Music
String Quartet No. 1 - SZM001
(1998) was my very earliest attempt at composition. Listed here only for the sake of history! A fine first offering, but a simple, youthful rambling at best.
Fantasy for Brass and Percussion - SZM002
(1998) for percussion ensemble and brass choir
Dur: 4:30
Instrumentation: 3 tpt, 2hrn, 3tbn, euph, tuba, Perc1 – Marimba, Sus. Cym, Wind Chimes, High Concert Tom, Perc 2 – Marimba, Brake Drum, Xylophone, Wind Chimes, Crash Cym, Cabasa, Medium High Concert Tom, Perc 3 – Marimba, Wind Chimes, Gong, Medium Concert Tom, Perc 4 – Cymbal, Slapstick, Vibraphone, Triangle, Tenor Drum, Vibraslap, Wind Chimes, Ocean Drum, Sus. Cym, Woodblocks, Medium Concert Tom, Perc 5 –Snare Drum, Gong, Slapstick, Tambourine, Wind Chimes, Rainstick, Medium and Medium-Low Concert Toms, Perc 6 – Bass Drum, Sus. Cym, Large Concert Tom, 2 Triangles, Wind Chimes, Ocean Drum, Perc 7 – Timpani, Sus. Cym, Wind Chimes.
The Fantasy for Brass and Percussion was composed in the fall of 1998 and premiered in the spring of 1999 at Baylor University. I have always had a lively imagination and have become quite fascinated with the minds of children. This piece is my attempt to musically stimulate the listener to return to their youth and imagine the fantasies of a young boy. The piece occurs in four continuous movements: 1. Nightmares 2. . . . Escape on the Bicycle, 3. Sunrise over Snowy Peaks, 4. Tribal Escapades and Finale. Each movement has a different feel and personality that I believe accurately reflects the intended fantasy.
| Full Score $10.00 | |
| Full Set $50.00 |
Psalm 98 - SZM004
is a short oratorio for mixed chorus and orchestra (1999)
E-mail composer@jknitsch.net to check the availability of this title.
Of Distant Dreams and Summer Days - SZM005
(1999) for concert band
Of Distant Dreams and Summer Days was composed in the summer of 1999. The work was based on and loosely inspired by a poem by an unknown author. I have attempted to probe the depths of the human mind to evoke thoughts of wistful summer eves and flagrant sunny days. The poem and the piece that reflects it’s message are a tribute to a life, now gone, which was carefree, optimistic, and hopeful for the future. This future would unfortunately never arrive. The piece is both a commentary on the joys of youth and the tragedy of a lifelong set of dreams and hopes that will never be realized. Another early offering that I may one day return to and "update." For now, it is a reminder of how far I have come.
E-mail composer@jknitsch.net to check the availability of this title.
Waltz in 3 and 2/3 Time - SZM006
(1999) for string orchestra
Dur: 3:00
Instrumentation: Violin 1-2, Viola, Cello, Bass
| Full Score $10.00 | |
| Full Set $50.00 |
Fanfare - SZM007
(1999) - for brass choir
Dur: 2:00
Instrumentation: 3 Tpt, 4 Hrn, 3 Tbn, Euph, Tuba
This piece was composed to utilize the many virtuosic possibilities of the modern brass choir. It is a fast paced, driving, rhythmic piece containing variations on rhythmic and melodic fragments. This piece was premiered on October 1, 2000 by the Chicago Brass Choir, Michael Stewart, conductor.
| Full Score $10.00 | |
| Full Set $50.00 |
Baylor University Fanfare 2000 - SZM008
(1999) – for spirited band in motion
Dur: :30
Instrumentation: Fl, 2Cl, Bcl, ASax, TSax, BSax, 3Tpt, 2Hrn, 3Tbn, Euph, Tuba, Marching Percussion.
This piece was commissioned by Jeff Grogan, former Assistant Director of Bands at Baylor University, Waco; TX. It is interlaced and woven with traditional songs and melodies from Baylor’s long proud history.
| Full Score $5.00 | |
| Full Set $25.00 |
Concertino for Marimba and Orchestra - SZM009
(1999)
Dur: 8:10
Instrumentation: Fl, Ob, 3Cl, Bcl, ASax, TSax, BSax, 3Tpt, 4Hrn, 3Tbn, Euph, Tuba, 2Violin, Viola, Celo, Bass, 3Percussion, Solo Marimba
This piece was commissioned by percussionist Jacob Ramirez, a studio colleague at Baylor, for the final recital in a series of concerts he prepared over his years of undergraduate study. It is a spirited virtuosic piece in one movement that is based on three elements: 1.) a series of three chords presented in the introduction, 2.) the first melody which appears after the initial cadenza, 3.) and the interval of a perfect fourth. Versions are available with Orchestra accompaniment and a version utilizing a Piano and 5 percussionists.
E-mail composer@jknitsch.net to check the availability of this title.
Will You Help the Trembling Mourners? - SZM010
(2000) for Marimba
Dur: 4:30
Instrumentation: Marimba
This piece was commissioned by Mr. Jason Medlin in memoriam to Dr. Ray Luper, former professor of Music at Baylor University and advisor of Church Music studies. Dr. Luper was a well-respected historian, professor, and friend to many students. This piece was performed at a tribute concert for Dr. Luper in the spring of 2000.
| Full Set $12.00 |