Duration: 11:00
Written for the 80th anniversary season of the Wooster (OH) Symphony Orchestra, Jeffrey Lindberg, Music Director. First performance: 11 February 1996, Wooster Symphony Orchestra, Jack Gallagher, guest conductor, The College of Wooster.
Duration: 19:30
Written for the Cleveland Chamber Symphony. First performance: 27 February 1995, Cleveland Chamber Symphony, Edwin London, conductor, Cleveland State University. European premiere: 27 June 1996, Ruse Philharmonic Orchestra, Tsanko Delibozov, conductor, Philarmonic Hall, Ruse, Bulgaria. Performed at Piccolo Spoleto 1997 by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Donald Portnoy, Guest Conductor, 28 May 1997; by the Wooster Symphony Orchestra, Jack Gallagher, Guest Conductor, 15 February 1998.
Recording: Ruse Philharmonic Orchestra, Tsanko Delibozov, conductor, Vienna Modern Masters CD VMM 3036. Broadcast: WCLV-FM, Cleveland, 27 June 1998; WQLN-FM, Erie, 30 March 1998; WNIB-FM, Chicago, 28 June 1997; WCNY-FM, Syracuse, 11 May 1997.
Gallagher evokes glowing images, calling upon nostalgic references á la Stravinsky and Copland to achieve elegiac and endearing reminiscences. The piece claims poignacy made immediate through the use of traditional harmonies and vivid instrumental colors. Gallagher's narrative includes an extended, moody cello solo (boldly played by Heidi Pankratz) and turbulence rubbing shoulders with cheerfulness. There is sincerity and warmth here, plus skillful handling of the chamber orchestra.
Donald Rosenberg, Cleveland Plain Dealer
A fitting tribute, generous in its expression and clear in its structure.
Stephen D. Hicken, American Record Guide
The musical textures and sounds were unique. . . . Donald Portnoy, who has been conducting the orchestra this series, led an even-handed and moving reading. (In) the fourth section, cellist James Holland's unaccompanied cello lament provided suitable gravity to this serious work.
William Furtwangler, Charleston Post and Courier
28:30
Commissioned with support from the Greater Wayne County Foundation by the Wooster Symphony Women's Committee for the 75th anniversary of the Wooster Symphony Orchestra, Jeffrey Lindberg, Music Director. First performance: 16 November 1991, the Wooster Symphony Orchestra conducted by the composer.
Recording: Koszalin Philharmonic Orchestra, Szymon Kawalla, conductor, Vienna Modern Masters CD VMM 3028.
Quite memorable. . . . This is a well-written, moving work. Gallagher clearly knows the orchestra well and knows what he wants to do with it . . . .The Gallagher alone is worth the price of this well-recorded disc.
Stephen D. Hicken, American Record Guide
All five works (on VMM 3028) offer riches, from the very progressive Anacrón of Eyser to the enormously inventing, dark, half-hour Symphony by Gallagher. . . . A very interesting release, well above the average cut in pleasure.
Heuwell Tircuit, in Tune World Classical Release Catalogue
A one-movement symphony of great colorfulness.
Peter Cosse, Oesterreichische Musikzeitschrift
The most gratifying taste-test is the opening work written by American Jack Gallagher, the nearly half-hour Symphony in One Movement, completed in 1991. The work begins in a slow tempo, then in the second half explodes in a series of dramatic rhythms . . . . (VMM 3028) contains a handful of inspiring acquaintances, to whose production VMM hopefully will have the opportunity to return.
Gert-Ove Fridlund Gränslöst (Sweden)
Duration: 8:15
Written for the Wooster String Ensemble, Joanne Cohen, director. First performance: 17 April 1990, The College of Wooster (OH).
Finalist, 1993 Lancaster Festival Orchestra Composers Symposium (OH).
Duration: 9:45
First performance: 9 November 1986, the Wooster (OH) Symphony Orchestra, Jeffrey Lindberg, Music Director.
