Category Archives: Music

Schoenberg’s Serenade, op. 24

Posted on March 5, 2014 by Mark

In May of 1981 a group of musicians from the University of Illinois led by the late Bill DeFotis recorded Arnold Schoenberg’s Serenade, op.24 after performing it on a number of occasions. After 32 years I have a copy of … Continue reading →

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Hymn to the Vanished for clarinet and piano Premieres Tonight

Posted on February 15, 2014 by Mark

I will give the first performance of my Hymn to the Vanished for clarinet and piano with Jad Bernardo at Adelphi University tonight: Adelphi Distinguished Faculty in Concert The original Hymn to the Vanished is for string orchestra.

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Another Review of Dissolving Images

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Mark

This review is from the current January/February, 2014 issue of American Record Guide: GUSTAVSON: Chamber Music Theresa Fream, Esther Noh, Sharon Polifrone, Cyrus Stevens, v; Keith Conant, va; Christopher Finckel, John Popham, Kim Scholes, vc; Margaret Lancaster, Keith Underwood, fl; … Continue reading →

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Dissolving Images is listed in “Guide to the Pianist’s Repertoire”

Posted on December 7, 2013 by Mark

Dissolving Images has an entry in the “Guide to the Pianist’s Repertoire, Fourth Edition”, Indiana University Press: Mark Gustavson (1959- ) USA Dissolving Images 1986 (CFP 67187 1988) 21pp. 15 min. Multisectional one-movement essay with descriptive titles of intense magnitude requiring … Continue reading →

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Quintet

Posted on September 10, 2013 by Mark

This is the second post about the pieces on “Dissolving Images.” QUINTET for clarinet, two violins, viola & cello (1993) In 1992 I applied to the Fromm Foundation to commission a clarinet quintet. The application requires an ensemble to commit … Continue reading →

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Dissolving Images for piano

Posted on August 27, 2013 by Mark

I am going to write a series of posts, each one dedicated to a piece from my new album “Dissolving Images.” DISSOLVING IMAGES for piano (1986) I started composing this 15-minute solo in Amsterdam while I was studying at the … Continue reading →

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Harp Pedal Slides

Posted on August 7, 2013 by Mark

I was working with the harpist Ruth Bennett and she showed me that a harpist can simultaneously slide two pedals (pitches), one in each foot, a half-step. So I wrote this:               There are many … Continue reading →

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Probing the Mysteries of the Harp

Posted on July 9, 2013 by Mark

The orchestral harp with all of the those pedals to understand. The instrument, from a composer’s perspective, has a steeper learning curve than many instruments. However, in addition to working with a harpist, I recommend the site “Harp Spectrum—Exploring the … Continue reading →

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Dissolving Images Is Available Today

Posted on July 1, 2013 by Mark

“Dissolving Images” is available today on Albany Records’ website as a CD or digital download and any of your favorite music locations. I would like to thank Susan Bush at #Albany Records, David Merrill who recorded, edited and mastered the … Continue reading →

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Excerpt from Turning Premiere

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Mark

Back in November Stony Brook Contemporary Chamber Players premiered Turning at #StonyBrook University and #SymphonySpace. Here is an excerpt from Symphony Space: [sc_embed_player volume=”75″ fileurl=”https://www.markgustavson.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Turning-excerpt.mp3″] Turning deconstructs  “The Cage,” a brief song by #CharlesIves, into a cyclical tour de force for … Continue reading →

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