"BonnGasse Twenty" For Solo Piano (Susanne Kessell's Beethoven Project)

"BonnGasse Twenty"

For Solo Piano

Part of Susanne Kessell's 250 Piano Pieces for Beethoven Project

Bil Smith Composer

Preview of New Commissioned Compositions for 2023: Works in Progress: Trio for Flute Bassoon and Tuba (Guillioche)

In this new piece for the trio of Flute, Bassoon and Tuba, I employ a Guillioche design aesthetic as a compositional tool.  Guilloché (/ɡɪˈloʊʃ/; or guilloche) is a decorative technique in which a very precise, intricate and repetitive pattern  is mechanically engraved into an underlying material via engine turning, which uses a machine of the same name, also called a rose engine lathe. This mechanical technique improved on more time-consuming designs achieved by hand and allowed for greater delicacy, precision, and closeness of line, as well as greater speed.

From Cardew's Treatise Handbook....

"However, the years of work on Treatise have furnished me with a fund of experience obviously distinct from the experience embodied in the score itself.  And this fund continues to accumulate , since my experience of and with the piece is by no means completed with the completion of the score ; so some of the excreta of this fund may as well be made available to those who, because it 's published, may shortly wish to be occupied with the score."

"The Library Forecourt At Some Private Reversed Murmur of Surprise" for Two Sopranino Saxophones. Donatiene Martin, Composer.

"The Library Forecourt At Some Private Reversed Murmur of Surprise" for Two Sopranino Saxophones.  Donatiene Martin, Composer.

Excerpt:"The Library Forecourt At Some Private Reversed Murmur of Surprise" for Two Sopranino Saxophones.  

Donatiene Martin, Composer.

Premiere November in Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland

A Commission from The Guidance Foundation, The Fredrik Idestam Trust and Nokia Corporation.

Excerpt:
"The Library Forecourt At Some Private Reversed Murmur of Surprise"
for Two Sopranino Saxophones.
Donatiene Martin, Composer.

Excerpt:
"The Library Forecourt At Some Private Reversed Murmur of Surprise"
for Two Sopranino Saxophones.
Donatiene Martin, Composer.

Excerpt:
"The Library Forecourt At Some Private Reversed Murmur of Surprise"
for Two Sopranino Saxophones.
Donatiene Martin, Composer.

Excerpt:
"The Library Forecourt At Some Private Reversed Murmur of Surprise"
for Two Sopranino Saxophones.
Donatiene Martin, Composer.

"Yet The Star Enjoys Autonomy" for Bass

"Yet The Star Enjoys Autonomy"

for Bass

Bil Smith Composer

Link to PDF Score File

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wJ0vAN378p9My6_ypa9gQI97G-CDREsX/view?usp=sharing

"Western Fantasy" for Inderbinen DaVinci B Flat Trumpet

"Perimeter Walls" (2002) Bil Smith Composer.

 

"Perimeter Walls" (2002) Bil Smith Composer.  An Oulipo inspired composition for for a solo percussionist, to be used in whole or in part to provide a solo or ensemble for any combination of pianists, string players and percussionists.

"Memphis Design" (Dedicated to Ettore Sottsass) For Bassoon

"Memphis Design"

(Dedicated to Ettore Sottsass)

For Bassoon

Bil Smith Composer

Link To Full PDF Score:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z84Fw-chgJ5uesZM-agM_qB7l96BQBZc/view?usp=sharing

Why No "Performance Notes?"

Why no "Performance notes?"

Yes, I understand, my scores are not traditional in the academic music sense. I know that many composers who create different notational systems and unconventional tablatures will provide performance notes for their scores. 

I guess I am a bit different in that regard in that I do not subscribe to a “one size fits all” approach.  I like to understand the proficiencies/ strengths of each performer that I am working with by listening to them perform other works, whether audio or video performances. It gives me insight as to how to craft specific performance notes for that individual. 

In effect, it changes the aesthetic of the score and ultimately the final output (the performance).  

Back in 2017, the pianist Nicolas Horvath, performed a world premiere of a piano piece I wrote at Carnegie Hall.  I spent several months listening to his previous performances so I could construct a performance directive that accounted for his style and nuanced performance skills.  

I enjoy the journey of learning about the performer and how they will impact the work.  The score is a framework; a foundation. 

"Clue for Viola"

"Clue"

 for Viola

Bil Smith Composer

A Commission from Grupo Aval

Published by LNM Editions

IN PROGRESS: Two Pages of Score of New Work for Tuba.

 

IN PROGRESS: 

Two Pages of Score of New Work for Tuba.

Bil Smith Composer

2022

To be Published by LNM Editions

In this work for solo Tuba,  I have a simple premise as with many of my compositions.  I pretend that objects, notational elements and tactile visualizations form a self-composition.  This work consists of allowing the score to compose itself.  I believe that by incorporating new musical lexicons, I am creating compositions more relevant to today.