Original works of James Hartway
Published exclusively by Hard Wall Publishing Company (ASCAP)
Solo and Chamber Works:
Piano
Harp Organ
Bassoon
Duets/Duos
Trios
String
Quartet
Small
Ensembles
Brass
Ensembles
Concertos
Symphonic Works
Symphonic
Wind Ensemble
Art Songs
Choral Works
Stage
Productions: Theater/Dance
Stage
Productions: Opera
Jazz: Small
Group
Jazz: Big Band
Non Jazz Improvisation Ensemble
Handbell
Choir
Piano
Basho,
for solo piano, commissioned by Vladislav Kovalsky through a
Creative Artists Grant from the Michigan Council for the Arts,
1990
Description: A set of eight short, colorful, programmatic
pieces based on the haiku of the 17th century
Japanese poet after whom they are named. Some minor “piano
preparation” is required for two of the movements.
Range from easy to difficult to perform. Excellent, dramatic
concert piece.
Can be performed with or without a narrator to read the poems.
Performed with great success in USA and Japan.
Movement titles: 1) sparrows in eaves, 2) yellow rose petals, 3)
old pond,
4) however close I look, 5) cuckoo, 6) storming over lake Nio,
7) fading bells, 8) summer moon.
Recording available – See “City Sketches” CD on this website
Duration: c. 17 minutes
Price: $20.00 plus S&H
Scenes from a Marriage,
for one piano, four hands, commissioned by Keith Wissman for his
wife on her fortieth birthday, 1993
Description: Four-movement work for two competent pianists.
Fun to perform and well received. Successful in concert or “at
home.”
Movement titles: 1) In harmony, 2) In conflict, 3) In love, 4)
In fun.
Recording available – See “Imaginary Creatures” CD on this
website
Duration: c. 15 minutes
Price: $20.00 plus S&H
Three Myths for Piano,
commissioned by Pauline Martin through a grant from the Arts
Foundation of Michigan, 1993
Description: An exciting, virtuosic work for the concert hall
or advanced study. Rapid lines and polychords, lyrical writing,
and a jazzy rag make up the movements.
Movement titles: 1) Wrath of the Furies, 2) Orpheus’ Love for
Erudice,
3) Hades Jazz Band
Recording available – See “Imaginary Creatures” CD on this
website
Duration: c. 12 minutes
Price: $20.00 plus S&H
Four Piano Rag,
for four pianos, commissioned by the Lyric Chamber
Ensemble, 1994
Description: Wild and crazy piece. Requires four competent
pianists who like changing meters and are not afraid to have
fun.
One movement: Rhythmic and Playful
Duration: c. 7 minutes
Price: $20.00 plus S&H
Laocoön,
for solo piano, commissioned by the Michigan Music Teachers
Association, 1995
Description: The quasi-improvisatory,
dream-like first movement is followed by an intense, virtuosic
second. An exciting concert piece.
Movement titles: 1) Dream of the Laocoon, 2)
Fate of the Laocoon
Duration: c. 12 minutes
Price: $20.00 plus S&H
Harp
Detours, for flute and harp, commissioned by
the Larson/Allvin Duo for their concert tour of Japan, 1988
Description: This has become a signature piece for flute and
harp duos,
and has been performed in concert halls around the world. The
three
movements contain jazz, lyrical, and rhythmic elements and are
well
worth the effort it takes to work them into performance shape.
Movement titles: 1) you turn, 2) quiet zone, 3) no exit
Recording available – See “Affair of the Harp” CD on this
website
Duration: c. 13 minutes
Price: $30.00 includes full score and flute part, plus S&H
Basho, for solo harp, 1990
Description: A set of eight short, colorful, programmatic
pieces based on the haiku of the 17th century
Japanese poet after whom they are named. Some minor “harp
preparation” required for two of the movements.
Range from easy to difficult to perform. Excellent, dramatic
concert piece.
Can be performed with or without a narrator to read the poems.
Performed with great success in USA and Japan.
Movement titles: 1) sparrows in eaves, 2) yellow rose petals, 3)
old pond,
4) however close I look, 5) cuckoo, 6) storming over lake Nio,
7) fading bells, 8) summer moon.
Recording available – See “Affair of the Harp” CD on this
website
Duration: c. 17 minutes
Price: $20.00 plus S&H
Two Nights in Spain,
for two harps, commissioned by the Arianna Harp Duo, 1994
Description: The first movement represents the cathedrals,
peaceful patios, and hidden squares of old Barcelona. The
second suggests the endlessly interesting shapes, faces,
facades, and current flow of humanity where once ran a river.
This piece was premiered on National Public Radio in Detroit.
Movement titles: 1) Cuitat Vella (Old Town), 2) La Rambla (The
Torrent).
Recording available – See “Affair of the Harp” CD on this
website
Duration: c. 10 minutes
Price: $30.00 plus S&H
Cadenza for the Handel Harp Concerto,
for solo harp, commissioned by Kerstin Allvin for the Flint
Symphony Orchestra for the Handel Concerto in Bb, 1997
Description: A new “baroque style” cadenza for the Handel
Concerto. This cadenza replaces the more “romantic” versions
currently available with a more stylistically appropriate one.
Movement titles: none – the cadenza fits into the second
movement of the Handel concerto.
Recording available – See “Affair of the Harp” CD on this
website
Duration: c. 4 minutes
Price: $15.00 plus S&H
Message from Garcia,
for harp and cello, commissioned by the
Allvin/Deleury Duo for a Carnegie Center for the Arts premier,
1997
Description: This work was inspired by the mystic quality, lyric
beauty,
and Andalusian perspective found in the poetry of Federico
Garcia Lorca.
