Chamber Music Cello, Piano, Violin

SKU: PR.144402290

Composed by James Primosch. Set of Score and Parts. With Standard notation. 17+9+9 pages. Duration 16 minutes, 30 seconds. Merion Music #144-40229. Published by Merion Music (PR.144402290).

UPC: 680160027316.

The theme that opens my Fantasy-Variations permeates the harmonic and melodic life of the 24 short episodes and coda that follow. However, in a few sections the relationships with the theme are more hidden than explicit; the fanciful connections between these portions and the opening theme suggested the work's hybrid title. Yet even in these more wide-ranging variations the opening theme is usually still hovering nearby, often as a quiet presence contrasting with more animated gestures. The piece may be understood as a kind of dream journal: a chain of brief entries that seem to vary greatly, yet rotate about a fixed constellation of types and obsessions, speaking a language of images at once logical and impossible, familiar and mysterious. I wrote the Fantasy-Variations for the Leonardo trio in 1991 with the support of a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in composition.
The theme that opens my Fantasy-Variations permeates the harmonic and melodic life of the 24 short episodes and coda that follow.  However, in a few sections the relationships with the theme are more hidden than explicit; the fanciful connections between these portions and the opening theme suggested the work’s hybrid title.  Yet even in these more wide-ranging variations the opening theme is usually still hovering nearby, often as a quiet presence contrasting with more animated gestures.The piece may be understood as a kind of dream journal: a chain of brief entries that seem to vary greatly, yet rotate about a fixed constellation of types and obsessions, speaking a language of images at once logical and impossible, familiar and mysterious.I wrote the Fantasy-Variations for the Leonardo trio in 1991 with the support of a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in composition.

Chamber Music Double Bass, English Horn, Oboe, Viola 1, Viola 2, Violin 1, Violin 2, Violoncello

SKU: PR.446413390

Composed by Michael Boyman. Study Score. With Standard notation. Duration 9 minutes. Merion Music #446-41339. Published by Merion Music (PR.446413390).

UPC: 680160667383. 9 x 12 inches.

Concertino is about relationships and how they change over time. My first goal in writing the piece was to create two distinct characters, in this case the Oboe and English Horn. The Oboe begins with a berceuse-like melody, while the English Horn's entrance is more ambiguous and rhythmically jagged. Over the course of the piece, these two characters interact through a variety of musical settings, their material or personalities continually developing. The strings, more than mere accompaniment, provide commentary on the dramatic action, much like a Greek chorus. They establish each musical scene, interact with the two woodwinds, and further develop the musical material. And while there is a strong concertante element in the piece, it is essentially chamber music. There is a conversational quality, a sense of give-and-take between everyone involved that makes the two woodwinds first among equals as opposed to featured concert soloists. Each of the eight instruments has something unique and important to say.
Concertino is about relationships and how they change over time.  My first goal in writing the piece was to create two distinct characters, in this case the Oboe and English Horn.  The Oboe begins with a berceuse-like melody, while the English Horn’s entrance is more ambiguous and rhythmically jagged.  Over the course of the piece, these two characters interact through a variety of musical settings, their material or personalities continually developing.The strings, more than mere accompaniment, provide commentary on the dramatic action, much like a Greek chorus.  They establish each musical scene, interact with the two woodwinds, and further develop the musical material.  And while there is a strong concertante element in the piece, it is essentially chamber music.  There is a conversational quality, a sense of give-and-take between everyone involved that makes the two woodwinds first among equals as opposed to featured concert soloists.  Each of the eight instruments has something unique and important to say.

Chamber Music String Quartet

SKU: PR.14440273S

Composed by Sydney F. Hodkinson. Large Score. With Standard notation. Duration 23 minutes. Merion Music #144-40273S. Published by Merion Music (PR.14440273S).

UPC: 680160028054.

