Wedding Music Completed

Russo completed work on his new work "Wedding Music" in January 2016.   The four movements of this work were composed for his friend and former bass student Michael Bertkau.  Michael's wedding will be in September 2016.   Here are the four movements:   Wedding Prelude Music (for the church seating) - it is about 10 minutes long;  Wedding Party March - 2 minutes; Bride's Wedding March - 2.5 minutes and Wedding Recessional Music - 4.5 minutes.   The total length of this work is about 19 minutes.  This piece is score for string quintet - 2 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello and 1 bass.   It will be given its world premiere at Michael's wedding in September 2016.   If you would like to listen to the computer generated sound files of this music you may do so below.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Wedding Music for Strings

Third Symphony Completed!

During the summer of 2015 Russo composed his Third Symphony.  This 4 movement tonal work is scored for 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 French horns, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, 1 percussion (timpani, 1 chime, tam-tam, triangle, slapstick, bass drum, snare drum, marimba -- all percussion can be covered by one player) and strings.  The movements of this 40 minute work:  1st: Andante-Allegro  2nd: Andante doloroso   3rd: Allegro  4th:  Finale-Rondo

If you would like to listen to the computer generated sound files of this symphony you may do so below.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Sym3mvt2

Bass Duo to be performed in New Haven

Russo's Bass Duo will be performed as part of the Elm City Chamber Festival faculty concert at 7:30pm on Wednesday, July 8th.  The location of the performance is Sudler Hall at Harkness on the Yale campus -- Sudler Hall is in the building next to Sprague Hall which is on the corner of Wall & College in New Haven.   The bassists performing his Bass Duo are Joseph Russo and Matthew Oster.
If you would like to listen to the computer generated sound file of his Bass Duo you may do so below.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Bass Duo

Brass Quartet "Evergreen Prelude" Completed

Today Russo completed work on his first brass quartet "Evergreen Prelude".  It was composed for the Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra Brass Quartet:  trumpeters - Julia Caruk & Andrew Caruk, French hornist - Jaime Thorne and trombonist - Marshall Brown (who is also the conductor of the Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra).   This 6 minute tonal work will be given its world premiere at 7:30pm on July 6, 2015 at Evergreen Woods retirement community in North Haven, Connecticut.   If you would like to listen to the computer generated sound file of this music you may do so below.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Evergreen Brass Quartet

World Premiere of "River" for French Horn & Piano -- on March 17, 2015

At 7 pm on Tuesday, March 17th Russo's composition "River" for French Horn and Piano will be performed, along with his composition "Mountain" by French Horn player Lisa Pike and pianist Elizabeth Rodgers at the Bloomingdale School of Music - 323 West 108th Street in Manhattan, New York City.  The concert is free an open to the public.   If you would like to listen to the computer sound generated sound file of "River" you may do so below. If you would like to listen to the computer sound generated sound file of River's companion piece "Mountain" you may do so below as well.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · "Mountain" & "River" for French Horn and Piano

Completion of Keeler Duo for Viola & Cello

Russo recently completed work on his Keeler Duo for viola and cello.  This music will receive its world premiere at the Keeler Tavern Museum (132 Main Street, Ridgefield, Connecticut -- phone: 203 438 5485) at 3pm on Sunday, April 12, 2015.   It will be performed by violist Sue Corey Sahlin and cellist Gunnar Sahlin.    If you would like to listen to a computer generated sound file of this music you may do so below.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Keeler Duo for Viola & Cello

World Premiere of "Dynamic Duo" for 2 Cellos on October 26

On Sunday October 26th at 4pm Russo's cello duo "Dynamic Duo" will be given it's world premiere performance by cellists Carolyn Engle and Tom Hudson.  Here is the information about the concert:

 

When: Sunday, October 26th at 4:00 PM.

Where: First Church of Christ, 366 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT

Tickets: Suggested donation is $15 for adults, $30 per family, $10 for students and seniors, free ages 5 and under.

 

Russo plans to attend this performance.  

 

If you would like to listen to a computer generated sound file of this music you may do so below.

 

 

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Dynamic Duo for Two Cellos

New Work for French Horn and Piano -- "RIVER"

Russo recently completed work on a one movement tonal work called "RIVER" for French Horn and Piano.  This music is a companion piece for "MOUNTAIN" which Russo composed last year.  If you would like to hear the computer generated sound file of this music you may do so at the March 9, 2015 post above.