In one movement : Mysterioso – ad libitum
Recording available – See “Affair of the Harp” CD on this
website
Duration: c. 8 minutes and 30 seconds
Price: $25.00 - includes full score and ‘cello part, plus S&H
Christ is Born!,
for children's choir or SSA and harp, 1997
Description: A simple, joyful Christmas song. Vigorous and fun
for
children and/or adults.
In one movement: With life!
Duration: c. 2 minutes
Price: $2.50/copy plus S&H
Holiday in Paris!,
for solo harp, commissioned for French educational television
by David Berrebi, 1998
Description: “Holiday” is a group of short modern teaching
pieces for students beyond beginner abilities but not highly
advanced. Several theoretical concepts as well as technical
problems are incorporated in the music as desribed below.
Movement titles: 1) Driving by the Arc: contrary motion,
finger independence, 2) Looking Inside the Cathedral: phrygian
mode, triplets, legato playing, 3) Walking in Paris with
Claude: mixolydian mode, seconds, glissandi.
Recording available – See “Affair of the Harp” CD on this
website
Duration: c. 5 minutes and 30 seconds
Price: $15.00 plus S&H
Island Dances,
for 2 harps and large orchestra, commissioned by the Arianna
Harp Duo for the World Harp Congress, 2000
Description: This three-movement concerto is an exciting and
accessible work for symphony orchestra and extra percussion.
The solo harp parts require advanced performers. The orchestra
writing is modern, rhythmic, dramatic, and full. Audiences,
orchestras, and harpists love this piece!! Rave reviews!!
Movement titles: 1) Calypso, 2) Dream Tango, 3) Mambo
Recording available upon request from the composer
Duration: c. 23 minutes
Price: Rental and purchase prices are available.
Please
contact the composer directly through the JamesHartway.com
website.
Images of Mogador,
for harp, flute, and viola, commissioned by
La
Foundation pour Printemps Musical des Alizés, Essaouira,
Morocco, 2002
Description: The music is earthy, rhapsodic, and rhythmic as it
attempts
to reflect the music, color, passion, and sincerity of people
and customs of
Morocco. This has become the signature piece of the Woodland
Trio.
Movement titles: 1) Trance Music, 2) From the Minaret, 3) Le
Souk
Recording available – See “Affair of the Harp” CD on this
website
Duration: 14 minutes and 30 seconds
Price: $35.00 – includes full score and parts, plus S&H
Organ
The Ninth Circle,
for organ, tympani, narrator, and dancer, commissioned by Ray
Ferguson for the Bushnell Performing Arts Series, 1983
Description: A multi-media work based on the
poetry of Dante. The piece has a dramatic flair and was
composed for church or concert venue.
Movement titles: in one movement - Ominous – march-like
Duration: 12 minutes
Price: $15.00 plus S&H
Detroit Fanfares, for 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, and organ, 1986. commissioned by the American Guild of
Organists, 1985
Description: 8 functional fanfares that can be
performed with or without brass and with or without the organ
part! - as per the AGO guidelines of the commission.
Duration: 1-3 minutes each.
Price: $25.00 – includes score and parts, plus
S&H
Prelude for Trumpet and Organ, for trumpet and organ, commissioned by Lucy Baber, 1988
Description: Duet based on the hymn: “When in
our Music God is Glorified.” This is an accessible, lyrical work – requires
2 good performers.
Movement titles: in one movement
Duration: 4’30”
Price: $15.00 - includes score and part, plus
S&H
Metropolitan Dark Cities, for organ and baritone voice, commissioned by Craig Symons
through an Arts Foundation of Michigan grant, 1989
This art song is based on a poem of Ronald
Cooney, was written in memory of the poet, and funded by the
Arts Foundation of Michigan. A dark, ominous art song that uses
many modern compositional techniques, it requires two dedicated
performers, but is well worth the effort.
Movement titles: in one movement
Recording available – See “City Sketches” CD on
this website
Duration: 8 minutes and 30 seconds
Price: $20.00 plus S&H
Wedding Music, for solo organ, written by the composer for his wife on the
special occasion of their marriage, 1991
Description: beautiful, lyrical music for
bridal procession, and an exciting exit toccata – requires a
good organist. This piece can be used as a concert solo work as
well as functional wedding music.
Movement titles: 1) Processional, 2) Toccata
Duration: “Processional” 4 minutes, “Toccata”
3 minutes
Price: $12.00 plus S&H
. . .
with blasts upon the horn, for grand and petit orgues and SATB. Commissioned by
the Archdiocesan Chorus of Detroit for their 25th
anniversary, 1999.
Description: lively work for 2 organs and
chorus – requires good university-level chorus or
semi-professional choir and good organists.
It is possible to perform this work with one
organ.
Movement titles: in one movement
Duration: 5 minutes
Price: $6.00/copy plus S&H
Processional,
for organ, 5 brass, and tympani, commissioned by Dr. Norah
Duncan IV for the Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit celebration of
the renovation of the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament,
and the new organ, 2002
Description: exciting processional – requires
professional organist and musicians.
Duration: 5 minutes and 30 seconds
Price: $40.00 - includes score and parts, plus
S&H
Bassoon
And Then There Were None, for solo bassoon and dancer, commissioned by Peter
Schoenbach through a grant from the Michigan Council for the
Arts, 1986
Description: In 1986 in Detroit Michigan, 43
children, age 16 and under were murdered and 365 were injured in
miscellaneous firearms incidents. This piece is dedicated to
all those who have been touched by and are concerned with these
outrageous an inhuman acts.
