Original Compositions

Large Ensemble

Orbital Suite (2021)

Brian’s first original composition. Written for Brass Ensemble during Corona lockdowns in 2020-2021 whilst moving to Denmark. Inspired by our neighbors in the heavens we’ll never truly meet, we were connected in a way, but always distant. Their unseen forces still affect the Earth in ways we can’t exactly describe.

Using modes, this is a first attempt at a hybrid programmatic/absolute music. Programmatic in the sense that it attempts to describe characters, but in an absolute way that there is no true "circumstance” or “event” to describe. As impressionists might put it: “describing the feeling of something not truly felt”.

4 horns, 3 trumpets (one doubling on cornet), 3 trombones, 1 tuba; all may sing if desiring to.

Compositions for Trombone

Elegy for ringo, too (2022)

A sister piece for Leonard Bernstein’s “Elegy for Mippy II”, this is Brian’s first original work for trombone. It is a dedication to his little furry friend, Ringo Isacat, who passed away while Brian was auditioning in Europe.

Trombone Alone

Asgård Suite (2023)

Brian’s Trombone Quartet telling lore of Nordic mythology. Thor, Sif, Loki, Heimdall, and the dwarves make appearances in spritely dances, songs with large sonorities, and battle grounds.

stomp, clink, and SKÅL!

Trombone Quartet

Homage for Alto Trombone and Piano (2023)

Brian’s first absolute-music piece honoring the talented singers of baroque and early classical opera with a contemporary flair.

A showpiece for alto trombone with generally simple harmonies but complex form.

Alto Trombone and Piano

Characters Concerto (2023)

Currently unfinished with only 2½ movements, this concerto for bass trombone and piano is a set of living depictions of the fellow characters Brian has met allow his musical journey. Affable musicians, dark subway rides, and grandiously outspoken voices are represented from Brian’s admittedly shy and introverted perspective. This is one of his ways of telling thier stories and loving their characters.

Bass Trombone and Piano

Other compositions

The Rag Pile (2022-2023)

Fun ditties and originally modern rags based on rides at Tivoli Asumement Park in Copenhagen.

Brass Quintet

Oracle’s Grace (2023)

Based on vignettes from Virgil’s Aeneid. Three movements for Oboe and electronics/backing track.

Premiered and Studio Performance by Alexandra von der Embse
(please inquire for recording and more details)

Oboe and Digital Tape

Arrangements

Full Orchestra

Two Songs of Maria (The Lonely Goatherd and My Favorites Things)
from The Sound of Music by Rodgers and Hammerstein

Chamber Orchestra

Der er Et Yndigt Land, Denmark’s National Anthem, an arrangement for chamber orchestra to commemorate people and their newly awarded citizenship in Denmark.

Soloist and String Orchestra

Piazzolla’s Liber Tango, fully arranged for Solo Cello and string orchestra. Lightning Technique advised.

Trombones and more Trombones

Thomas Weelkes
As Vesta Was..

Tomás Luis de Victoria
O Magnum Mysterium