 We want to say Farewell to our beloved friend Eleanor Dimoff who passed away unexpectedly in 2003. She was a continual inspiration to us all through her musical talent and her enthusiasm, which in turn was instrumental in keeping us together as a group. We will miss her friendship, her warm heart, and a personality that made even the gloomiest days see more tolerable. In an effort to keep Eleanor's personal web presence online, one of our members has graciously copied the content from Eleanor's personal website from its location on the now defunct MP3.COM and is hosting it here. |
"Largo"- Dimoff/Sequensis
A serene piece for chamber orchestra of strings
and woodwinds with the addition of tubular bells. The piece was sensitively rendered by Iain
Kelso at Sequensis. |
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"Dimoff: Grieg Fantasy" - Reinhold Behringer
Composed by Eleanor
Dimoff in 1999, this piece for strings and woodwinds was inspired by the
wonderful string lines in the Prelude of Grieg's Holberg Suite. The
masterful rendition is by Reinhold Behringer who also has a stirring
rendition of Grieg's Holberg Suite on his Virtual Philharmonic page.
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"Dimoff: Home is the Sailor" - Dimoff/Mike Roberts
An orchestral work composed by Eleanor
Dimoff in 2000, in memory of a person who loved the sea. The title is from R.L. Stevenson's
poem, Requiem. The piece seeks to express a voyage of hope and peacefulness. Mike Roberts
produced this fine rendition of the piece in collaboration with the composer. |
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"Eastham Suite II: Pilgrims' Night Prayer" - Dimoff
The second, slow, movement of my Eastham
Suite. The prelude expresses the night fears and uncertainty felt by the new
arrivals as they grope for something comforting. They find it in recalling
Thomas Tallis's hymn, "Glory be to Thee my God this night." Credits: Composer: Thomas Tallis/Eleanor Dimoff |
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"Hubbards Variations" - Mike Roberts |
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Variations written for brass choir on a theme from
David Solomons' "Hubbard Extravaganza". Many thanks to
David for allowing me to use the theme and for his encouragement while I was
writing the piece. Credits: Composer: Mike Roberts |
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"Today is a Gift" - Steve Chandler |
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The 3rd movement of his 4th Sonata for electronic
instruments focuses on living in the present. It begins with dawn and the morning ritual. Evil
manifests itself but is redeemed with love and compassion and gradually the evil theme morphs
into the hymn Now thank we all our God. The next section is a joyous celebration of that
redemption bringing in themes from all three movements. The music winds down to the evening
ritual and concludes with a final harmonization of the hymn. Credits: Composition and Realization: Steve Chandler |
| "Strauss aus der Frühlingszeit" - David W. Solomons | |
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"Strauss aus der
Frühlingszeit" (a bunch of flowers from Springtime) was written out of
unrequited passion for a violinist in Strasbourg. It was never performed in
Strasbourg, in the end….A sight-reading session the following year in
Oakham School, where the composer went to teach for a while, gave rise to
this recording. The performance is raw and ready, but the lively feel makes
up for the occasional errors in intonation. Regrettably, the Oakham
violinist. Peter Weight, died in 2001, but his skill and joie de vivre live
on in various ways, this being just one of them. The Strasbourg violinist,
on the other hand, may be lurking somewhere..??? Credits: Composer: David W Solomons; Violin: Peter Weight |
| "Modaro: Harlequin - Scherzo op 22" - Marc'antonio Modaro | |
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Because of its
pianistic motion and colorful palette of harmonic textures this Scherzo was
named after the mask of Arlecchino (Harlequin ). I worked in order to give
form and structure to a variety of dissonances. Credits: Marc'antonio Modaro |
| "Ginastera: Danza 2" - Andrys | |
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Composition by Alberto Ginastera
(1916-1987) : "Danza 2" (1937) This wistful piece is the 2nd
of 3 danzas by Ginastera, the 'Danza de la Moza donosa' (1937), and is about
a wanderer who pauses for awhile on a hillside to watch a rural woman doing
her daily chores outside, before continuing on his journey. Credits: Composer: Ginastera; Performer: Andrys |
| "Steve Chandler: Tender 7" - Steve Chandler | |
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What started as a nice piano
piece in 7/8 got arranged into a more dramatic work for Strings, Brass and Flute. The beauty of
this piece is accentuated by the extended harmony and non-square rhythm.
