A triumphant anthem based on the cherished Easter hymn. Set for SATB choir, organ, and optional parts for two trumpets. Perfect for the Easter season or other jubilant occasions!
Brandon Nelson
IMAGO DEI
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It is common knowledge that the universe we see is composed of tiny particles known as
“atoms.” For much of scientific history, it was thought that atoms were made up of three
indivisible particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Thanks to contemporary advances in physics, we now know that these particles are, in fact,
made up of much smaller particles and that these constituents sometimes behave in ways
that confound what we thought we knew of the physical universe.
In this piece, I have portrayed one type of these subatomic particles, the quark. There are
six types (or “flavors”) of quark: up, down, charm, strange, top, and bottom. These are
differentiated by the type of charge they carry and their masses.
The first movement is “Strange Quark.” This flavor has a negative charge and is relatively
light. Much like the particle, this movement often “behaves” in unusual ways.
“Top Quark,” the second movement, portrays the quark flavor that is by far the heaviest.
Slow and massive, this particle allowed for the study of the famous Higgs boson.
The final movement, “Up Quark,” is light and decays quickly, much like this particle that
contributes to both protons and neutrons.
The universe is indeed a wonder to behold and its scale is hardly comprehensible to the
human mind. And yet, it is becoming increasingly apparent that there exists an entire
“universe” yet to uncover in the most infinitesimal pieces of matter. It is my hope that the
wonder and mystery this inspires be conveyed through this piece of music.Get the music here!
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Inspired by the art of New York-based artist Francis Valela (who is also, I should point out, my
cousin), this piece explores the psychological dynamic of a creator struggling against fads and
criticism–of daring to be “unbecoming” in light of rigid, banal, but popular convention–and creating
something earnestly sincere and unique yet may condemn one to obscurity. The tensions here, as
in life, are generally not resolved but one is left to ponder the nature and merit of aesthetic
compromise.Get the music here!
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A Mass setting in honor of lives lost in The War to End All Wars.
Whether performing individual movements or the entire setting, this piece is a powerful tribute to fallen veterans. Appropriate for concert, festival, and liturgical use. May be used for Memorial Day, Armistice Day, or any general performance or liturgical purpose.
Get the music here!
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A brilliant way to open or close your next recital! Impressive, gutsy gestures (well within the reach of good high school players) and an in-your-face style will leave your audience jumping to its feet!
Based on a highly-descriptive poem written by the composer’s son (included in the program notes), you won’t want to miss programming this sax trio on your next recital!
Scored for alto sax, tenor sax, baritone sax
Click here to learn more and purchase the sheet music!
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A unique, vivacious exploration of the states of matter in this virtuosic showpiece for chamber ensemble!
Get the music here!
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Written for the rather unique assemblage of performers known as the Timekeepers Quintet (bassoon, tenor sax, trumpet, bass trumpet, and tuba), this piece with numerous contrasting sections is a musical tribute to the iron range (northern Michigan) upon which I live.
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Dr. Brian Kauth assembled a consortium of saxophone players to commission me to write a piece in four
movements, each to be for a different member of the saxophone family (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone). He
chose the theme of the “four horsemen of the apocalypse” because, as he puts it, “the saxophone was long
considered ‘the devil’s instrument’ due to the seedy and sultry qualities associated with it.”
The story of the Four Horsemen comes from the biblical Book of Revelation. Each of the Horsemen is said to
represent events that are supposed to usher in the Apocalypse, the final battle between good and evil. As with
many biblical passages, there are numerous interpretations of this account debated among theologians. Those
that I’ve taken in this piece are strictly based on my own aesthetic requirements and should not be construed
as taking any particular sides in these spiritual debates.
The Four Horsemen symbolize the evils to come before the end of the world. It is said that a quarter of the
world’s population is to be wiped out by a combination of these ills. The Horsemen pave the way for the final
battle, the final judgement, and the Second Coming.
The account begins with the White Horsemen, symbolizing pestilence. Next comes the Red Horse,
representing war. Then the Black Horse, bringing widespread famine, especially against the poor of the world.
Finally, the Pallid Horse, the personification of Death, reaping his reward in the victims of the tribulations.
Each movement is assigned a different member of the saxophone family. Ideally it should be performed as
such. However, if you do not have access to all four saxes, you may perform the movements on the sax or
saxesof your choosing. The movements are written such that they will sound satisfactory on any of the saxes.
Get the music here!
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A chilling, moving portrayal of the Walt Whitman poem depicting the aftermath of a bloody Civil War battle. Contemporary techniques combine with traditional resources to make for an unforgettable musical experience.
Look down, fair moon and bathe this scene,
Pour softly down night’s nimbus floods, on faces ghastly, swollen, purple;
On the dead, on their backs, with their arms toss’d wide,
Pour down your unstinted nimbus, sacred moon.
Get the music here!
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For those who go unsung, those everyday saints with souls of nobility and charity who go out and build a better world, without expectation of reward or recognition.
Brandon Nelson 