New Duet for Guitar & Pipa -- "Polo Khan"

 

Russo recently completed work on his duo for Guitar and Pipa called "Polo Khan".  This is a two movement tonal work running about 9 minutes.  The world premiere of this music is schedule at the 2015 Long Island Guitar Festival (Harris Becker, director) in April of 2015.   To listen to a computer generated sound file of this piece see below.    To learn more about the upcoming premiere of this music in April 2015 you may click here.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Polo Khan for Pipa & Guitar

World Premiere of Russo's Bass Duo -- on May 30th

On Friday, May 30th bassist Deb Spohnheimer and bassist Matt Weber performed the world premiere of Russo's Bass Duo for two double basses.  The work was included on a recital in the Great Hall of Marshalls Chess Club at 23 West 10th Street (5/6 Avenues).  .....to listen to a computer generated sound file of the piece see below.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Bass Duo

Performance of Concert Fanfare for 8 trumpets Given on May 11

Russo's Concert Fanfare for Eight Trumpets was included on a concert by the Montclair State University Trumpet Ensemble Cali Brass ensemble (Charles Bumcrot, director) at 4pm on May 11th at Saint Luke's Church in Montclair, New Jersey.   The performers were Mike Bassett, Clayton Beyert, Joseph Christianson, Luke Finaldi, Daniel Mango, Daniel Minogue, Evan Weatherby and Mike Willensky.   If you would like to listen to the computer generated sound file of Concert Fanfare (6') or Fanfare (3')you may do so below. Note: Fanfare is a shorter version of Concert Fanfare.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Concert Fanfare and Fanfare for 8 Trumpets

New Christmas Music Recorded! "Christmas Joy"

During the summer of 2013 Russo composed "Christmas Joy" -- a two movement work for flute and piano.  The first movement is called "Birth" and the second "Joy".  He composed the music for his good friends Celinda Anne Levno (flute) and Elizabeth Waln (piano)....the recorded CD is named "Christmas Joy" and includes other Christmas music.  The recording engineer for the CD is John Levno.  If you would like to listen to the two recorded movements of Russo's "Christmas Joy" you may do so below.  If you would like to acquire the sheet music to Russo's "Christmas Joy" you may do so by contacting him directly (e-mail address is at the top of this blog). If you would like to acquire the complete CD of Christmas music you may do so by calling John and Celinda Levno at 480 855 0905.   The playing is superb and the music is beautiful on this very special Christmas time CD. 

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Christmas Joy for Flute & Piano

Mourning Mist reviewed by "This Is Classical Guitar"

The March 20, 2013 world premiere performance of Russo's quintet "Mourning Mist" for guitar and string quartet has been reviewed by This Is Classical Guitar - Exploring Guitar Through Multimedia.  You may read the article by clicking here.

Successful Canadian Premiere of Russo's "Mourning Mist"

On Monday evening, July 29th Russo's quintet "Mourning Mist" for guitar and string quartet was given it first Canadian performance at the Midsummer Music Dream Music Festival south of Quebec.  The performance was very successful and enjoyed by both the musicians (including, guitarist Harris Becker, violist Dale Stuckenbruck and cellist Maureen Hynes) and the appreciative audience.  Russo attended the music festival and Monday night's performance.
Below are some photos taken at the festival:

                       Russo speaking with friend and fellow composer Michael Frassetti and his wife Irene

Russo speaking with friend and fellow composer Michael Frassetti

 

 

Russo at the Canadian premiere of "Mourning Mist" (blue shirt on right)

 

The "Mourning Mist" quintet at festival performance

 

Canadian Premiere of "Mourning Mist" to be performed on 7/29

Russo's quintet "Mourning Mist" for guitar and string quartet will be given its Canadian premiere at 8pm on July 29, 2013 at the "A Midsummer Music Dream / Songe d’été en musique" festival south of Quebec, Canada.  Guitarist Harris Becker will perform this work with the festival's resident string quartet.  Russo plans to attend this Canadian premiere performance of this music.

From the festival's website:
A special highlight of this year's festival will be the Canadian premiere of "Mourning Mist for Guitar and String Quartet" by Joseph Russo on July 29.