The Second and Third Quartets were conceived at the same time; indeed, their composition intermingled, over half of No. 3 being sketched before No. 2 was completed. Accordingly, they share similar material but, like the intertwining blood of cousins, their natures differ: No. 2 being somewhat acerbic and declamatory, No. 3 more lyric and gentler.
The Second and Third Quartets were conceived at the same time; indeed, their composition intermingled, over half of No. 3 being sketched before No. 2 was completed.  Accordingly, they share similar material but, like the intertwining blood of cousins, their natures differ: No. 2 being somewhat acerbic and declamatory, No. 3 more lyric and gentler.

Chamber Music Flute(s)

SKU: PR.144407520

Composed by Samuel Zyman. Set of Score and Parts. 12+8+8 pages. Duration 10 minutes. Merion Music #144-40752. Published by Merion Music (PR.144407520).

ISBN 9781491136034. UPC: 680160688180.

A dramatic introduction with an almost-Baroque feel leads to a highly energetic dance, propelled by folk rhythms of Zyman’s native Mexico. Co-commissioned by 46 flutists through the Flute New Music Consortium, the 10-minute INTUITION is a vital addition to the flute duo recital repertoire. For advanced performers.

Chamber Music Piano, Tape

SKU: PR.140400670

Composed by James Primosch. Performance Score. With Standard notation. 18 pages. Duration 15 minutes. Merion Music #140-40067. Published by Merion Music (PR.140400670).

UPC: 680160023271.

Secre t Geometry can be heard as a short piano sonata, with the movements forming a typical fast--slow--fast pattern. The electronic sounds on tape are tightly interworven with the piano, often serving to extend and transform the piano's sound. The goal is to create a hybrid sound world. The phrase secret geometry is used to describe the play of forms in certain paintings, referring to structural patterns that are used to organize the pictorial elements. Since the electronic medium permits a composer to focus on the micro-structure of individual sounds, as well as more customary concerns with patterns of pitch and rhythm, it seemed appropriate to choose a title that emphasizes the careful shaping of every compositional element. But this is not to neglect the spiritual impulse of the work. After all, the obscure motion of the Holy Spirit herself describes a secret geometry, what Thomas Merton called a hidden wholeness. Written for the distinguished pianist Aleck Karis, Secret Geometry was composed with the assistance of a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. The tape was realized in the Presser Electronic Music Studio of the University of Pennsylvania.

Orchestra Bass Clarinet, Bassoon 1, Bassoon 2, Clarinet 1, Clarinet 2, Contrabassoon, Double Bass, English Horn, Flute 1, Flute 2, Flute 3, Harp, Horn 1, Horn 2, Horn 3, Horn 4, Oboe 1, Oboe 2, Percussion, Piano, Piccolo, Timpani, Trombone 1, Trombone 2 and more.

SKU: PR.44641340L

High Wire Act for Orchestra. Composed by Michael Boyman. Large Score. With Standard notation. Duration 8 minutes. Merion Music #446-41340L. Published by Merion Music (PR.44641340L).

UPC: 680160667413. 11 x 17 inches.