Movement titles: In one movement
Recording available – See “City Sketches” CD on this website
Duration: 6 and 1/2 minutes
Price: $12.00 plus S&H
Duets/Duos
Prelude for Trumpet and Organ, for trumpet and organ, commissioned by Lucy Baber, 1988
Description: Duet based on the hymn: “When in
our Music God is Glorified.”
This is an accessible, lyrical work – requires
2 good performers.
Movement titles: in one movement
Duration: 4 minutes 30 seconds
Price: $15.00 - includes score and part, plus
S&H
Detours, for flute and harp, commissioned by
the Larson/Allvin Duo
for their concert tour of Japan, 1988
Description: This has become a signature piece for flute and
harp duos,
and has been performed in concert halls around the world. The
three
movements contain jazz, lyrical, and rhythmic elements and are
well
worth the effort it takes to work them into performance shape.
Movement titles: 1) you turn, 2) quiet zone, 3) no exit
Recording available – See “Affair of the Harp” CD on this
website
Duration: c. 13 minutes
Price: $30.00 includes full score and flute part, plus S&H
Scenes from a Marriage,
for one piano, four hands, commissioned by Keith Wissman for his
wife on her fortieth birthday, 1993
Description: Four-movement work for two competent pianists.
Fun to perform and well received. Successful in concert or “at
home.”
Movement titles: 1) In harmony, 2) In conflict, 3) In love, 4)
In fun.
Recording available – See “Imaginary Creatures” CD on this
website
Duration: c. 15 minutes
Price: $20.00 plus S&H
Message from Garcia,
for harp and cello, commissioned by the
Allvin/Deleury Duo for a Carnegie Center for the Arts premier,
1997
Description: This work was inspired by the mystic quality, lyric
beauty,
and Andalusian perspective found in the poetry of Federico
Garcia Lorca.
One movement : Mysterioso – ad libitum
Recording available – See “Affair of the Harp” CD on this
website
Duration: c. 8 minutes and 30 seconds
Price: $25.00 - includes full score and ‘cello part, plus S&H
Songs of the Whale,
for 2 clarinets, commissioned by Dr. Susan Fino, 2005
Description: This four-movement song cycle is a musical
portrait of the Order Cetacea. The work was composed as a high
school graduation gift for the commissioner’s nephew, and it
attempts to incorporate his love of music, the clarinet and
marine biology. This is a moderate to advanced piece of
literature for the clarinets. It has rhythmic, lyrical, and
experimental sections.
Movement titles: 1) Orca’s Ode, 2) Blow Hole, 3)
Echolocation,
4) Moving Pods
Recording available from the composer
Duration: c. 9 minutes
Price: $20.00 plus S&H
Trios
City Sketches,
for piano violin, and cello, commissioned by the Great Lakes
Trio, Wesley Fishwick, Artistic Director through a Creative
Artist Grant from the Michigan Council for the Arts, 1987
Description: This five-movement work was inspired by city
scenes. Although the movement titles are non specific, each is
derived from an actual place in Detroit and are “revealed” by
the music and the parentheses after the titles. This is an
exciting piece of chamber music that uses a number of modern
techniques, yet remains accessible to a general audience
wherever the locale. “City Sketches” has been performed around
the globe by several different trios.
Movement titles: 1) Assembly Line (Vernors bottling plant),
2) Holy Cathedral (Blessed Sacrament Cathedral), 3) Marble
Fountain (Scott Fountain), 4) Abandoned House (Boarded up homes
off Mack Ave.), Festival Weekend (Montreux/Detroit Jazz
Festival)
Recording available – See “City Sketches” CD on this website
Duration: c. 14 minutes
Price: $25.00 – includes full score and parts, plus S&H
Images of Mogador,
for harp, flute, and viola, commissioned by
La
Foundation pour Printemps Musical des Alizés, Essaouira,
Morocco, 2002
Description: The music is earthy, rhapsodic, and rhythmic as it
attempts
to reflect the music, color, passion, and sincerity of people
and customs of
Morocco. This has become the signature piece of the Woodland
Trio.
Movement titles: 1) Trance Music, 2) From the Minaret, 3) Le
Souk
Recording available – See “Affair of the Harp” CD on this
website
Duration: 14 minutes and 30 seconds
Price: $35.00 – includes full score and parts, plus S&H
five postcards (from michigan), for violin, clarinet, and piano, commissioned by the
Verdher Trio for their world tour and funded in part through a
grant from ArtServe Michigan, 2002
Description: This sonic travelogue depicts five locations with
whichMichigan residents are likely to be familiar. However, because
of the
universal nature of the selected sights, any audience should be
able to
relate to the work. This is an lively, modern trip that
includes both
meditative and exuberant music. Requires dedicated, good
performers.
Movement titles: 1) motor city (Detroit), 2) carillon tower
(Beaumont at MSU), 3) the falls (Taquamenon), 4) mysterious
dunes (Sleeping Bear), fudge island (Mackinac).
Recording available – Find Crystal Records CD947
Duration: c. 15 minutes and 30 seconds
Price: $35.00 – includes full score and parts, plus S&H
String
Quartet
Imaginary Creatures,
for string quartet and soprano, commissioned by the Scarab Club
Chamber Music Series, 1999
Description: This set of art songs is based on six short,
provocative poems of John Reed. The poetry and the music
expresses a variety of moods, thoughts, and feelings through the
imagery of the movement titles below. For the most part, the
soprano tells the stories of the imaginary creatures and the
string quartet comments, enhances, and sets the mood and tone
for each. Requires a flexible, expressive soprano voice and a
high quality string quartet.