US Premiere of Trombone Quartet "Seasides"

On Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at 7:45pm in the Recital Hall of the Neighborhood Music School (NMS) in New Haven, Connecticut Russo's trombone quartet "Seasides" will be given its US premiere.  The address of NMS is 100 Audubon St, New Haven, CT 06510.   The program will also include works by Bach, Mendelssohn, Scheidt, Hornoff, R. Strauss, Puccini, and Ewald.  The performers will be the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra Trombone Section, that being Terrence Fay, Mark Weaver, Victor Johnson and Wesley Mayhew.  The title of the recital will be "Emotion of the Waves",   This recital is free and open to the public.

If you would like to listen to the computer generated sound file of this three movement work you may do so below.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Seasides for Four Trombones

New Bass Quartet

Russo recently completed work on a one movement double bass quartet -- which can also be performed by a large bass ensemble.  He created this piece for friend Susan Powell and her Hartt Community Division Student Bass Ensemble.  Her bass ensemble will give the world premiere performance of Bass Quartet on Saturday, May 25, 2013 at Hartt College, Connecticut.   If you would like to listen to a computer generated rendition of this music you may do so below.  

Basses At Play!

Saturday, May 25, 5:00 pm, Berkman Recital Hall

If you would like to hear some basses in action, come to our great Bass Ensemble concert on Saturday, May 25 at 5:00 pm in Berkman Recital Hall. We will perform an eclectic mix of composers including the Turtles and Mahler. Plus we’re premiering a brand new work written for us by Connecticut composer, Joseph Russo! We will have some exciting, special guests joining us as well. Admission is free.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Bass Quartet

Septet "Distant Light" to be performed on Sunday, April 14, 2013

Russo's Septet "Distant Light" for flute, clarinet, harp and string quartet will be performed at Connetquot Library on Sunday, April 14th at 2pm.  The concert location address is: 760 Ocean Avenue, Bohemia, NY. Phone number: 631 567-5079.   The concert is free and open to the public.
If you would like to listen to a computer generated rendition of this piece you may do so below.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · "Distant Light" for flute, clarinet, harp & string quartet

Successful World Premiere Performance of Second Symphony

Orchestra New England gave a very successful world premiere performance of Russo's Second Symphony. The performance was given at Battell Chapel in New Haven on Saturday, March 23, 2013 with James Sinclair conducting..   Russo performed in the bass section for this performance.

Here are some photos of the evening:

Both photos show Joseph Russo with conductor and long time friend James Sinclair after the first performance of Russo's Second Symphony.

Successful World Premiere Performance of "Mourning Mist"

On Wednesday evening, March 20, 2013 members of the Guitar Festival at Long Island University (Harris Becker, director) gave a successful performance of Russo's quintet "Mourning Mist" for guitar and string quartet.  To view the video of the performance click here.  You may listen to the computer generated sound file of this music below.
The work is scheduled to be performed again at the Guitar Festival near Quebec, Canada this coming summer.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · "Mourning Mist" for guitar & string quartet

New Work for Two Cellos

Russo just completed work on "Dynamic Duo" for Two Cellos -- this one movement work has optional actions by both cellists -- the piece can be performed with or without the optional actions.   This music was composed for Russo's good friends Carolyn Schwartz Engle and Thomas Hudson.
If you would like to hear a computer generated sound file (without actions) of this piece you may do so below.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Dynamic Duo for Two Cellos

"Mourning Mist" World Premiere Scheduled for March 2013

Russo's quintet "Mourning Mist" for guitar and string quartet will be given its world premiere performance at the Long Island Guitar Festival at Long Island University (in Brookville, Long Island, NY) in March 2013 -- at 8pm on Wednesday, March 20th.   You may find out more about this event by clicking here.    You may listen to a computer generated sound file of this one movement tonal work below.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · "Mourning Mist" for guitar & string quartet

2nd Symphony World Premiere Scheduled

On Saturday, March 23, 2013 Orchestra New England will give the world premiere performance of Russo's Second Symphony at Battell Chapel in New Haven, Connecticut.   This is a tonal work in four movements.   If you would like to listen to the computer generated sound files of the four movements of this symphony you may do so below.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Second Symphony

New Music for Flute and Piano

Russo recently completed work on his new music for flute and piano: West Fork.  It is a one movement tonal work inspired by his hike at West Fork (near Sedona, Arizona) with his friend John Levno.  Russo composed the work for John and his wife (and superb flutist) Celinda Anne.  If you would like to hear a computer generated rendition of the piece you may do so below.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Westfork for Flute & Piano

New music for French Horn & Piano

Russo has recently completed composing "Mountain" for French Horn and Piano -- he created this tonal one movement work for his friend and excellent French Horn player Lisa Pike.  If you would like to hear a computer generated sound file of this music you may do so below.