Credits: Composer: Steve Chandler; Performer: Steve Chandler |
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"Spring Song: Traditional" - Behringer/Solomons |
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This song is based on a well-known folk tune fom
Lower Austria and Moravia, dating back to the mid 18th century. Its melody is similar to a piece
in Valentin Rathgeber's "Tafel-Confect" II (Augsburg 1737). The first 4 bars of Mozart's 1st
minuet of the "Haffner Serenade" (KV 250, Salzburg 1776) are the main
melody, but in minor. The
song describes the work of the farmer, who begins in March with the joyful work on the fields. I
suppose, the text author of this piece was not a farmer himself... I wrote the accompaniment
and arrangement, picking up the pace and the mood in this song, and making my own variations and
interpretation. The fabulous counter tenor David Solomons, (Manchester, UK) lends his voice to
this performance. Credits: Arrangement and realization: Reinhold Behringer; Counter tenor: David W Solomons |
| "Northland III" - Mike Roberts | |
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Vast stretches of ice and ocean. A
stunning landscape full of exotic wildlife. Daunting, forbidding and magnificent. This piece was
inspired by Canada's high arctic. |
| "Goddard: Tune in a Stained Glass -choral" - Philip Goddard | |
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By Philip Goddard
- http://www.philipgoddard-music.co.uk. A short modal piece for for
4-part choir (wordless), flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet and organ
pedal, which soars in a great space and shines in a multitude of colors like
a many-part stained glass window -- hence the title. (MIDI realization) Credits: Music, realization and recording by Philip Goddard |
| "Ettienne: In Such a Small Place" - Ettienne | |
| Ettienne is an
alter ego of composer Steve Chandler. Ettienne composes beautiful
music that is uplifting and soul soothing. While the bulk of this piece
depicts the sadness of the situation in the Middle-East, the middle section
depicts the aspirations of the peace seeking minority. Credits: Garritan Orchestral Strings, Bigga Giga Orchestral Brass, Steve Chandler on Flute |
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| "il dolce stile nuovo" - Tony Lanman | |
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***Winner of the
2002 ASCAP/Morton Gould Young Composer Award*** "The New, Sweet Style" For
Violin, Cello and Piano. With
this piano trio, I wanted to create a work which never lets up in intensity
and rhythmic drive. I also wanted to create a harmonic momentum which would
drive the piece forward, and not allow the piece to get stagnant, even in
thinner textures. The piano plays a driving moto perpetuo figure over
strings that are involved with playful interlocking contrapuntal lines. The
piece was completed in March of 2001.
"This is nearly perfect, in every aspect." - Hunter Hansen, Gods of Music.Com il dolce stile nuovo was recorded on November 23rd, 2001 in Prague, Czech Republic.
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| "Cooman: Improvisation on St. Joan" - Carson Cooman | |
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"Improvisation on St. Joan" for organ
was recorded by the composer in early 2000. It is based on the hymn-tune "St. Joan", usually
coupled with the text "Christ is the World's True Light."
Credits: Composer: Carson Cooman |
| "Steve Chandler: Variations on We Gather Together" - Steve Chandler | |
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A set of variations on the
Thanksgiving hymn tune composed for a friends family reunion. It starts pretty gets a little
goofy and ends happy, sort of the perfect family reunion (except nobody has a family like that).
Credits: Composer: Steve Chandler; Performer: Steve Chandler |
| "Mozart: Overture of Magic Flute" - David Stifel | |
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A charming piece with glockenspiel.
This is where Papageno sings about wanting either a maiden or a married woman - "either one will
do very nicely". Credits: Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; Realization: David Stifel |
| "Harrington: Piano Prelude No.18" - Jeff Harrington | |
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Climaxing rhythmic attack of the
monster chords! Recording realized and interpreted with SuperConductor software.
Credits: Composition and Realization by Jeff Harrington |
| "Beach: Dreaming" - Andrys | |
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Composition by Amy Beach: Dreaming
(1892), performed by Andrys. - "Amy Beach wrote "Dreaming" in 1892, and it opens with the feel
of a dream pulling us. Beach's progressions can surprise and there are unusual configurations in
the movement of the bass. . . . . . . .A pianist who played with the Boston Symphony when she
was 16, she also composed symphonies and a concerto which were performed by major orchestras in
her lifetime. As of 1940, only 3 of her 150 opus numbers remained unpublished, an amazing record
for any American composer. . . . . . . . . . Her musical style is reminiscent of Brahms and
MacDowell. Credits: Composer: Amy Beach; Performer: Andrys |
| "Dimoff: Cradle Song" - Richard Cox | |
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A duet for cello and piano composed
in 2001 by Eleanor Dimoff. Richard Cox (SymphoniaX) produced this expressive rendition in
collaboration with the composer. Credits: Composer: Eleanor Dimoff; Realization: Richard Cox |
| "Tchaikovsky: Symphony No.4, 3rd Movement - Pizzicato Ostinato" - The CMR Players | |
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This is a performance of the 3rd
Movement of the Symphony No. 4, Scherzo (Pizzicato Ostinato: Allegro), by Piotr Ilyitch
Tchaikovsky (1840 - 1893) Credits: Composer: Peter Tchaikovsky; Realization: Steve Mitchell (CMR Players) |
| "Solomons: Rag for Tubas" - Tubalaté | |
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Octatonic rag by David W Solomons for
two tubas and two euphoniums, performed by Tubalaté. This recording (which they have given me
permission to place on this page) comes from their CD "Earth and Moon", which can be obtained
from www.tubalate.com CD: Earth and Moon Label: Horizon Music Production TCD 4 Credits: Composer: David W Solomons. Performer: Tubalaté |
| "Wiedemann-Solomons: Distant Heart" - Wiedemann/Solomons | |
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Based on an original theme by Joe
Wiedemann, in this version words have been added and sung by David Solomons. The singer's love
is unrequited because the "lover" is more interested in pursuing his/her career. CD: CMM Credits: Theme and orchestration: Joe Wiedemann. Lyrics and voice: David W Solomons |
| "Cox: Street Dance (Piano Duo)" - Richard Cox | |
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Final movement from Richard's "Dance
Suite". Very lively and energetic with a feeling of uninhibited spontaneity. It was written to
handle the musical challenge of writing a piece in 11/8 time which sounds "natural". Credits: Composition and Realization: Richard Cox. |
| "Bruckner: Symphony No.4, 3rd" - The CMR Players | |
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This is a
rendering of the 3rd Movement of Bruckner's 4th Symphony, The "Romantic".
