Three Songs

Three Songs for piano is a small collection of personal musical statements. Initially
written shortly after my time in graduate school, they seek to look back on earlier
creative inspirations. This is encapsulated by the opening selection, “Nostalgia.” Its
beginning refrain is marked sotto voce (beneath the breath, in a quiet voice) to
convey the personal nature of the theme. The following song–“One Other”–opens
with a striking, crystalline chord to bring the listener into a state of attentiveness, as
if recalling a distant memory. “Summer Song” is decidedly more folksy in style, and
possesses an extroverted quality distinct from the prior songs. It is intended to be an
exuberant conclusion that looks optimistically forward to the future.

While these are instrumental piano pieces, their designation as ‘songs’ is intended
to portray the vocal quality of much of the melodic writing. Often the musical
phrases are simple, easily memorable, and comfortably singable. The formal
construction of each is similarly accessible. Each has a refrain that is interspersed
between contrasting interludes, much like conventional popular music. In all, the
combined musical clarity and emotional directness of these three songs is intended
to give listeners and performers alike a genuine sense of enjoyment.