Gallagher gave the orchestra a distinguished piece with which to open the first concert of the 1986-87 season. The tension and pacing continue to build throughout the introduction until the brass blazes its way into Gallagher's march theme. Afterward, (the conductor) called Gallagher to stand with him at the podium to accept the audienceÕs enthusiastic applause.
E.E. Johnson, The Daily Record (Wooster, OH)
Solid, majestic and optimistic and definitely shows off the orchestra brass. On the woodwind side is a sparkling piccolo. Also noteworthy are the solo "breaks" for harp and violin.
Stuart Ling, The Daily Record (Wooster, OH)
Duration: 5:10
First performance: 19 May 1977, The Hicksville (NY) Community Orchestra, Charles Gouse, Music Director.
Performances include: Wooster Symphony Orchestra at Kennedy Center, Ohio Light Opera Orchestra, Capital University Symphony Orchestra, Ohio North-Central Regional All-State Orchestra.
Recording: Polish Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra of Krakow, Szymon Kawalla, conductor, Vienna Modern Masters CD VMM 3030. Broadcast: WQLN-FM, Erie, 16 April 1998; WNIB-FM, Chicago, 28 June 1997; Radio "Pristis" 100.5 FM, Ruse, Bulgaria, 29 June 1996; WCLV-FM, Cleveland, 7 July 1995.
"Berceuse," by Wooster faculty member Jack Gallagher, was also a treat. This is a lovely melodic and accessible work, and Lindberg and his orchestra made the most of it.
Judy Gruber, The Washington Post
Only a curmudgeon would fail to appreciate the charm and understatement of Jack Gallagher's Berceuse, with its hints of Barber's melancholy lyricism.
Art Lange, Fanfare
Features string writing that has an English pastoral feel, a bit like Ralph Vaughan Williams in its dawnlike evocations.
Elaine Guregian, Akron Beacon Journal
Duration: 8:45
Commissioned by the Kettering Fairmont (Ohio) High School Band Boosters in memory of Charles Craig, Director of Bands 1994-1997. First performance: 1 February 1998, Kettering Fairmont High School Symphonic Band, Ryan Borger, Conductor. Performed 26 April 1998 by The College of Wooster Scot Symphonic Band, Jack Gallagher, Guest Conductor.
Duration: 10:00
Commissioned by the Air Force Band of Flight, Lt. Col. Richard A. Shelton, Commander and Conductor. First performance: 28 January 1995, East Tennessee State University.
Performances include: University of Massachussetts Wind Ensemble, Indiana University Wind Ensemble, Ray Cramer, Conductor, at 1998 Society of Composers, Inc. National Conference, 16 April 1998.
Recording: Air Force Band of Flight, Lt. Col. Richard A. Shelton, Commander and Conductor, U.S. Air Force CD (1996), broadcast WCNY-FM, Syracuse, October 1997; WCLV-FM, Cleveland, 17 January 1998.
Commissioned by the Cornell University Wind Ensemble, Marice Stith, Director, for the 20th Annual Festival of Contemporary Music at Cornell University. First complete performance: 30 April 1989, the Cornell University Wind Ensemble conducted by the composer, Cornell University.
Performed by Eastman Wind Ensemble at EWE 40th Anniversary Celebration, Eastman Theatre, 1992. National Winning Finalist, 1994 Virginia/College Band Directors Symposium of New Band Music. Honorable Mention, 1990 Barlow International Composition Contest. Performed by Iowa Symphonic Band at 1995 National Conference of Society of Composers, Inc. Performeded by Florida State University Wind Orchestra at Sixth Biennial Festival of New Music, FSU, 1992. Performed by Crane Wind Ensemble, SUNY Potsdam, at Crane Festival of NEWMUSIC, 1993.
Additional performances: Indiana University Symphonic Band, University of Massachussetts Wind Ensemble, De Paul University Wind Symphony, Kent State University Wind Ensemble, Greater Hartford Youth Wind Ensemble, Virginia Intercollegiate Band, Illinois State University Wind Symphony.