Tightrope Walker is my first piece for full orchestra. Given the large forces available to me, I wanted to write something exciting, colorful and visceral. I remembered back to when I was a kid going to see the Cirque du Soleil. That trip made a big impression on me, especially the high wire performers. These were artists performing super-human feats high in the air, where even the slightest mistake guaranteed a fatal ending. This idea of danger, of risking one's life to entertain an audience has stayed with me, and Tightrope Walker is my attempt at recreating that special childhood experience. The opening of the piece hints at what's to come - a steady, walking pulse interrupted by missteps in the woodwinds. These missteps increase until the entire orchestra comes crashing down - not a good sign for our Tightrope Walker. The tempo slows and the atmosphere becomes tense. The primary themes of the piece are presented in fragments, most notably the Tightrope Walker's theme in the horns. The orchestra gradually recovers from the previous fall, becoming more lively and coherent until the original, faster tempo is restored. We are now at the circus, excited and expectant, and the fragmentary themes heard previously are now presented in their full forms. The anticipation builds until we hear a solo drum roll - the main act is about to begin. The second half of the piece depicts the Tightrope Walker performing for his audience. But from the outset, as in the beginning of the piece, we hear there are problems. The pressure mounts, the audience clamoring for more, until Tightrope Walker comes to a decisive and potentially fatal end.
Tightrope Walker is my first piece for full orchestra.  Given the large forces available to me, I wanted to write something exciting, colorful and visceral.  I remembered back to when I was a kid going to see the Cirque du Soleil.  That trip made a big impression on me, especially the high wire performers.  These were artists performing super-human feats high in the air, where even the slightest mistake guaranteed a fatal ending.  This idea of danger, of risking one’s life to entertain an audience has stayed with me, and Tightrope Walker is my attempt at recreating that special childhood experience.The opening of the piece hints at what's to come - a steady, walking pulse interrupted by missteps in the woodwinds.  These missteps increase until the entire orchestra comes crashing down - not a good sign for our Tightrope Walker.  The tempo slows and the atmosphere becomes tense.  The primary themes of the piece are presented in fragments, most notably the Tightrope Walker's theme in the horns.  The orchestra gradually recovers from the previous fall, becoming more lively and coherent until the original, faster tempo is restored.We are now at the circus, excited and expectant, and the fragmentary themes heard previously are now presented in their full forms.  The anticipation builds until we hear a solo drum roll - the main act is about to begin.  The second half of the piece depicts the Tightrope Walker performing for his audience.  But from the outset, as in the beginning of the piece, we hear there are problems.  The pressure mounts, the audience clamoring for more, until Tightrope Walker comes to a decisive and potentially fatal end.

Band

SKU: PR.11540394L

Composed by Steven Stucky. Arranged by Scott Boerma. Large Score. 11 pages. Duration 1:30. Merion Music #115-40394L. Published by Merion Music (PR.11540394L).

UPC: 680160621736.

Orchestra Bassoon, Cello, Chimes, Clarinet, Double Bass, Glockenspiel, Harp, Horn 1, Horn 2, Marimba, Oboe, Percussion 1, Percussion 2, Piccolo, Timpani, Trombone, Trumpet, Vibraphone, Viola, Violin 1, Violin 2

SKU: PR.11642070L

Composed by Elena Ruehr. Large Score. 32 pages. Duration 8 minutes. Merion Music #116-42070L. Published by Merion Music (PR.11642070L).

UPC: 680160690985.

Chamber Music String Quartet

SKU: PR.144402180

After Zurbarán. Composed by James Primosch. Set of Score and Parts. With Standard notation. 20+8+8+8+8 pages. Duration 18 minutes. Merion Music #144-40218. Published by Merion Music (PR.144402180).

UPC: 680160027156. 9.5 x 13 inches.

The concerts and exhibits of the Cleveland Museum of Art were an important formative influence for me during my student days. So when the invitation came to create a new work celebrating this institution on its seventy-fifth anniversary, I was not only happy to accept, but knew immediately that I wanted to write a piece that would somehow relate specifically to the museum. I decided to make the work a reflection on a painting in the museum's collection: Zurbaran's The Holy House of Nazareth. My quartet is not program music in a narrative sense, but rather a kind of meditation that takes its tone from this painting's remarkable integration of intense affect, mysterious repose and secret geometry. Besides Zurbaran's painting, the piece is occupied with a purely musical object of contemplation: the hymn tune Picardy, best known with the text Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence. This tune permeates the harmonic and melodic life of the quartet, sometimes appearing in a very simple, straightforward fashion, but often hidden amidst more complex structures. I was attracted to the melody for its musical qualities, but later realized that the hymn's text also resonates with the mood of the painting; the words speak of a reverent awe, of cherubim with sleepless eye, and of the mystery of the Incarnate Word who must suffer: King of kings, yet born of Mary...

Orchestra Double Bass, Viola 1, Viola 2, Violin 1, Violin 2, Violoncello 1, Violoncello 2

SKU: PR.44641342L

Therapy for String Orchestra. Composed by Michael Boyman. Large Score. With Standard notation. Duration 7 minutes. Merion Music #446-41342L. Published by Merion Music (PR.44641342L).