Movement titles: 1) frolic bird, 2) hate snake, 3) tranquility
spider, 4) laughter cat, 5) soul mole, 6) infinity scarab
Recording available – See “ Imaginary Creatures” CD on this
website
Duration: c. 16 minutes and 30 seconds
Price: $50.00 – includes full score and parts, plus S&H
Small
Ensembles
Three Ways of Looking at a Blackbird,
for soprano solo, flute, piano, and percussion, 1970. Published
in American Society of University Composers Journal of Scores,
Vol.III, 1974
Description: This prize winning piece of modern music sets
three of Wallace Stevens haiku like poems from his collection,
“Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird.” Requires a flexible
soprano voice with excellent pitch and 5 musicians who enjoy the
challenge of a proportional notation score. Very well liked by
audiences. Rave reviews.
Movement titles: 1) Among twenty snowy mountains, 2) I was of
three minds, 3) The blackbird whirled in the autumn wind.
Recording available from the composer – Also can be found on the
Society of Composers recordings
Duration: c. 13 minutes.
Price: $60.00 – performers play from full score – price
includes six full scores, plus S&H
Impressions of Walden,
for woodwind quintet, narrator, and slides, commissioned by
Thomas Barna for the Pastiche Woodwind Quintet through a grant
from the Michigan Council for the Arts, 1979
Descripition: This flexible multi-media piece can be performed
with nature slides and live narration, without nature slides,
or with the narrative on pre-recorded disc. . Bassoonist may
read the narration as it does not interfere with his part.
The narrative is taken from Thoreau’s Walden, A Week on the
Concord, and Merrimack Rivers, and The Journal. This is a
timely and thoughtful piece that predated this current period of
climate change. The writing contains both proportional
notation and measured music. Performers play from full score.
Movement titles: 1) country, 2) sun, 3) sun, 4) butterflies,
5) owls, 6) wind, 7) silence, 8) night.
Duration: c. 18 minutes
Price: $90.00 - performers play from full score – price
includes five full scores and necessary video and narration.
For Madmen Only,
for 2 flutes, 2 clarinets, 2 horns, commissioned by the Chamber
Music Conference and Composers Forum of the East, 1986
Description: This aural description of Hermann Hesse’s famous
novel “Steppenwolf.” The music depicts several of the books
characters, but its real intention is to effect the various
psychological states of mind and rapid mood shifts that this
marvelous book achieves. A conductor will facilitate rehearsals
and performance, and is recommended but not required.
Movement titles: in one movement
Duration: c. 8 minutes
Price: $60.00 – performers play from full score- price includes
six full scores, plus S&H
Brass
Ensembles
Detroit Fanfares, for 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, and organ, 1986.
commissioned by the American Guild of
Organists, 1985
Description: 8 functional fanfares that can be
performed with or without brass and with or without the organ
part! As per the AGO guidelines of the commission.
Duration: 1-3 minutes each.
Price: $25.00 – includes score and parts, plus
S&H
Prelude for Trumpet and Organ, commissioned by Lucy Baber, 1988. Description: Duet based on the hymn: “When in
our Music God is Glorified.”
This is an accessible, lyrical work – requires
2 good performers.
Movement titles: in one movement
Duration: 4 minutes and 30 seconds
Price: $15.00 - includes score and part, plus
S&H
Sonata de Camera Accademica,
for brass quintet, commissioned by the Italian Heritage Room,
1991
Description: A bravura and exciting piece for 2 trumpets,
horn, trombone, and tuba. College level quintet can do it
well!
Movement titles: in one movement with several sections.
Duration: c. 5 minutes and 10 seconds
Price: $50.00 – includes full score and parts.
Portrait of a Man,
for 10 brass instruments and 1 percussion player, commissioned
by the Hitchman family, Detroit Chamber Winds and Wayne State
University, 2004
Description: This is a sonic portrait of an outstanding
creative human being and philanthropist, T. Norris Hitchman.
The three movements contain powerful, lyrical, and jazzy,
rhythmic elements as per the movement titles. Professional
players will read this well. A versatile percussion player is a
must.
Movement titles: 1) His Work, 2) Four Friends, 3) For Fun
Duration: c. 13 minutes
Price: $80.00 – includes full score and set of parts, plus S&H
Concertos
Island Dances,
for 2 harps and large orchestra, commissioned by the Arianna
Harp Duo for the World Harp Congress, 2000
Description: This three-movement concerto is an exciting and
accessible work for symphony orchestra and extra percussion.
The solo harp parts require advanced performers. The orchestra
writing is modern, rhythmic, dramatic, and full. Audiences and
orchestras love this piece!! Rave reviews!!
Movement titles: 1) Calypso, 2) Dream Tango, 3) Mambo
Recording available upon request from the composer
Duration: c. 23 minutes
Price: Rental and purchase prices are available.
Please
contact the composer directly through the JamesHartway.com
website.
Cityscapes,
for orchestra and jazz quartet, commissioned by Kenneth Jean
through a grant from Robert Semple for the Detroit Symphony
Orchestra, 1981
Description: This oft-performed work was nominated for the
Pulitzer Prize in music. It is a hugely successful blending of
jazz and symphonic sensibilities in a meaningful and accessible
piece. Audience and orchestra reaction has been most satisfying
and exciting. Superb reviews. Requires a high level
professional or exceptional college jazz quartet – alto sax,
piano, bass, and drums, and a competent, large symphony
orchestra.
Movement titles: 1) Sunday Morning, 2) Weekdays,
3) Saturday
Night
Recording available upon request from the composer
Duration: c. 25 minutes – depending on length of jazz solos.
Price: Rental and purchase prices are available.
Please
contact the composer directly through the JamesHartway.com
website.
