Christopher Cody Curtis
composer
Graduate Recital
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
7:30 pm
Organ Hall, Music Building
Program
Five Pieces in Context (2010)
I. Heroes Canʼt Be Friends
II. Triste et Isolée
III. Mystis
IV. A Far Country
V. Computer Rites
Carlos Fuentes, piano
Addictions (2009)
Xin Gao, soprano saxophone
Jared Newlen, alto saxophone
Ben Crouch, tenor saxophone
Amanda Heim, baritone saxophone
Sticks, Stones & Words (2009)
I. Sticks
II. Stones
III. Words
IV. Sticks, Stones & Words
Boja Kragulj, clarinet
Sam Bailey , bass clarinet,
Kristen Freeman, percussion
Chris Dial, percussion
Carlos Fuentes, piano
Chelsea Bonagura, soprano
Megan Guiliano, violin
Jonathan Stuart-Moore, violoncello
Alejandro Rutty, conductor
Intermission
Parables (2010)
I. Of the Redeemed Slave
James Miller, flute
Sara Newman, alto flute
Waltz Disney (2010)
Boja Kragulj, clarinet
Cicilia Yudha, piano
Sermon Hymns (2011)
I. The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Cody Curtis, piano
digital media
Cody Curtis is a student of Dr. Mark Engebretson and Dr. Alejandro Rutty
________
In partial fulfillment of the degree requirements for the
Master of Music in Composition
Program Notes
Sticks, Stones & Words
Sticks and stones may break my bones,
But words will never hurt me.
This popular maxim, which is playfully taught to children in order to help them deal with
verbal insults, is a lie. Words actually do hurt – oftentimes more than the attacks of sticks, stones,
or bazookas.
The first movement of Sticks, Stones & Words is written entirely in rhythmic notation
(sticks), allowing the performers to select their own pitches within given parameters. For the
second movement, every part other than the piano is notated with stemless noteheads (stones).
Thus, each performer will choose his/her own rhythms to complement the piano texture. The third
movement places each instrumentalist at the whims of the sopranoʼs words, as their pitches and
durations are based directly off of the kind text she speaks and sings. The final movement brings
all elements together. The same text (printed below) that was articulated by the soprano in a
loving manner is here repeated hatefully.
Life is a struggle because of you I hate that I cannot live without you I am happiest with you in my
feelings it is hate I despise you being near is everything your domain is refuge anywhere you go I
can find peace – M. A. Curtis
Addictions portrays the psychological effects of struggling with an addiction, whatever it may be.
Designed in a quasi-rondo form, the piece begins with the “addictions theme” which constantly
returns between and throughout the episodes. Ultimately, the addiction overwhelms everything
else.
Five Pieces in Context is a series of piano miniatures that challenge the listener to hear specific
pitches within a given context. Preceding each movement, the performer plays an indicated set of
tones, which can be in the form of an interval or a chord. These tones, some of which are direct
quotations of important works from the Western art tradition, will then be played again within each
respective movement, though their placement, function, and significance may not be immediately
obvious.
Parables is a growing collection of flute pieces, each of which depicts a Biblical message. The
first movement, “Of the Redeemed Slave,” references Romans 6:15-19, in which Paul explains
how a sinner is ransomed from bondage to sin through the redeeming sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Waltz Disney is inspired from the magic and enchantment characteristic of Walt Disneyʼs films.
This piece was originally composed for clarinet and large chamber ensemble. It was premiered by
Boja Kragulj and UNCGʼs Contemporary Chamber Players in Spring 2010.
Sermon Hymns combines excerpts from various Christian sermons, which are sequenced in
such a way as to communicate a specific narrative. In this particular movement, which is the first
of a projected series, the narrative is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have composed original music,
both live and electronic, to complement the sermon excerpts. While there are multiple intended
functions for this work, its main purpose is to provide the Christian church with an additional
means of facilitating worship through music.