Lisa will be giving the world premiere of this music on September 27, 2012.  Here is the information about her recital:

Thursday September 27, 2012  12:30pm  Shea Auditorium.

  William Paterson University  Wayne, NJ

The location is called Shea Center for Performing Arts.

 300 Pompton Road

 Wayne, NJ

"Living La Vida Local" (Alive and Living Locally)

Other works on the program: by Amram, Schickele, Ewazen.

Lisa Pike. horn

Karen Dempsy, flute

Elizabeth Rodgers, piano                           

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Mountain for HN & PF

Renown conductor Arto Tchiftchian comments on Russo's music

Renown conductor Arto Tchiftchian comments on Russo's music:

I heard your disc with orchestral works and I am very impressed.

Your music is very beautiful and has his own atmosphere with elegiac character and nostalgic, regret feeling for the lost harmony.A remembrance of persons and places of passed times.In slow, meditative portions and lyric moments of your music you are in the tradition of great American poetry of E.Dickinson and H.Longfellow and in the same time you show a very great talent for melody line in the fast tempi.

I want to have chance to conduct your music one day.

With all my best wishes

Arto Tchiftchian

Renown Bulgarian Conductor -- now residing in Los Angeles, USA

Flutist Jane Rutter comments on Russo's music

After listening to Russo's solo flute piece "Golden Flute" flutist Jane Rutter says:
Joseph Russo's music is lyrical. Its harmonies have a lovely flowing narrative.

I applaud him for writing music that has depth, imagination and is so pleasing to the sophisticated ear!

Jane Rutter
Flute Queen, Concert Soloist,
#1 Adventurous Classical Artist
www.janerutter.com

(you may view the video of "Golden Flute" by clicking here)

"In Memoriam" Performed at Northeastern Illinois University

On Thursday, October 20 the Northeastern Illinois University String Orchestra gave a very successful and well received performance of Russo's "In Memoriam" 9-11 for Strings -- Brian Groner, conductor.

Here is the program:

Thursday, October 20, 2011 • 3:05 P.M. • Recital Hall

NEIU STRING ORCHESTRA

Brian Groner, conductor

Serenade, for strings in E minor, Op. 20........................ Edward Elgar (1857–1934)

    

Romanian Folk Dances, Sz. 68 BB 76............................ Béla Bartók (1881–1945)

    

In Memoriam–9/11............................................................................. Joseph M. Russo

String Sonata No. 1 in G major.............................. Gioachino Rossini (1792–1868)

    

Divertimento in F major................................................... W. A. Mozart (1756–1791)

“Salzburg Symphony No. 3”, K. 138

    

Second Symphony Completed

Russo has composed his 2nd Symphony.  This tonal four (4) movement work is score for 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 French horns, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, 1 timpani (also playing triangle) and strings.  The four movements run approximately 34 minutes total.   If you would like to hear a performance of this symphony you may do so below. The work may be scheduled for its world premiere sometime in the spring of 2012 or during the 2012-2013 season -- the orchestra to premiere the work has yet to be chosen.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Second Symphony

"Seasides" Trombone Quartet Premiered in the UK

On Saturday, October 1, 2011 Russo's three movement trombone quartet "Seasides" was given its world premiere in Beverley UK (in Yorkshire) by trombonist Jim Stretton's newly formed trombone quartet called "A Bit On The Slide".  Sometime soon a live recording of this trombone quartet will be posted here as well -- check back soon!

New work for Trombone Ensemble

Russo completed work on the three movements (Seaside 1, Seaside 2 and Seaside 3) of Seasides for Trombone Quartet.  This music is scored for three (3) tenor trombones and one (1) bass trombone with an optional alto trombone part which would replace the Tenor 1 part.   You may hear computer generated performances of these movements below.