Country Suite,
for string orchestra or double string quartet and bass, and jazz
quartet, 1989
Description: This ”Third Stream” blend of jazz quartet – flute
(or clarinet). piano, bass, and drums is a fun to perform and
easily put together concerto. A high level college or
professional jazz group is required
Movement titles: 1) Barn Dance, 2) The Lass and the Lad, 3) Hoe
Down
Recording available upon request from the composer
Duration: c. 20 minutes – depending on length of jazz solos.
Price: Rental and purchase prices are available.
Please
contact the composer directly through the JamesHartway.com
website.
Symphonic Works
Seven Ways of Looking at a Blackbird, for soprano and large orchestra, 1972
Description: This is an award setting of seven of Wallace
Steven’s short poems from his “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a
Blackbird.” It is a very dramatic song cycle for high soprano
voice with excellent pitch and control and large symphony
orchestra with extra percussion. Written in proportional
notation, but easily performed. This work has had several
excellent performances and won several awards.
Movement titles: 1) A man and a woman, 2) I do not know which
to prefer, 3) Icicles filled the long window, 4) I know noble
accents, 5) When the blackbird flew out of sight, 6) He rode
over Connecticut, 7) It was evening all afternoon
Recording available from the composer
Duration: c. 26 minutes
Price: Rental and purchase prices are available.
Please
contact the composer directly through the JamesHartway.com
website.
Cityscapes,
for orchestra and jazz quartet, commissioned by Kenneth Jean
through a grant from Robert Semple for the Detroit Symphony
Orchestra, 1981
Please see above under Concertos.
Monuments,
for large orchestra and extra percussion, commissioned by
Stuart Hyke for the Meadowbrook Music Festive in commemoration
of their twentieth anniversary season, 1982
Description: This single movement work is festive and
exciting. Its sonic world is developed around the melodic
motives heard in the opening brass and percussion. These
motives undergo constant development and conclude with a fully
harmonized and orchestrated statement.
Movement titles: in one movement
Duration: c. 11 minutes
Price: Rental and purchase prices are available.
Please
contact the composer directly through the JamesHartway.com
website.
Fanfare for a Sacred Occasion,
for orchestra, organ, harp, and percussion, commissioned by the
Detroit Symphony Orchestra for the Archdiocese of Detroit in
celebration of their 150th anniversary, 1983
Description: This is a fanfare and processional that is easy to
rehearse and perform. It requires a modest size orchestra plus
harp, organ, tympani and percussion.
Movement titles: In one movement
Duration: c. 5 minutes
Price: Rental and purchase prices are available.
Please
contact the composer directly through the JamesHartway.com
website.
Rencendicity, for string orchestra, commissioned by Misha Rachlevsky for
the inaugural concerts of the Renaissance City Chamber Players,
1984
Description: This “Divertimento” came about when the composer
was asked to write a ‘signature piece’ for the Renaissance City
Chamber Players to be premiered at their inaugural concert. The
request was for a work that would be “fun to perform, and
accessible to a wide spectrum of audiences. The result
“Rencendicity” is a quote piece that includes Motown hits,
patriotic songs, and Russian melodies all wrapped into one! It
is fun and it is a real crowd pleaser.
Movement titles: in one movement with several sections
Duration: c. 10 minutes
Price: Rental and purchase prices are available.
Please
contact the composer directly through the JamesHartway.com
website.
Country Suite,
for string orchestra or double string quartet and bass, and jazz
quartet, 1989
Please see above under Concertos.
Freedom Festival, for large orchestra, including 4 percussion players, harp,
and piano 1990
Description: Inspired by the social and political upheavals
that occurred in Eastern Europe, South Africa, and China in 1989
and1990, “Freedom Festival” is a sonic expression of the hope
for equal rights and liberty for all people. Fragments of 12
national anthems, and whispered, spoken, and shouted cries for
freedom in 7 different languages permeate the work. This is a
thrilling and moving modern piece with some proportional
notation. It has received many performances with unqualified
successes.
Movement titles: in one movement
Recording available from the composer
Duration: c. 10 minutes
Price: Rental and purchase prices are available.
Please
contact the composer directly through the JamesHartway.com
website.
Star Dancer,
for percussion and orchestra, commissioned by the WSU
Humanities Center for the Old Main Celebration, 1996
Description: The extensive use of percussion, 19 instruments
and 6 players, along with alto flute, bass clarinet, contra
bassoon, harp and piano, give “Star Dancer” an ever- changing
variety of color combinations. The syncopated rhythmic patterns
and asymmetrical meters permeate the piece and form the basis of
the imaginary star dance. This piece has had many inspired
performances at the college and professional level.
Movement titles: in one movement
Recording available from the composer
Duration: c. 10 minutes and 30 seconds
Price: Rental and purchase prices are available.
Please
contact the composer directly through the JamesHartway.com
website.
Car Trek,
for youth orchestra, commissioned by the Oakland Youth Symphony
by the Chrysler Corporation, 1998
Description: “Car Trek” is a quasi-programmatic piece about
automobiles. The composer has taken three car scenes with which
most people are familiar and cast them in a modern musical
setting. Although “Car Trek” was composed for an orchestra of
young players, it never compromises its musical integrity.
Movement titles: 1) Flivver, 2) Dream Cruise, 3) The 500
Duration: c. 12 minutes and 10 seconds
Price: Rental and purchase prices are available.
Please
contact the composer directly through the JamesHartway.com
website.
Island Dances, for 2 harps and large orchestra, commissioned by the Arianna Harp Duo for the World Harp Congress, 2000
Please see above under Concertos.
