I'M IN THE MOOD FOR HUNGARIAN for Flute Solo (2024). I'M IN THE MOOD FOR HUNGARIAN was composed for a call for scores by Lisa Bost-Sanberg/Fifteen Minutes of Fame (Vox Novus). The title is a play on the fact that this piece is composed entirely in the C Hungarian Minor Mode (C, D, E-flat, F-sharp, G, A-flat, B). The music features contrasting non-linear and linear melodic elements throughout. I chose a march-like tempo and mood to continue the play on words of the title, as if the music is a...

I was drawn to the last name of the performer, “Orr;” my mind went to homophones. “Ohr” means “Light” in Hebrew. The Jewish heroine, Judith, is associated with Chanukah because of the miracle of the Temple’s rededication celebrated by lighting the nine-branched Chanukiah. The words are from Genesis 1:3. Link to a scrolling score music video on YouTube. https://youtu.be/Lk8X1wob6lE

Since violoncellist Eunice Koh states that she is interested in performing world music, especially music reflecting the ethnic background of composers whose music she performs, I decided to compose a HEBRAIC LAMENT for her. No unusual performance practices are required though they were encouraged. Rather, the piece just sings, much as a cantorial soloist would sing during a sacred service. Link to a scrolling score music video on YouTube. https://youtu.be/P7jjkbtdR6I