Solo Instruments and Chamber Ensembles
Unless preceded by concert credits, audio excerpts are MIDI realizations.
A Crown of Feathers
A fantasy on Yiddish themes for unaccompanied violin (1982), ca. 14’
An extended violin solo that combines contemporary elements with quotations of traditional Yiddish songs.
The Idea of North
Vibraphone (1995), ca. 15’
Composed for Nebojsa Zivkovic, who wanted to “float on clouds.” North evolves from rapid rhythmic pulsations to a spacious landscape of slow, repeated harmonic mobiles.
Run!
Marimba (2003), 4 1/2’
A virtuoso solo driven by the compression of musical and dramatic material.
Video excerpt of performance by Brian Zator
A large format performance score (11x17), as well as a bound study score, are available through Steve Weiss Music.
Solo
Flute (2006), ca. 7’
Dance
Piano (2007), ca. 2’
An entertainment based on Latin dance rhythms; collected as part of Three Pieces for Piano, also arranged for violin and piano.
Dream
Piano (2003), 8 1/2’
A slowly-evolving exploration of traditional harmonies in a quiet, nearly-static environment; collected in Three Pieces for Piano, also arranged for violin and piano.
A studio recording, performed by Brenda Tom, will be released in 2013 as part of a collection of keyboard music by Howard Hersh.
Run!
Piano (2002), 7’
An expanded version of the marimba solo; also part of Three Pieces for Piano.
Angels & Watermarks
Harpsichord (2004), 21’
A five-movement suite combining traditional ornaments, gestures and sensibilities with contemporary rhythms and harmonies; may also be performed on piano. I - Before [Angels], a prelude; II - Flying Lessons, a perpetual movement study; III - Little Angel Dreams, a slow movement; IV - Touch, an homage to the toccata; and V- After (Watermarks), a brief reminiscence of the opening prelude.
A studio recording of the complete suite, performed by Brenda Tom, will be released in 2013 as part of a collection of keyboard music by Howard Hersh.
Excerpts from movements I-V, performed by Brenda Tom.
I love you, Billy Danger
Piano (2012), 10’
The sensitive and exciting music of Howard Hersh belongs in the American canon.
—Pauline Oliveros