Symphonic
Wind Ensemble
Two Rube Goldbergs for Band, for concert band, commissioned by Harold Arnoldi for the
Wayne State University Concert Band, 1973
Description: This is a proportional notation score for
symphonic winds and percussion. It is filled with special
effects and musical surprises. The movement titles suggest the
playful nature of the work, but it has a lot of substance too.
A well conceived and executed plan of new and exciting sounds
and constructions.
Movement titles: 1) new music box, 2) it’ll never fly!
Duration: 5-7 minutes depending on the repeats – which are
optional in the final movement
Price: Rental and purchase prices are available.
Please
contact the composer directly through the JamesHartway.com
website.
The Gladiators,
for symphonic wind ensemble, prepared piano, and voices,
commissioned by Harold Arnoldi through a grant from the Michigan
Council for the Arts, 1979
Description: This is a robust work for symphonic winds that is
written in both standard and proportional notation. Some
sections of the piece require the band members to whisper and
shout gladiator quotes. This is an exciting and dramatic
adventure into Roman history.
Movement titles: in one movement
Recording available from the composer
Duration: c. 11 minutes
Price: Rental and purchase prices are available.
Please
contact the composer directly through the JamesHartway.com
website.
Echoes from a Disappearing Planet,
for symphonic winds and multi-media, commissioned by Professor
Douglas Bianchi for the WSU Wind Symphony Band through OVPR WSU,
2007
Description: This multi-media work for symphonic winds blends
modern music with nature sounds, film footage, quotes and sound
bites into a moving and challenging exposition on planet
sustainability and climate change. This is a “statement” piece
and a call to action. This piece requires 45 member ensemble
including 2 harps, piano, and an audio/visual operator. A DVD
that contains the extra-musical component comes with the score.
Movement titles: in one movement with six sections
Recording available from the composer
Duration: c. 11 minutes
Price: Rental and purchase prices are available.
Please
contact the composer directly through the JamesHartway.com
website.
Art Songs
Songs for Ronnie,
for soprano and piano, commissioned by the Lyric Chamber
Ensemble, Fedora Horowitz, Artistic Director, 1986
Description: Songs for Ronnie is a song cycle setting of seven
short poems by Ronald (Ronnie) Cooney for soprano and piano.
The songs range in mood and scope from humorous to philosophical
to loving. A good soprano with range and color and a good piano
accompanist is needed. This piece has been sung in concert
throughout the United States and in Europe and Africa.
Movement titles: 1) Future?, 2) untitled, 3) Cognito, 4)
untitled (love song), 5) When?, 6) Summer Evening, 7)
Re-Creation
Recording available See “City Sketches” CD on this website
Duration: c. 17 minutes and 45 seconds
Price: $30.00 plus S&H
April Sunrise/Autumn Air,
for baritone and piano - also available for soprano and harp,
commissioned by the Lyric Chamber Ensemble, Fedora Horowitz,
Artistic Director, 1986
Description: Two deceptively simple and lyrical art songs.
Brief, evocative and innocent settings of a lovely poem by
Ronald Cooney. Requires a singer who can count, and a good
accompanist.
Movement titles: 1) April Sunrise, 2) Autumn Air
Recording available – See “Affair of the Harp” CD on this
website
Duration: c. 7 minutes
Price: $25.00 plus S&H
Metropolitan Dark Cities, for organ and baritone voice, commissioned by Craig Symons
through an Arts Foundation of Michigan grant, 1989
This art song is based on a poem of Ronald
Cooney, was written in memory of the poet, and funded by the
Arts Foundation of Michigan. A dark, ominous art song that uses
many modern compositional techniques, it requires two dedicated
performers, but is well worth the effort.
Movement titles: in one movement
Recording available – See "City Sketches” CD on
this website
Duration: 8 minutes and 30 seconds
Price: $20.00 plus S&H
I'll Make the Mountain Kneel,
for soprano and piano, for the Inauguration Celebration of Irvin
D. Reid, 9th President WSU, 1998
Description: A spiritual-like setting of a poem dedicated to
Wayne State University’s first African-American president. This
is a lovely art song with deeply moving words. A soprano with
good range and a piano accompanist is required.
Movement titles: in one movement.
Recording available from the composer
Duration: c. 2 minutes and 40 seconds
Price: $6.00 per copy plus S&H
Imaginary Creatures,
for string quartet and soprano, commissioned by the Scarab Club
Chamber Music Series, 1999
Description: This set of art songs is based on six short,
provocative poems of John Reed. The poetry and the music
express a variety of moods, thoughts, and feelings through the
imagery of the movement titles below. For the most part, the
soprano tells the stories of the imaginary creatures and the
string quartet comments, enhances, and sets the mood and tone
for each. Requires a flexible, expressive soprano voice and a
high quality string quartet.
Movement titles: 1) frolic bird, 2) hate snake, 3) tranquility
spider, 4) laughter cat, 5) soul mole, 6) infinity scarab
Recording available – See “Imaginary Creatures” CD on this
website
Duration: c. 16 minutes and 30 seconds
Price: $50.00 – includes full score and parts, plus S&H
The Last Blackbird,
for bass/baritone and piano, commissioned by Lettie Alston and
Friends Concert Series, 2000
Description: This art song sets three of Wallace Stevens
haiku-like poems from his “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a
Blackbird.” It is a dramatic work that calls for a
bass/baritone voice with extended range and excellent technique
and a fine pianist. An exciting look into the mysteries of the
Stevens’ blackbird perspective.