Joseph M Russo · Seasides for Four Trombones

New Bass Duo

Russo has just completed work on his Bass Duo.  This is a one movement (in 3 sections) tonal work for two double basses running about 8 1/2 minutes.  The work was composed at the request of Matt Weber (Juilliard) and Matt Rosenthal (NYU), two former bass students of Joe's.   You may hear a computer generated version of the piece below.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Bass Duo

World Premiere of Fanfare given at Montclair State University, NJ

On Friday, October 8, 2010 Russo's Fanfare for Eight Trumpets was given its world premiere performance by The John J. Cali School of Music Trumpet Ensemble, Charles Bumcrot, director, from Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ to open the 2010 Kaleidoscope Concert (an annual showcase of students and faculty of the Cali School). This first performance was at the Kasser Theatre (on the campus) on Oct 8, 2010 at 7:30pm. It was conducted by Donald Batchelder.

Trumpet ensemble director Charles Bumcrot's comment on Fanfare:

"...a wonderful work and a very interesting fanfare. Not only everything you'd expect and need in a fanfare, but interesting melodic lines and material, combined with very successful antiphonal qualities. We will perform this work over and over again!!"

"This music can be used antiphonally...and it works non-antiphonally. This is very playable on standard instruments, either Bb or C and does not require piccs, flugels, etc. A very majestic opening with a very lyrical, yet "ringing" Allegro."

The performers for this world premiere were: Mike Bassett, Rachel Candee, Lynn Chao, Elizabeth Epstein, Rene Hammler, Harry Hipwell, Chris Johnson, Bryan Stepneski, Bowen Walsh, Sage Walsh.

New Concert Fanfare for Trumpet Ensemble

Russo just completed work on his new Concert Fanfare for Eight Trumpets. This antiphonal tonal one movement 5:50 minute work was composed for Joe's friend Chuck Bumcrot and his NJ college trumpet students.  You may hear a computer rendition of this music below.

You may also hear the computer rendition of Russo's Fanfare for Eight Trumpets -- this is a shortened version (3:15 minutes) of his Concert Fanfare.... you may also listen to this version below.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Concert Fanfare and Fanfare for 8 Trumpets

Three Changes for Septet Completed

Russo recently completed his Three Changes for Septet - these are three (3) movements in a tonal and somewhat jazzy style. The instrumentation is: clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, percussion, violin and bass -- the same instrumentation as Stravinsky's "The Soldier's Tale".  You may hear the computer generated sound files of these three movements below.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Changes for Septet

Performing at the White House -- Meeting the President

On Monday, July 26 Russo and his long time Juilliard friend, Nathaniel Ayers ("The Soloist") performed together for the White House celebration of the anniversary of ADA (Amercians with Disabilities Act). Joe accompanied Nathaniel who played violin and trumpet. Both were given the opportunity to shake President Obama's hand! Nathaniel's comment to the President: "I wish you a blessed Presidency". An important event and a very successful performance.

To read author "The Soloist" and journalist Steve Lopez's LA Times article about the event you may click on the appropriate link under "Pages" in the left column of this page. If you would like to view an actual portion of the performance of Ayers and Russo click here.

Update: if you would like to view the complete performance click here: Nathaniel Ayers and Joseph Russo play at White House

Septet "Changes 2" completed

Russo recently completed composing the second movement to his Septet "Changes" trilogy. You may hear a computer generated rendition of this new movement below.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Changes 2

"Concordance" Performed in Lubeck, Germany

On Friday, June 25, 2010 Russo's Concordance for Double Brass Quintet was performed by the Brass Ensemble of the University of Lubeck Music School in Lubeck, Germany. Professor Ehrhard Wetz conducted. (You may click on the program above to enlarge it)

Bassoon Quartet Now Available

Russo's Bassoon Quartet "In The Woods" is now available.  This three movement tonal work is written for four bassoons.  You may hear a computer generated rendition of the three movement tonal work below. 

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · "In The Woods" for Four Bassoons

Recent News About Bass Students

Four of Joe’s students have had some great news recently. Here is Joe’s comment:

“Recently four of my double bass students have been accepted into very prestigious music schools: New Haven senior Andrew Muench will be attending the Hart School of Music in Hartford in September. Ridgefield senior Jonathan Borden will attend The Juilliard School next school year. Weston Purchase College senior Matthew Weber has been accepted in the Masters program at Juilliard. And Westport NYU senior Matthew Rosenthal will continue studying at New York University next fall. These young men have achieved such success due to their talent, skill, perseverance, enthusiasm and dedication to music. I am very, very proud of these special students. CONGRATULATIONS! : ) " --- Joe Russo, Bass Teacher