Duration: 15:00
Commissioned by the Cornell University Wind Ensemble, Marice Stith, Director. First performance: 16 March 1986, the Cornell University Wind Ensemble conducted by the composer.
Awarded First Prize, Symposium XII for New Band Music, Virginia/College Band Directors National Association.
Performances include: Indiana University Concert Band, Virginia Intercollegiate Band, Moorhead State University Wind Ensemble, College of Wooster Scot Symphonic Band, Virginia Tech Symphony Band (I), Ohio Private College Instrumental Conductors Association Honors Band at 1997 OMEA State Conference (Toledo) (I), Capital University Wind Symphony (II).
Recording: Cornell University Wind Ensemble, Jack Gallagher, guest conductor, Cornell University Wind Ensemble Recordings CUWE-39 (phonodisc). Broadcast: WNIB-FM, Chicago, 27 June 1997.
Its orchestration and level of melodic invention proved catching. A snappy intrada movement is followed by a lovely elegy section in which solo trumpet, clarinet, flute and oboe stir the ear. All this leads to a stirring closer of a march. The requirements for soloists and ensemble are considerable. . . . A noteworthy composition.
Peter Jacobi, Bloomington (IN) Herald-Times
First movement "Intrada" published separately by Ludwig Music, Cleveland, OH.
Commissioned by The College of Wooster Scot Symphonic Band, Stuart J. Ling, Director. First performance: 30 April 1983, the Wooster Scot Symphonic Band, Jack Gallagher, guest conductor.
Performances include: Cornell University Wind Ensemble, Hofstra University Wind Ensemble, Onondaga Music Educators Wind Ensemble (Syracuse, NY), Kettering Fairmont High School Symphonic Band (OH).
Recording: Cornell University Wind Ensemble, Marice Stith, Director, Cornell University Wind Ensemble Recordings, CUWE-39. Broadcast: WNIB-FM, Chicago, 27 June 1997.
GALLAGHER COMPOSITION GETS STANDING OVATION.
The nature of the work left no doubt as to the challenge it would present any band, both in terms of technical facility and musical savvy. A superb performance coupled with the composition's brilliant ending brought the audience to its feet. (The director) perhaps put it best by commenting, "Mist-Covered Mountain will find its place among the major works for band."
James Byo, The Daily Record (Wooster, OH)
Mist Covered Mountain was written in 1982 and is based upon a Scottish piping tune, "Chi Mi Na Morbheanna." The sort of fantasy Gallagher wrote fragments the piece in many ways before finally putting it together at the end. It is a difficult work, and in the opinion of this reviewer belongs among the classics of band literature.
Stuart J. Ling, The Daily Record (Wooster, OH)
Duration: 21:00
Commissioned by the Ohio Music Teachers Association for the 1996 OMTA State Conference in conjunction with 1996 "Ohio Composer of the Year" Award. First performance: Thomas Wood, violinist, Brian Dykstra, pianist, 1996 OMTA State Convention, Radisson North Hotel, Columbus, Ohio, 7 October 1996 (I, II). First complete performance: Thomas Wood, violinist, Brian Dykstra, pianist, Gault Recital Hall, The College of Wooster, 22 February 1997. Broadcast: WCLV-FM, Cleveland, 21 February 1998.
Written for the investiture of R. Stanton Hales as Tenth President of The College of Wooster. First performance: The College of Wooster, 7 September 1996.
Commissioned by the Heritage Chamber Players, Greenville, SC, with support from the South Carolina Arts Commission. First performance: Greenville County Museum of Art, 18 May 1989.
Exceptionally original and powerful. . . . The score is enlivened constantly by the complexity and surprise of the writing. Out of the cataclysmic hue and cry, sonic warnings and wild hammerstrokes, there does arise -albeit tenuously- a sad yet sweet, childlike optimistic closing.
Blake A. Samson, Greenville (SC) Times
An exciting experience. Gallagher's compositional language, though naturally eclectic, is personalized in his obvious command both of motivic and developmental techniques coupled by . . . quite idiomatic writing for the various instruments. An exceptionally difficult score, "Heritage Music" proved an excellent vehicle for each musician's performing expertise.