Movement titles: 1) At the sight of blackbirds, 2) O thin men
of Haddam, 3) The river is moving
Recording available from the composer
Duration: c.9 minutes and 30 seconds
Price: $20.00 per copy plus S&H
A Living Land: Song of Citizenship,
for bass/baritone voice and piano commissioned by Marc Kruman
for the opening ceremony of the Center for Citizenship, Wayne
State University, 2003
Description: This is a dramatic art song setting of a short
poem by John Reed. The topic is citizenship. The song is
powerful, yet lyrical, and requires bass/baritone voice and
piano.
Movement titles: in one movement with two sections.
Recording available from the composer.
Duration: c. 4 minutes and 30 seconds
Price: $15.00 per copy plus S&H
Choral Works
Sequence,
for chorus and percussion, 1970, revised 1975
Description: This is a three-part setting of the “Dies Irae”
text. It is scored for SATB and 4 percussion. The setting is
very modern and is in both proportional and measured notation.
The piece has had several exciting performances and requires a
good college level group to make it work. Also includes a crank
siren at the grand finale!
Movement titles: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.
Recording available from the composer
Duration: c. 10 minutes
Price: $4.50/copy, percussion plays from full score, plus S&H
Waiting To Be Processed, for women's voices, typewriters, telephones, percussion,
and tape, commissioned by Douglas Belland for the Wayne State
University Women’s Chorale, 1973
Description: This is a “performance piece” for women’s chorus
that pokes fun at the hiring practices and man’s inhumanity to
women! It requires speaking and singing and a bit of acting and
movement. Also a recording of “I Love How You Love Me,” and ”I
am Woman.”
Written partly in proportional notation.
Movement titles: in one movement
Duration: c. 9 minutes
Price: $4.00/copy, plus S&H
Grasshopper Days, for chorus, small wind ensemble, and percussion,
commissioned by Project Cameo for Jerry Smith and the Bently
High School Choir, 1976
Description: This setting includes 2 flutes, 2 clarinets, 4
horns, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, 3 percussion, prepared piano,
and SATB. It is a mix of proportional notation and measured
music that sets alight and lively pace and tone. Can be done by
a high school group that seeks adventure!
Movement titles: in 3 untitled sections
Duration: c. 12 minutes
Price: $4.50/score,$80.00parts, plus S&H
Songs of Summer, for chorus and percussion, commissioned by Project Cameo
for Bob Ballard and the Franklin High School Choir, 1976
Description: These songs have a friendly, happy feeling and are
a sendoff to summer vacation for your high school choir.
Movement titles: in 3 untitled sections
Duration: c. 9 minutes
Price: $4.00/score, percussion plays from full score, plus S&H
Three e.e.s for SSAA, for women's voices, piano and flute, commissioned by
Dennis Tini through a grant from the Women of Wayne Association
for the Wayne State University Women’s Chorale, 1977
Description: This is a setting of three short poems of EE
Cummings. They are provocative, effective, sometimes humorous,
but always thoughtful. A college level women’s group can handle
these well and would enjoy doing them. Mostly written in
proportional notation.
Movement titles: 1) Hills chime with thrush, 2) O (round) moon,
how, 3) This little huge.
Duration: c. 8 minutes and 30 seconds
Price: $4.00/copy, piano and flute play from full score, plus
S&H
Hymn to Saint Anne, for brass, organ, chorus and narrator, commissioned by the
St. Anne's Catholic Community of Warren, Michigan, in
celebration of the 40th anniversary of the community, 1985
Description: This is a 3 part work that was composed with
church choir, and good amateur musicians in mind. An exciting
piece to celebrate a feast day. Sections may be used as
separate pieces.
Movement titles: 1) Processional, 2) Mother of our Mother, 3)
Te Deum
Duration: c. 12 minutes
Price: $6.00 per copy,plus $24.00 parts, plus S&H
Fanfare and Hymn, for SATB chorus, orchestra, and organ, commissioned by
Archdiocese of Detroit and used as the recessional for Papal
Mass, 1987
Description: This is a grand scale work for full orchestra and
large chorus. It may be done with or without solo parts – the
choir may sing the solos as a group or the solos may be
assigned. The piece has a rousing introduction and a driving
finish. The middle part sets the lyrics written for the Papal
visit and mass in Detroit in 1987.
Movement titles: in one movement
Live performance recording available from the composer
Duration: c. 11 minutes
Price: Rental and purchase prices are available.
Please
contact the composer directly through the JamesHartway.com
website.
Trilogy,
for SATB chorus, baritone solo, piano, and 3 percussion,
commissioned by the Lyric Chamber Ensemble, Fedora Horowitz,
Artistic Director, 1986
Description: A dramatic three-movement setting of poems by
Ronald Cooney. The settings vary in mood from declamatory, to
rhythmic, to lyrical. A good baritone soloist and 3 fine
percussionists are needed. The piece has changing meters
throughout and is in a modern chorale style.
Movement titles: 1) This Morning, 2) This Afternoon, 3) This
Evening
Duration: c. 14 minutes and 30 seconds
Price: $5.00 per copy,
lus $15.00 percussion parts plus S&H
Hodie Christus Natus Est, for SATB, harp, organ, cantor, strings, commissioned by
Dr. Norah Duncan IV for the Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit,
Blessed Sacrament Cathedral,1996
Description: This is a “flexible” piece for Christmas that may
be performed without strings (the organ would play the string
parts) or as a concert piece without the congregation (the choir
would take the congregations’ role). It requires competent
musicians and singers and a good harpist. It is a lovely piece
with an extended harp solo introduction.
Movement titles: in one movement
Duration: c. 7 minutes and 30 seconds
Price: $4.50/copy, plus $25.00 for parts plus S&H
Christ is Born!,
for children's choir or SSA and harp, 1997
Description: A simple, joyful Christmas song.
