New Woodwind Quintet Completed

Russo has completed work on his new Woodwind Quintet -- he composed this three movement work for his friends in the Harmonia V Quintet -- The musicians in this ensemble are:  Jennifer Berman, flute; Janet Rosen, oboe; Jim Forgey, clarinet; Robert Hoyle, French horn; Sue Cross, bassoon.   If you would like to listen to the computer generated sound files for each of its three movements you may do so below.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Woodwind Quintet

New Trio Completed

Russo completed work on his new trio "Nature Speaks" -- this one movement work is scored for alto recorder, violin and cello -- though it may be performed with different instrumentation.   It depicts in sound difficulties and beauties of nature.   If you would like to listen to the computer generated sound file of this music you may do below.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · String Trio

Third Movement of Flute Oboe Concerto to be Performed at School Concerts

On Tuesday, May 16th -- at 9:30am and 10:45am -- the third movement of Russo's Flute, Oboe and Strings Concerto will be performed at Lewis Mills High School in Burlington CT.   The location address is 26 Lyon Rd, Burlington CT.  Russo will be at the performance to talk about his music.

Friendship Trio Sound Files Now Available

Russo was commissioned to compose his Friendship Trio (for flute, clarinet and piano) by the Palisades Virtuosi in August 2016 -- he completed work on this music in September 2016 and the piece was given its first performance in November 2016.    If you would like to listen to the computer generated sound files of each of its three movements you may do so below.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Friendship Trio - for flute, clarinet & piano

1982 Trio Recovered -- Revised and Now Available

Russo's Trio Festivo -- a 3 movement trio scored for oboe, clarinet, bassoon (with English Horn instead of oboe in the 2nd movement) -- was recovered, revised and is now available.   The music was composed in 1982 for the Trio Festivo Ensemble -- the players of this trio were: Nobuo Kitagawa on oboe/English Horn; Andy Grenci on clarinet and Mike Breaux on bassoon.   You may listen to the computer generated sound files of each movement below.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Trio Festivo - for oboe/English horn, clarinet & bassoon

Flute Oboe Concerto Performance in March 2017

At 3pm on Sunday, March 26, 2017 Russo's Concerto for Flute & Oboe will be performed by the Nutmeg Symphony in Bristol CT.   If you would like to listen to each of this concerto's three movements you may do so below. The location of the performance is:  Bristol Eastern High School, 632 King St., Bristol CT.   Note:  Russo will be playing bass on this performance.   If you would like to view and listen to the video of this performance you may do so by clicking here.

                                                                                              Janet Rosen, Joseph Russo and Tracy Norkun

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Concerto for Flute & Oboe and Strings

New work for Solo Flute

Russo recently completed work on "Romanze" - a one movement work for solo flute composed at the request and for his friend Rita D'Arcangelo -- Rita lives and works in Berlin and plans to both record 'Romanze' and give the world premiere performance in Japan in April 2017.   If you would like to listen to a computer generated sound file of this music you may do so below.

     Rita D'Arcangelo

World Premiere of Flute, Clarinet, Piano Trio

Russo was commissioned to compose a new trio for the Palisades Virtuosi -- Margaret Swinchoski flute, Donald Mokrynski clarinet and Ron Levy piano.  The ensemble will perform the world premiere of this new trio at 8pm on Friday, November 4, 2016 in Fair Lawn, NJ.  For more information about this performance - including ticket information and directions to the performance location you may click here.

Update: Russo's Trio "Friendship" received a very successful world premiere performance on Friday, November 4th by the Palisades Virtuosi in Fair Lawn NJ.  

from left to right: flutist Margaret Swinchoski, clarinetist Don Mokrynski, Joseph Russo, pianist Ron Levy.

New work: New England Portrait Completed

On July 9, 2016 Russo completed work on a one movement tonal work called "New England Portrait".  This piece is scored for 1 flute, 1 clarinet, 1 bassoon, 1 piano and strings (...the same instrumentation as Copland's "Appalachian Spring".   This programmatic music expresses the feelings of various New England activities throughout one typical day.   Here are the activities (in order of appearance in the music):  Daybreak, Playtime, Friendships, Playtime Again, Go to Church, Church Hymn, Sunset.  This one movement work runs approximately 20 minutes.  If you would like to listen to a performance of this music you may do so below. 

UPDATE: Russo's New England Portrait will be given its world premiere by Orchestra New England at the United Church on the Green in New Haven, Connecticut at 7:30pm on Saturday, February 25, 2017.   (Russo will be playing bass on this performance).

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · New England Portrait for Chamber Orchestra

Elm City ChamberFest Student Orchestra Performs "Four Pieces for Strings"

On Saturday, July 9, 2016 the student string orchestra of the Elm City Chamber Festival -- a two week chamber music festival in New Haven, Connecticut performed Russo's 2nd movement from his Four Pieces for Strings (Homage to Bach).....Russo attended this very moving and successful performance of his music.  If you would like to listen to his Four Pieces for Strings you may do so below.

Joseph M Russo - www.JosephMRusso.org · Four Pieces for Strings

Evergreen Prelude Performed Again

Russo's brass quartet "Evergreen Prelude" was performed again at assisted living Evergreen Woods in Branford CT at 7:30pm on Monday, June 13th.   The world premiere of this music was given last June at the same location.  The Nutmeg Symphony Brass quartet was:  trumpets - Julia Caruk, Andrew Caruk - French Horn: Jaime Thorne - Trombone: Marshall Brown.

Pictured from left to right:  Marshall Brown, Jaime Thorne, Joseph Russo, Andrew Caruk, Julia Caruk


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 · Evergreen Brass Quartet

Psalm 23 for Four Basses and Tenor Given World Premiere

On Sunday, June 12, 2016 Russo's "Psalm 23" for four double basses and tenor was given its world premiere on a concert of coach-bass teacher Susan Powell's Bass Ensemble class at the Hartt School Community Division of the University of Hartford (CT).   Russo conducted the ensemble for this performance.  Tenor Steve Mitchell was the singer for this performance.   If you would like to view the video of the performance you may do so by clicking on the arrow in the picture - you may also enlarge the video by clicking on the small box in the lower right hand corner of the picture once the video begins.     To the right: Joe Russo and Susan Powell at the event.

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