Aspenglow', but rather characteristic intervallic elements are incorporated into their themes. Each of their themes are first heard individually, then eventually combine into a beautiful duet. The final chord is left unresolved as their lives and their love continue past any perceptible ending.
The final section is based upon the melody from 'Chi Omega, Yours Forever'. This well-known melody is also used by a variety of organizations around the country and will be quite recognizable. In this context, the lyrics relate to "For our bonds are n'er broken", a tribute yet again to everlasting love. Following is a set of variations wherein percussive elements carefully interact with oboe and clarinet. As the piece heads toward its final resolution, themes from the opening section are heard once again. 'What Is, and What Should Be' ends triumphantly, celebrating Darrell and her dedication to lovingly provide a wonderful and positive influence upon the lives of thousands of children, families, and friends.
- To support the ongoing fight against ALS, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this piece will be donated to the American ALS Society -
| Full Score $45.00 | |
| Full Set $300.00 |
Essay No. 1 – SZM041
(2005)
E-mail composer@jknitsch.net to check the availability of this title.
Legecy – SZM042
(2006)
Dur: 3:35
Instrumentation: Fl, Ob, 3Cl, BsCl, Alto, Tn, Bari, Bsn., 3Tpt, Hrn, 2Tbn, Euph, Tuba, Timp, Perc 1 - 4
Listen
| Full Score $15.00 | |
| Full Set $50.00 |
Elegy for a Ghost Town – SZM043
(2006)
Dur: 8:12
Instrumentation: 2Fl, 2Ob, 3Cl, BsCl, 2Alto, Tn, Bari, Bsn., 3Tpt, 4Hrn, 3Tbn, Euph, Tuba, Timp, Perc 1 - 5
“Ghost Town” was commissioned by Dr. Calvin Hofer and the Mesa State College Wind Symphony. It was premiered at the "Best of the West" at Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colorado in December 2006.
| Full Score $15.00 | |
| Full Set $100.00 |