UPC: 680160667451. 11 x 14 inches.

Anger Management is a study in aggression and heartbreak. Its inspiration comes from a particularly nasty breakup and Tennysons maxim, Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. The piece considers and ultimately rejects this notion. My goal was to combine the narrative of romantic loss - with its elements of anger, nostalgia, despair and ultimately defiance - with a strict compositional technique and economy of material. The piece is based on two motives: the gruff, ascending three notes of the first bar and a descending half-step sigh, which is eventually transformed and intensified into a glissando ascending major-7th. Anger Management was premiered and recorded on April 1st, 2013 by Derek Cooper and the Manhattan School of Music String Ensemble.

Chamber Music Bass Trombone 1, Bass Trombone 2, Castanets, Slap Stick, Tambourine, Triangle, alto Trombone, tenor Trombone 1, tenor Trombone 2, tenor Trombone 3, tenor Trombone 4, tenor Trombone 5, tenor Trombone 6, tenor Trombone 7

SKU: PR.144407460

Composed by Charles Ives. Arranged by Joshua Kearney William Schuman. Set of Score and Parts. 16+4+4+4+4+4+4+4+4+4+4+4+ 4 pages. Duration 7 minutes. Merion Music #144-40746. Published by Merion Music (PR.144407460).

UPC: 680160685028.

This arrangement of Charles Ives' VARIATIONS ON AMERICAN was originally created for Dr. Bradley Palmer and the 2008 Schwob Trombone Ensemble. It was subsequently edited for the 2021 Southeast Trombone Symposium Professors Choir International Trombone Festival performance. - Joshua Kearney.

Orchestra Bassoon, Cello, Clarinet, Double Bass, Flute, Horn 1, Horn 2, Oboe, Piccolo, Timpani, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, Viola, Violin, Violin 1, Violin 2

SKU: PR.11642065S

Composed by Elena Ruehr. Study Score. 97 pages. Duration 15 minutes. Merion Music #116-42065S. Published by Merion Music (PR.11642065S).

UPC: 680160690879.

Orchestra Violin I, Violin II, Violin III (Viola T.C.), Viola, Cello, Bass, Piano

SKU: PR.11642064L

Composed by Elena Ruehr. Large Score. 89 pages. Duration 19 minutes. Merion Music #116-42064L. Published by Merion Music (PR.11642064L).

UPC: 680160690855.

Orchestra Bass Trombone, Bassoon, Cello, Clarinet, Double Bass, Flute 1, Flute 2, Horn 1, Horn 2, Oboe, Percussion 1, Piano, Piccolo, Trombone, Trumpet, Viola, Violin 1, Violin 2

SKU: PR.11642067L

Composed by Elena Ruehr. Large Score. 64 pages. Duration 12 minutes. Merion Music #116-42067L. Published by Merion Music (PR.11642067L).

UPC: 680160690923.

Chamber Music Cello, Piano, Violin

SKU: PR.14440229S

Composed by James Primosch. Full score. With Standard notation. Duration 16 minutes, 30 seconds. Merion Music #144-40229S. Published by Merion Music (PR.14440229S).

UPC: 680160027330.

The theme that opens my Fantasy-Variations permeates the harmonic and melodic life of the 24 short episodes and coda that follow. However, in a few sections the relationships with the theme are more hidden than explicit; the fanciful connections between these portions and the opening theme suggested the work's hybrid title. Yet even in these more wide-ranging variations the opening theme is usually still hovering nearby, often as a quiet presence contrasting with more animated gestures. The piece may be understood as a kind of dream journal: a chain of brief entries that seem to vary greatly, yet rotate about a fixed constellation of types and obsessions, speaking a language of images at once logical and impossible, familiar and mysterious. I wrote the Fantasy-Variations for the Leonardo trio in 1991 with the support of a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in composition.
The theme that opens my Fantasy-Variations permeates the harmonic and melodic life of the 24 short episodes and coda that follow.  However, in a few sections the relationships with the theme are more hidden than explicit; the fanciful connections between these portions and the opening theme suggested the work’s hybrid title.  Yet even in these more wide-ranging variations the opening theme is usually still hovering nearby, often as a quiet presence contrasting with more animated gestures.The piece may be understood as a kind of dream journal: a chain of brief entries that seem to vary greatly, yet rotate about a fixed constellation of types and obsessions, speaking a language of images at once logical and impossible, familiar and mysterious.I wrote the Fantasy-Variations for the Leonardo trio in 1991 with the support of a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in composition.