Steven C. White, Greenville (SC) News
First performance: Fourth Annual Festival of Contemporary Music, Kent State University.
Performances include: Charleston Symphony Brass Quintet, Wisconsin Brass Quintet, Northern Brass Quintet (Iowa), Paragon Brass Quintet (Houston), Paragon Brass Quintet (Akron), Norumbega Brass Quintet (Maine), Michiana Brass Ensemble (at 1995 Society of Composers Region V Conference, Ohio University), others.
Published by Manduca Music, Portland, ME.
First performance: 25 July 1984 by Brian Doak and Wesley Taylor, members of the Ohio Light Opera Orchestra, The College of Wooster.
Performances include: Manhattan School of Music Faculty Recital (Hubbard Recital Hall); U. S. Air Force Chamber Players at The Society of The Cincinnati Museum at Anderson House, Washington, DC; Eastman School of Music; R. Sullivan and K. DeCarlo recital/masterclass in Taiwan, others.
Published by Queen City Brass Publications (a division of Manduca Music).
Recording: Robert Sullivan, Associate Principal Trumpet, New York Philharmonic and Ken DeCarlo, trumpets, Artsmart CD (1998).
Duration: 6:30
Written for and performed at the 1983 National Conference of the International Trumpet Guild, Ithaca College. First complete performance: The College of Wooster Trumpet Ensemble conducted by the composer, 30 April 1984, The College of Wooster.
Additional performances include: Eastman Trumpet Ensemble; University of Kentucky Trumpet Ensemble, Central Washington University Trumpet Choir, Atlanta Trumpet Guild; Kent State Trumpet Ensemble; trumpet ensembles at New England Conservatory, Temple University, Ohio State University, Western Carolina University, Baldwin-Wallace College, Butler University, Texas A&M University at Kingsville, Centre College, Keystone Brass Institute (I), etc.
A wonderful piece by an accomplished trumpeter and teacher.
Richard Burkart, International Trumpet Guild Journal
Published by Queen City Brass Publications (a division of Manduca Music).
First performance: November 1973, Sixth Annual Festival of Contemporary Music, Cornell University, John Hsu, cellist, Brian Israel, pianist. Additional performances include Donald White of the Cleveland Orchestra.
First performance: 6 June 1971, New York Kammermusiker, The Brooklyn Museum, NY.
American Music Project selection of the Clarion Wind Quintet, North Carolina School of the Arts, 1976. Syndicated broadcasts over NPR and the Voice of America.
Performances include: Solaris Wind Quintet, University of Akron; East Wind Quintet, Symposium V for New Woodwind Quintet Music, University of Georgia, l988; Dana Wind Quintet, Midwest Regional Conference, American Society of University Composers, DePaul University; Fourth Annual Festival of Contemporary Music, Cornell University; 35th Festival of Contemporary Music, Louisiana State University; by ensembles at Youngstown State University, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, The University of Akron, The College of Wooster.
Published by Manduca Music, Portland, ME.
His credentials as a composer are extensive . . . .A very well crafted work idiomatically conceived for each of the instruments . . . .Should please performers and listeners alike. Congratulations Professor Gallagher!
William Scharnberg, The Horn Call
First performance: April 1975, Cornell Brass Quintet, Cornell University.
Performances include: Spoleto Brass Quintet, Annapolis Brass Quintet, Eastern Brass Quintet, Charleston Symphony Brass Quintet, Indiana Brass Quintet, faculty quintets at Universities of Utah, South Carolina, Northern Iowa, Kent State, Akron, Tennessee Tech, Vanderbilt, Moorhead State, Northeast Louisiana State, Potsdam, Delta State, Eastern Kentucky; numerous additional performances.
Recordings: Galliard Brass Ensemble (recorded at Hill Auditorium, The University of Michigan), Musical Heritage Society MHS 513534 (compact disc) and 913534 (cassette).
