Category Archives: Music

George Crumb R.I.P.

Posted on February 6, 2022 by Mark

I was 17 when I first started to officially study composition with Chinary Ung. At the time, I was aware of a number of contemporary composers. But until I met Chinary I neither heard of Chinary nor George Crumb. That … Continue reading →

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What is My Music?

Posted on April 16, 2021 by Mark

To compose music that is as wonderful as the first works of music I ever heard. I’m trying to create an experience that I call the “musical experience.” Obviously, I can’t duplicate my previous work. Part of the creation of … Continue reading →

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Sound Source for “In-Between”

Posted on January 21, 2018 by Mark Gustavson

In-Between is a new fixed media composition. Most of the recorded sounds and pitches are derived from  recordings I made of a large tam-tam. I processed the recordings in a MAX spectral freeze patch (designed by Jean-François Charles) to create these … Continue reading →

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Hymn to the Vanished Arranged for Concert Band

Posted on January 20, 2018 by Mark Gustavson

I composed Hymn to the Vanished in a whirlwind of emotions following September 11, 2001. Because there would be limited rehearsal time the music director and I settled on string orchestra as the best vehicle for the piece. Recently, however, … Continue reading →

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Improvisation

Posted on May 13, 2017 by Mark Gustavson

“This monkey is tied, now let’s skin it!” But the ability to improvise is not just “winging it.” It is built on foundations of study and practice that prepare the improviser for the moment of action. This quote is from … Continue reading →

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“Nighttime”

Posted on January 17, 2017 by Mark Gustavson

Nighttime from my song cycle Fisherman Songs I stopped getting embarrassed a while ago, probably when my now 12-year old daughter was born. So to sing my song wasn’t difficult but I just can’t sing well. But I want to … Continue reading →

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I Heard an Angel Singing

Posted on December 30, 2016 by Mark Gustavson

One-Minute Song from a Singing Angel [embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B_lmffHbYo[/embedyt] Back in the summer I composed a one-minute piece entitled “I Heard an Angel Singing” for soprano and fixed audio. It was part of a collection of 15 songs by different composers … Continue reading →

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Lament (a Snippet)

Posted on December 29, 2016 by Mark Gustavson

A Monodrama for Bass/baritone These four brief measures, mm. 40-43 from scene one, encapsulates the overall sound world of my 50 minute monodrama “Lament” (text by Dylan Thomas). The ensemble has just taken over from the singer’s line “…my wicked … Continue reading →

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Time

Posted on October 16, 2016 by Mark Gustavson

Conventional music constructs time. Unconventional music obliterates time.

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Trickster (scrolling score)

Posted on October 6, 2016 by Mark Gustavson

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anjUcMr-sLs[/embedyt] Trickster for clarinet solo Trickster was composed in New York City in the Summer of 1997 and completed on August 30th. The premiere took place at the Greenwich House in New York City by the composer on June … Continue reading →

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