Vigorous and fun
for
children and/or adults.
One movement: With life!
Duration: c. 2 minutes
Price: $2.50/copy plus S&H
.
. . with blasts upon the horn,
for grand and petit orgues and SATB. Commissioned by the
Archdiocesan Chorus of Detroit for their 25th
anniversary, 1999.
Description: lively work for 2 organs and
chorus – requires good university-level chorus or
semi-professional choir and good organists. It is possible to perform this piece with one
organ.
Movement titles: in one movement
Duration: 5 minutes
Price: $6.00/copy plus S&H
Stage
Productions: Theater/Dance
Ebeneezer is a Geezer,
for synthesizer, electric piano, bass drums, saxophone,
narrator, dancers, and lights, commissioned by Lisa Nowak for
the Harbinger Dance Company, 1975
Description: This is a jazz-fusion/modern dance version of
Dickens’ “Christmas Carol.” The music is composed for tenor
saxophone doubling flute, and clarinet, electric keyboard,
electric bass and drum set. Requires dancers and actors and a
fresh libretto version of the “Christmas Carol.” This is great
fun for a Christmas production. Pleases all ages.
Movement titles: Stage play in two acts
Duration: c. 55 minutes
Price:
Grand Rights are negotiable through the composer.
Stage
Productions: Opera
Ke Nu and the Magic Coals,
for 2 sopranos, 1 tenor, 2 baritones, piano, flute, and
percussion, a one act opera commissioned by the Michigan Opera
Theater, Dr. David DiChiera, Artistic Director,1987
Description: This is an opera developed for a children’s
audience.
The story line follows a young “would be” American Indian brave
through some rites of passage trials that he willingly
undertakes to prove himself a worthy young man. Requires 2
sopranos, 1 tenor, 2 baritones who play several roles, plus
1,flute, 1percussion, and 1 piano. This work has had several
successful runs, and has received excellent reviews. Can – and
has been done - by a college level companies.
Movement titles: This is a one act opera in five scenes.
Video is available for perusal.
Duration: c. 45 minutes
Price:
Grand Rights are negotiable through the composer.
Jazz: Small
Group
The following pieces are all “jazz tunes” in lead sheet format:
melody line and chord changes.
Impressions of Childhood, for any small jazz group combination, lead sheet format,
1967
Description: Lyrical piece in 6/8 with a haunting melody.
Recording available – See “Comfort and Joy” CD on this website
Price: $4.50 plus S&H
Judgment of Solomon, for any small jazz group combination, lead sheet format,
1967
Description: Swinging call and response section in 4/4 leads to
a 3/4 bridge, then back to the C&R.
Recording available from the composer
Price: $4.50 plus S&H
Five-Four-Three, for any small jazz group combination, lead sheet format,
1968
Description: Up-tempo jazz line goes through 3 different time
signatures. A nice challenge to play on and with!
Price: $4.50 plus S&H
Christmas Kiss,
for vocalist and/or small jazz group combination, lead sheet
format, 2003
Description: A potential Christmas classic with a jazzy feel.
Recording available – See “Christmas Kiss” CD on this website
Price: $4.50 plus S&H
Jazz: Big
Band
Motor City Sequence, for nineteen-piece jazz band, premiered at the Montreaux
Jazz Festival by the Wayne State University Jazz Band, 1980
Description: “Motor City Sequence” is a three-movement suite
for jazz big band. The first part is an asymmetrical
jazz/fusion groove in 7/4 with solo sections in 4/4. The second
has a dramatic brass section intro and then swings into a ¾ solo
section. The finale is a tour de force for the ensemble broken
by solos as designated. This piece had an exciting reception in
Montreux, Switzerland and has been performed many times since.
The work can be broken up and performed with success as
individual pieces.
Movement titles: 1) Assembly Line Boogie, 2) Churches of
Detroit, 3) Renaissance
Recording available from the composer
Duration: c.15-20 minutes depending on length of solos
Price: $150.00 includes score and parts, plus S&H
Cityscapes,
for orchestra and jazz quartet, commissioned by Kenneth Jean
through a grant from Robert Semple for the Detroit Symphony
Orchestra, 1981
Please see above under Concertos.
Country Suite, for string orchestra and jazz quartet, 1989
Please see above under Concertos.
Non Jazz Improvisation Ensemble
Description: The following pieces for improvisation ensemble
are music “design plans” that were written to be performed by
new music ensembles of various sizes with or without multi-media
effects. These works have all been performed many times in
different venues. They require musicians who are able to
improvise freely, often without specific notes, but within
musical parameters. Each design plan is significantly different
from the next and each is about a different programmatic subject
– as the titles reflect. The composer has toured and lectured
with this repertoire through the United States.
Duration: varies depending on length of improvisations and
group concept of the piece.
Price:
Musicians perform from full score. $5.00 per performer,
plus S&H
Piece for Quartet, for four-piece improvisation ensemble, 1968
Six Nocturnal Explorations,
for improvisation ensemble, dance, paintings, narrator, and
lights, 1973
Lord Cut Glass, for improvisation ensemble, dance and narrator, 1974
Circle of Black Elk, for improvisation ensemble, dance and narrator, 1974
Celestial Genesis in Five Dimension, for improvisation ensemble, dance, narrator, slides and
lights, 1974
Handbell
Choir
Echoes from the Lord's Valley,
for handbell choir, commissioned by Leslee Allvin for the
Beautiful Savior Lutheran Churc Handbell Choir, 1992
Description: This is a modern sounding piece for handbells that
has changing meters and added note harmonies.
Movement titles: in one movement
Duration: c. 4 minutes
Price: $3.00/copy, plus S&H