Heartland Brass Quintet, Heartland of America Air Force Band Brass Quintet, Omaha, NE (CD forthcoming).
Nashville Contemporary Brass Quintet, Pantheon Music International, PFN 2241 (Phonodisc).
A splashing, yet lyrical blast of a piece, which gave this sizable audience an example of the best writing for brass quintet available today. . . . Perhaps the brass quintet literature finally is growing to the point at which it will no longer be necessary to hear feckless transcriptions from other forms.
Jack Dressler, Charleston Post and Courier (Piccolo Spoleto 1994)
Full of sparkling rhythms in the toccata style, and is simply a lot of fun to play. All the parts are fairly challenging and all share in the melodic interest of the work. An interesting work, fun for performers and audiences alike.
James Roberts, International Trombone Association Journal
Will provide a constant challenge to players and is a significant addition to brass chamber music.
The Instrumentalist
A valuable addition to the literature. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Woodwind World-Brass and Percussion
Published by The Brass Press, Nashville, TN (Robert King Music Sales, Northeaston, MA, exclusive distributors).
Duration: 8:00
Composed for Tucker Jolly, Associate Professor of Tuba, the University of Akron. First performance: 10 March 1982, Tucker Jolly, Guzzetta Recital Hall, University of Akron.
Performances include: Ronald Bishop, Principal Tuba, Cleveland Orchestra; Sumner Erickson, Principal Tuba, Pittsburgh Symphony; Tucker Jolly, Principal Tuba, Akron Symphony, etc.
Published by The Brass Press, Nashville, TN (Robert King Music Sales, Northeaston, MA, exclusive distributors).
Duration: 8:00
First performance: 15 May 1981, Harry Herforth, former member of the Cleveland and Boston Symphony Orchestras, Willoughby School of the Arts, Willoughby, OH.
Performances include Robert Nagel at 1982 Conference of the International Trumpet Guild; Robert Sullivan, Associate Principal Trumpet, New York Philharmonic; Daniel Kuehn, Colorado Philharmonic; Faculty and student recitalists at Cornell University, Eastman, Old Dominion, Baldwin-Wallace, etc.; at Fourth Annual Festival of Contemporary Music, Kent State University; Midwest Regional Conference, Society of Composers, Inc., Capital University, 1989 (III).
An outstanding addition to the list of solos for unaccompanied trumpet appearing in recent years. A finely-crafted work full of challenge and reward. The second movement is a two-and-one-half minute creation of resonant beauty. The three-minute finale is almost demonic in its relentless drive.This is a work created with knowledge and authority. A significant and potentially enduring addition to the modern literature for solo trumpet.
International Trumpet Guild Journal
Would make an excellent addition to an advanced trumpet player's recital. Contains enough interesting qualities in its flowing melodies and dance-like rhythms to be successfully performed by itself.
P. Bradley Ulrich,
An Annotated Bibliography of Unaccompanied
Trumpet Solos Published in America
Duration 17:15
First complete performance: Lawrence Schubert, Barnes Hall, Cornell University, 20 April 1973.
Performances include Carnegie Recital Hall, Lincoln Center Library and Museum of the Performing Arts, The College of Wooster, WQXR-FM's "The Listening Room" (I), WOSU-FM.
An exuberant, tuneful and virtuosic three-movement sonata. Demonstrates throughout a continual flow of melody, florid accompaniment patterns, (and) rich sonorities . . . . Particularly notable is the excitement generated in the finale through alternating octaves and changing meters.
Bradford Gowen, The Piano Quarterly
Duration: 6:30
Published by the Piano Teacher's Press (a division of Manduca Music, Portland, ME.)
Duration: 6:30
Duration: 11:00
First complete public performance: 26 May 1980, Amy Breneman, The College of Wooster. Performances include 1991 Ohio Music Teachers Association Conference.
First performance: 31 January 1978, Lawrence Schubert, McGaw Chapel, The College of Wooster. Performances include Carnegie Recital Hall.
A beautiful post-Chopin piece defined by a rich sonority, slow harmonic movement, careful, elegant counterpoint, and an involuted melody.