Credits: Composer: Anton Bruckner; Realization: Steve Mitchell (CMR Players) |
| "Harrington: Gygr" - Jeff Harrington | |
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Gygr - for Flute, Viola, and Harp.
Gygr (pronounced with a Scottish brogue - GEER) is a flute trio inspired by the famous Debussy
Flute, Viola and Harp trio. It incorporates African rhythms and impressionistic flourishes
galore. Gygr for Flute, Viola and Harp was premiered by the Gaudae Trio February 24, 2001, in
Amsterdam. This recording was realized and interpreted with SuperConductor software.
Credits: Composition and Realization by Jeff Harrington |
| "Cox: Elegy for Oboe & Piano" - Richard Cox | |
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A largely tranquil and reflective
piece, intensely personal to the composer.
Credits: Composition and Realization by Richard Cox |
| "Wiedemann: Affections" - Joe Wiedemann | |
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Your heart races, though your
movements are slow. A racing background supports a romantic melody. Credits: Composed and realized by Joe Wiedemann (Orchestronics) |
| "Goddard: Longings! Longings! Longings!" - Philip Goddard | |
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By
Philip Goddard. Adapted from a
section of his Symphony 3 (Dark Forest - Monument & Reflections). A haunting piece for
orchestra, with a hypnotic (or one may say, obsessive) Ostinato on the piano. (MIDI realization) Credits: Composition and Realization by Philip Goddard |
| "Signorile: Essay for Trombone & Orchestra" - Colby College Orchestra | |
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A Concerto in one movement for Solo
Trombone and Symphony Orchestra. Performed by the Colby College Symphony Orchestra, with Don
Appert, Solo Trombone, and conducted by the composer on March 24, 1974.
CD: Twilight Dreams - The Music of James V. Signorile Label: Twilight Dreams Music Credits: Composer: Jim Signorile |
| "Meditation, Dance & Sacrifice" - Tony Lanman | |
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For solo guitar
a) Meditation b) Dance c) Preparation for the Sacrifice d) Sacrifice b)
Dance a) Post Sacrifice Meditation.
"Meditation, Dance & Sacrifice" was
premiered by Steve Kostelnik in Austin, Texas on May 5th, 2000 |
| "Solomons: Barbara Allen"- Solomons/CMR Players | |
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The original folksong is arranged and
sung here by David with orchestral realization by Steve Mitchell. This romantic interpretation,
complete with all the drama of dying for love, is based on one of the "original" tunes for the
ballad Barbara Allen. The harmonization ranges from classical to romantic to downright 21st
century at various points in the story, but it makes one organic whole - all the more so because
of Steve Mitchell's excellent realization of the orchestral parts. CD: CMM Credits: Composer: David W Solomons; Realization: Steve Mitchell |
| "Wagner: Siegfried's Funeral Music" - David Stifel | |
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From Richard Wagner's Gotterdammerung
- Twilight of the Gods. This piece is right up there among the crowning achievements of Western
Music. It moves from the depths of blackest despair and grief to heartbreakingly transcendent
hope of redemption. This music was used extensively in the film "Excalibur." Credits: Composer: Richard Wagner; Realization: David Stifel |
| "Rachmaninov: Prelude No.6" - Andrys | |
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"This prelude (1901) isn't recorded as
often as other preludes by Rachmaninoff, possibly because the first half has the melody so high
and distant from the bass. The 2nd half lowers the melody and it's this half that is the most
beautiful part for me. Some performers play this piece slowly (Cliburn) while others like to
play it quite fast. The marking is 'Andante' and if that's kept for the treble, then the bass
can be rather frantic sounding, so I've chosen the slower tempo. Will be redoing it someday for
more tension and direction in the first half. I had a few minutes on a borrowed grand piano, and
this replaces the earlier spinet version." Credits: Composer: Sergej Rachmaninov; Piano: Andrys |
| "Wiedemann: Eleganza" - Joe Wiedemann | |
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Eleganza, 2nd movement from Piano
Concerto No.1. Credits: Composition and realization by Joe Wiedemann. |
| "Solomons: Nunc Dimittis" - Solomons/Goddard | |
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David's setting of the Nunc Dimittis
for girls' choir, harp and organ. Originally written for the girls' choir at Christ Church
Dublin. Not yet performed, but this realization by Philip Goddard is very effective.
