Compositions

Woven (2016) is my latest work for solo cello with electronic accompaniment. Directed by Eve Herman, Confluence, is the combination of music, dance, and visual art for the unveiling of Walter Herman’s new earthwork sculpture at the Inn at Honey Run. My composition will be utilized in a site specific dance work that highlights the sculpture and environment. The composition written for solo cello and pre-recorded accompaniment, features solo cello, recorded bell sounds, orchestral arrangements, and unique textures created from pairing piano, kalimba, marimba, and clarinet.

the order of things… (2015) “the order of things examines love, loss, fear and relationships across time and reality. Choreographer Noelle Bohaty directs this work, based in and around the poetry of Anne Sexton, the mythological story of Icarus, and the collective decided work of company members.” The music reflects the journey of relationships in several vignettes that capture the emotional struggles between people.

GLASS (2015) is a modern ballet depicting the life of Princess Clio, a young girl who is poisoned and sleeps through decades of civilizations while only experiencing life through dreams in a glass stasis bed. Lasting 25 minutes, the music is mix of electronic orchestra and live glass instruments. The collaboration between movement and music create a stunning portrayal of youthful innocence, despair, and the will to survive the darkness of eternal rest.

Elite Theory (2015) was created for the local aerial dance company Movement Activities. Elite Theory is a depiction of relationships between aristocratic and general society. The composition combines contrasting styles of electronic and orchestral influences to reflect the power of relationships and their role in economics.

The Past is Up (2014) was written as part of the Sullivant Hall dedication for the Ohio State Dance Department. Commissioned by Steven Koplowitz, The Past is Up is part of his site specific dance work, Sullivant Travels, that celebrates the history and architecture of the new building. The Past is Up was premiered in late September at the Sullivant Hall dedication.

See how they run… (2013) was written as part of a collaborative process between dance/
percussion quartet, MaD Arts Group. The work was inspired by a sculpture on display at the Pizzuti Collection, Backupenchantress by John Chamberlain. See how they run.. was premiered by MaD Arts Group at the Short North Stage production, Off the Wall in May 2014.

Anahata (2012) is a marimba/vibraphone duet written for the Anahata Percussion Duo. The work was inspired from the Hindu energy traditions of Chakra meditation. Anahata is the fourth Chakra and symbolizes compassion, devotion, and love. The work challenges the performers to navigate many instruments simultaneously, while also building textures seamlessly through a pairing of marimba and vibraphone.

Frame Work (2011) is a solo frame drum composition inspired from the playing of legendary percussionist Glen Velez. The work is intended to be performed with a large Bodhran and explores Middle Eastern percussion techniques. The piece challenges the performer to play with the hands while creating separate textures with instruments in the feet. Frame Work was premiered at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro School of Music.

Pangaea (2009) was created to blend aspects of world drumming cultures and primitive sounds of nature. The work combines live performance with pre-recorded electronic sounds. Pangaea was recently adapted for drumming ensemble and recorded by the 2014 JamesCare for Life Victory Drummer’s fundraising album, One Goal. All the proceeds from the album are donated to Pelotonia cancer research efforts. Pangaea was premiered in 2010 at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro School of Music.

Listen to complete works by Dr. Estes here: Compositions