Brandon Nelson
IMAGO DEI
Category: Compositions
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Sometimes a piece you wrote a long time ago gets a new crack at life. That’s what I’m hoping with my sax quartet. It was a student work and not bad as it was, but I’ve given myself the opportunity to take another swing at it, shine it up, fix the quirks, and really make…
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It shouldn’t surprise you that there exist literally thousands upon thousands of examples of this traditional American-style march. This march type used to be considered the popular music of its heyday (late 19th century into the early 20th century) and composers cashed in big time. Sousa, Fillmore, and King are the big names but there…
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An exciting concert opener in the style of a fanfare-and-theme (also suitable for a formal occasion like graduations) inspired by the might and majesty of the eagle.
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Pax Aeterna (“the peace eternal”) is a musical plea for lasting peace in the world. Using a simple, plaintive melody as its basis, the band brings the listener through dramatic peaks and valleys reflecting on the struggle of realizing the goal of peace. (This is a significant reimagining of an orchestral piece I composed by…
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“Nebulae” is a collection of five short programmatic movements that represent the different types of these beautiful interstellar clouds of dust and particles. MOVEMENTS: I. Eta Carinae Nebula II. Cat’s Eye Nebula III. Great Nebula in Orion IV. Iris Nebula V. Eagle Nebula Get the music here!
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A beautiful solo for violin and piano, suitable to any occasion (though seems to be quite popular for weddings). Only modestly demanding in technique, any good high school violinist (and beyond) will love playing this. Get the music here!
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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! Get the music here!
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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 threeindivisible 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…
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Inspired by the art of New York-based artist Francis Valela (who is also, I should point out, mycousin), this piece explores the psychological dynamic of a creator struggling against fads andcriticism–of daring to be “unbecoming” in light of rigid, banal, but popular convention–and creatingsomething earnestly sincere and unique yet may condemn one to obscurity. The…
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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…
Brandon Nelson 