Chamber Music Bass, Violin

SKU: PR.141401040

Composed by Ellen Taaffe Zwilich. Set of Score and Parts. 8 4 pages. Duration 4 minutes. Merion Music #141-40104. Published by Merion Music (PR.141401040).

ISBN 9781491136379. UPC: 680160688913. English. Comments by guests of Soup Kitchen.

This theatrical miniature has carved a unique place in music literature, thanks to many warm hearts and minds. In 2005 the distinguished violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins started a project called Music Kitchen where the homeless and needy, after a meal provided by a soup kitchen, were treated to a concert performed by some of the best musicians in New York. After these concerts, Hall-Tompkins asked the listeners for comments. This became inspiration for Zwilichâ??s MUSIC KITCHEN INTERPLAY, which includes vocal settings of listenersâ?? comments in musical counterpoint with reworked fragments of her Fantasy for Solo Violin.
In 2005 the wonderful violinist, Kelly Hall-Tompkins, started a project called Music Kitchen where needy (often homeless) people, after a meal provided by a Soup Kitchen, were treated to a concert performed by some of the best musicians in New York. After the concerts, Kelly asked the listeners if they had any comments, and she saved these.To celebrate of 10 years of the project, in 2015 Kelly asked a number of composers to write a composition for Music Kitchen. I loved the idea, and I was particularly inspired by the comments that the listeners had made.The premiere of Music Kitchen Interplay featured Kellyâ??s performance, based on my Fantasy for Solo Violin, with audience comments (like â??never been so close to a violinâ?) given voice by the outstanding Bass, Mark Risinger. The music is meant to celebrate the receptiveness and understanding of our fellow humans who, like me, need music to enrich our lives.

Orchestra Cello, Contrabass, Viola, Violin 1, Violin 2

SKU: PR.11642160L

Composed by Elena Ruehr. Large Score. 13 pages. Merion Music #116-42160L. Published by Merion Music (PR.11642160L).

UPC: 680160690961.

In March 2023 I heard a concert by the Boston Symphony Orchestra of Gorecki’s Sorrowful Songs, and it reminded me of Barber’s famous Adagio for Strings. At the time I was writing a string quartet, and it moved me to write a string orchestra piece inspired by these two emotional and lyrical works. Entitled Long Night because the pandemic felt like it was finally coming to an end, I was also thinking forward to the many challenges that still lie ahead of us.

Band Bass Clarinet, Bass Trombone, Bassoon 1, Bassoon 2, Bassoon 3, Clarinet, Clarinet 1, Clarinet 2, Clarinet 3, Contrabassoon, Double Bass, English Horn, Euphonium, Flute 1, Flute 2, Flute 3, Harp, Horn 1, Horn 2, Horn 3, Horn 4, Oboe 1, Oboe 2 and more.

SKU: PR.11540242L

Composed by Steven Stucky. Large Score. 41 pages. Merion Music #115-40242L. Published by Merion Music (PR.11540242L).

UPC: 680160690442. Transcribed by Chee Weng Yim.

Orchestra Cello, Clarinet 1, Clarinet 2, Double bass voice, Flute 1, Flute 2, Organ, Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Trumpet 3, Viola, Violin 1, Violin 2, baritone voice bassoon, choir, soprano voice

SKU: PR.11642059L

Composed by Elena Ruehr. Large Score. 49 pages. Duration 13 minutes. Merion Music #116-42059L. Published by Merion Music (PR.11642059L).

UPC: 680160690817.