CD: CMM Credits: Composer: David W Solomons; Realization: Philip Goddard |
| "Schubert: Ave Maria" - Paul Wehage | |
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Transcription for Saxophone Credits: Composer: Franz Schubert; Saxophon: Paul Wehage |
| "Solomons: The Recipe" - David Solomons | |
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The three witches of Shakespeare's
Scottish play enjoy a good cackle here. Multi-tracked vocals by the composer.
"Shakespeare's three witches in the Scottish play are here personified in a
multitracked performance by the composer. The (allegedly) witch-like
strangulated sound that I decided to use made me almost unable to sing next
day at church!" CD: CMM Credits: Composer and performer: David W Solomons |
| "Goddard: Clarity of a Mountain Sunrise" - Philip Goddard | |
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By
Philip Goddard - A short intense and
mysterious choral work based on statements by Padmasambhava about the deepest and most subtle
level of consciousness - effectively the enlightened state - that exists within every one of us.
(MIDI realization) Credits: Composition and Realization: Philip Goddard |
| "Lagniappe - by Eleanor Dimoff" - Lorin Swelk | |
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An extensive re-configuration of a
simple midi-guitar duet by Eleanor Dimoff, here rendered by The Lorin Swelk Orchestra for mallet
percussion and drums. Credits: Composer: Eleanor Dimoff; Realization: Lorin Swelk. |
| "Signorile: Symphony1,a" - Signorile/Goddard | |
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Symphony No. 1 for Organ, Op. 52.
Movement I - Prelude. Commissioned by Carson P. Cooman 1999. MIDI Rendering by Philip Goddard.
Credits: Composition: Jim Signorile; Realization: Philip Goddard. |
| "Bach: Air in Dmajor" - Lorin Swelk | |
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This was recorded using John McCoy's "Jeux"
pipe organ soundfont for SBLivesound cards. You can download this incredible soundfont for free
here.
Credits: Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach; Realization: Lorin Swelk. |
| "Signorile: Et in Terra Pax" - Signorile/Goddard | |
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A simple hymn for orchestra in tribute
to the life and music of Alan Hovhaness, who passed away June 21, 2000 in Seattle, WA.
Orchestral arrangement and MIDI Rendering by Philip Goddard. Credits: Composer: Jim Signorile; Realization: Philip Goddard |
| "Solomons: Rag in 7" - Solomons/Swelk | |
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This quasi-ragtime for organ, in a
relentless 7 rhythm, was originally written as a church organ solo for Wiesbaden organist Petra
Mohr as part of a surprise collection of works by contemporary composers on her birthday. It has
since undergone several transmutations, of which this one by Lorin Swelk is probably the
grandest, using the great sound of the Wurlitzer. CD: CMM Credits: Composer: David W Solomons; Realization: Lorin Swelk. |
| "Signorile: Piano Concerto 1, 1st Movt." - Signorile/The CMR Players | |
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Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 53. Movement
I - Allegro Moderato. Commissioned by Carson P. Cooman 1999. MIDI Rendering by Steve Mitchell of
The CMR Players. Credits: Composition: James Signorile; Realization: Steve Mitchell |
| "Mahler: Adagietto" - Reinhold Behringer | |
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Composition by Gustav Mahler:
Symphony No.5, 4th movement, "Adagietto"; realized by Reinhold Behringer. Credits: Composer: Gustav Mahler; Realization: Reinhold Behringer |
| "Goddard: Dies Irae and Canon" - Philip Goddard | |
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By Philip Goddard
- http://www.philipgoddard-music.co.uk. Taken from the Composer's
major work for choir and orchestra, 'Et in Arcadia Ego', this is a stormy
rendition of part of the Roman Catholic 'Dies Irae' chant, with a central
section containing a sublime canonic rendering of Bach's 'Passion Chorale'
with new words. (MIDI realization) Credits: Composition and Realization: Philip Goddard |
