Concert Music Archives - Sparks & Shadows

Europa Report Sheet Music

June 10, 2015

In 2013, I scored a smart science fiction thriller called “Europa Report.” Using a found-footage / documentary style, the film tells the story of the first manned mission to Jupiter’s moon, Europa. In both the film and real life, the moon is believed to contain a liquid water ocean beneath its icy surface, as well as the chemical components necessary for life. This makes it an extremely interesting place, both for physical exploration and, of course, a perfect subject for a film. The film garnered rave reviews from fans and critics alike, and has done especially on Netflix. Since “Europa Report” was released, NASA has announced a mission to Europa in the coming decade, ensuring the moon will remain in the public consciousness for years to come.

My main theme for the film was surprisingly melodic. (more…)

“When I Am Dead”

February 24, 2015

A few months ago, I stumbled across the works of English poet Christina Rossetti (1830 – 1894). I was struck by the eloquent melancholy in her surprisingly contemporary writing, and could practically hear her voice speaking to me as I read. I found a two-stanza poem simply called “Song,” and read the first line: When am I dead, my dearest, sing no sad songs for me. An explosion went off in my brain, and I knew I had to write music for these words. Today, I just posted a video of the complete piece:

Scoring music for narrative can be a joyous experience (that is why I dedicate the vast majority of my waking hours to doing it), but I am always open to exploring other avenues of musical expression. Taking advantage of my sudden burst of inspiration, I carved out a weekend to… ** gasp! ** … write music just for the fun of it! (more…)

String Quartet Premiere at The Getty, 10/5/12

September 24, 2012

On Friday, October 5th, the Calder Quartet will perform a special concert at The Getty Center in Los Angeles, commemorating the work of sculptor Franz Xaver Messerschmidt. The program will feature the world-premiere performance of “A Hypocrite and Slandererer,” a blistering scherzo for string quartet I wrote specifically for the event. The concert will also feature original commissions from Mark Mothersbaugh and Don Davis: a great night for film music fans!

The Calder Quartet and I go way back. All five of us went to school together at USC. Violinists Ben Jacobson and Andrew Bulbrook, violist Jonathan Moerschel and cellist Eric Byers performed many of my concerts and recordings during our time at USC. After graduation, they formed the remarkably successful Calder Quartet, and I did my thing. October 5th marks the first time the five of us will have collaborated in over a decade.

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“Prelude to War” Ballet Premiere in Germany

March 12, 2009

Last Friday I was very fortunate to attend the world premiere performance of “Prelude to War,” my ballet based on my scores for Battlestar Galactica. The ballet was performed by the outstanding dancers of the Theaterhagen, in Hagen, Germany. The choreography was by the resident choreographer Ricardo Fernando, and the orchestra was conducted by Bernhard Steiner.

When I was first approached about writing a ballet based on my Galactica scores, I leapt at the opportunity to translate my music to a new medium. From my initial discussions with Ricardo it was clear that he and I shared a similar vision of the ballet. We wanted to create a new and exciting narrative, using the music of the series but completely stripping it from the context of the show.

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“Prelude to War” World Premiere Performance in March!

January 23, 2009

March 7th, 2009 will mark the first European performance of my music: The World Premiere of “Prelude to War” by the Hagen Philharmonic and Ballet of the Hagen Theatre in Germany. It will run throughout the spring, for 13 weeks.

“Prelude” is based on my scores for Battlestar Galactica, incorporating music from all four seasons (see the full program order below). The orchestra will be in the pit, but the taiko drums will share the stage with the dancers, incorporating their movements and energy into the visual performance. This ballet tells no specific narrative, but rather allows the dancers, lights, taiko drum ensemble and full orchestra to come together and support the story within the music itself.

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Category: Concert Music

Europa Report Sheet Music

“When I Am Dead”

String Quartet Premiere at The Getty, 10/5/12

“Prelude to War” Ballet Premiere in Germany

“Prelude to War” World Premiere Performance in March!

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