Orchestra Bassoon, Cello, Chimes, Clarinet, Double Bass, Glockenspiel, Harp, Horn 1, Horn 2, Marimba, Oboe, Percussion 1, Percussion 2, Piccolo, Timpani, Trombone, Trumpet, Vibraphone, Viola, Violin 1, Violin 2

SKU: PR.11642070S

Composed by Elena Ruehr. Study Score. 32 pages. Duration 8 minutes. Merion Music #116-42070S. Published by Merion Music (PR.11642070S).

UPC: 680160690978.

Orchestra Bass Clarinet, Bassoon 1, Bassoon 2, Cello, Chimes, Clarinet 1, Clarinet 2, Clarinet 3, Double Bass, Flute 1, Flute 2, Glockenspiel, Horn 1, Horn 2, Horn 3, Horn 4, Marimba, Oboe 1, Oboe 2, Percussion 1, Percussion 2, Piccolo, Suspended Cymbal and more.

SKU: PR.11642062S

Version 2. Composed by Elena Ruehr. Study Score. 161 pages. Duration 25 minutes. Merion Music #116-42062S. Published by Merion Music (PR.11642062S).

UPC: 680160690824.

Dedic ated to the memory of my mother, Ruthann Richwine Ruehr, who was both an environmentalist and a film maker, this piece channels the things she loved: the beauty of the natural world and the glorious sound of great film music. Although a complex comment on our relationship to the natural world, it begins with a simple tenet: that to preserve the earth we must first love and appreciate it.

Opera

SKU: PR.11640310S

Opera in Nine Scenes.. Composed by Chester Biscardi. Full score. 509 pages. Duration 1 hour, 30 minutes. Merion Music #116-40310S. Published by Merion Music (PR.11640310S).

UPC: 680160682805. English.

Orchestra

SKU: PR.11642055S

Composed by Elena Ruehr. Study Score. 87 pages. Merion Music #116-42055S. Published by Merion Music (PR.11642055S).

UPC: 680160690763.

Writt en in 2020 and dedicated to the memory my mother, RuthAnn Richwine Ruehr, this Requiem is also written in memory of all who passed in 2020. The text is an English translation of a standard Latin Mass, but it is secular: all religious words were either removed or replaced. It became a kind of outline of the five stages of grief: bargaining, sorrow, denial, anger and acceptance.

Chamber Music Clarinet, Contrabass, Horn, Percussion, Piano, Viola, Violin, Violoncello

SKU: PR.144407390

Composed by Ellen Taaffe Zwilich. Sws. Set of Score and Parts. 44+8+8+12+24+8+8+12 pages. Duration 20 minutes. Merion Music #144-40739. Published by Merion Music (PR.144407390).

UPC: 680160684748. 9 x 12 inches.

Chamber Music String Quartet

SKU: PR.14440218S

After Zurbarán. Composed by James Primosch. Full score. With Standard notation. Duration 18 minutes. Merion Music #144-40218S. Published by Merion Music (PR.14440218S).

UPC: 680160027170. 9.5 x 13 inches.

The concerts and exhibits of the Cleveland Museum of Art were an important formative influence for me during my student days. So when the invitation came to create a new work celebrating this institution on its seventy-fifth anniversary, I was not only happy to accept, but knew immediately that I wanted to write a piece that would somehow relate specifically to the museum. I decided to make the work a reflection on a painting in the museum's collection: Zurbaran's The Holy House of Nazareth. My quartet is not program music in a narrative sense, but rather a kind of meditation that takes its tone from this painting's remarkable integration of intense affect, mysterious repose and secret geometry. Besides Zurbaran's painting, the piece is occupied with a purely musical object of contemplation: the hymn tune Picardy, best known with the text Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence. This tune permeates the harmonic and melodic life of the quartet, sometimes appearing in a very simple, straightforward fashion, but often hidden amidst more complex structures. I was attracted to the melody for its musical qualities, but later realized that the hymn's text also resonates with the mood of the painting; the words speak of a reverent awe, of cherubim with sleepless eye, and of the mystery of the Incarnate Word who must suffer: King of kings, yet born of Mary...