Wooster Daily Record
Duration: 10:30
First performance: 31 January 1978, Lawrence Schubert, McGaw Chapel, The College of Wooster. Performances include Carnegie Recital Hall, WQXR-FM's "The Listening Room" (II, III).
Duration: 2:15
Commissioned by an anonymous donor for the Wayne Center for the Arts Children's Chorus, Marilyn Rossiter, Director, for the 5th Anniversary of the Children's Chorus. First Performance: Wayne Center for the Arts Children's Chorus, Marilyn Rossiter, Director, Dalton (OH) High School, 2 May 1998.
First performance: New Amsterdam Singers, Clara Longstreth, Conductor, Merkin Hall of the Abraham Goodman House, New York, NY, 16 March 1986.
Finalist, 1986 Ithaca College Choral Composition Competition.
Performances include: Albany Pro Musica, Fargo-Moorhead Chamber Chorale, the Sperry Singers.
Jack Gallagher (in an attractive short piece that had its premiere Sunday) and William Schuman turned to Whitman -the "public" Whitman, mostly- with fair results.
Will Crutchfield, The New York Times
Duration: 11:30
Commissioned by the Kenyon College Chamber Singers, Daniel V. Robinson, Director. First performance: 30 October 1982, Kenyon College.
Performances include: Albany Pro Musica, Gregg Smith Singers (II and III), New Music Voices (IL), Da Camera Singers (MD) (I), Wooster Chorus (II).
Second movement "Elegy" (3 minutes; unaccompanied) published separately by Lawson-Gould Music.
Mastery of dissonance is required for this fine setting of William WordsworthÕs famous poem ("She dwelt among the untrodden ways"). It is refreshing to see a setting which offers a return of musical material for the last verse, giving a feeling of structural unity without stereotype. The closing is sustained and demands control, as do accelerations and slowings of tempo. "Elegy" provides both musical challenge and reward.
Donald Callen Freed, The Choral Journal
Composed for the Wooster Chorus, John Merrill Russell, Director. First performance: 8 June 1980, The College of Wooster.
Finalist, 1980 Ithaca College Choral Composition Competition.
Performances include: Ithaca College Choir, SUNY-Plattsburgh College Chorale.
High or low voice and piano.
Duration: 7:30
First performance: 13 May 1975, Madelyn Levy (Renée), soprano, Martin Goldray, pianist, Cornell University.
Fellowship winner, 1984 Petit Jean International Art Song Festival, Petit Jean Mountain, AR.
Performances include: 1993 Midwest Regional Conference of the Society of Composers, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh; Petit Jean International Art Song Festival; University of Texas, including singers Rebecca Spurlock, Theodor Duda, Robin Ray, Nancy Mathis, Sherrie Carmen, Mary Bucher, Cathryn Frazier.
Artsmart recordings available from Artsmart (914-792-2183).
Ludwig Music Publishing Co., Inc. 557 East 140th Street Cleveland, OH 44110-1999 (216) 851-1150 Fax: (216) 851-1958
Manduca Music Publications P.O. Box 10550 Portland, ME 04104 1-800-MANDUCA e-mail: manduca @ mail.caps.maine.edu http://www.dmm.com/manduca
Lawson-Gould Music Publishers, Inc. 250 West 57th Street, Suite 932 New York, NY 10107 (212) 247-3920
The Brass Press distributed by Robert King Music Sales, Inc. 140 Main Street North Easton, MA 02356 Fax: (508) 238-2571
Queen City Brass Publications (a division of Manduca Music)
The Piano Teachers Press (a division of Manduca Music)
PP Music (a division of Manduca Music)
Vienna Modern Masters Margaretenstrasse 125/15 A-1050 Vienna, Austria Fax: 011 431 544-0785 e-mail: vimodmas @ ping.at
Musical Heritage Society 1710 Highway 35 Ocean, NJ 07712 (908) 531-7000
Pantheon Music International (out of print)
Cornell University Wind Ensemble Recordings (out of print)