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Blue Like Monk (Orchestra)
A tribute to the jazz great Thelonious Monk that captures his style and bravura
Date
2000
Category
Orchestral
Duration
4 minutes
Instrumentation
Piccolo, 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, English Horn, 2 Clarinets, Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons, Contrabassoon, 4 Horns, 3 Trompets, 3 Trombones, Tuba, Timpani, 3 Percussionists, Harp, Celesta / Piano, Strings
Commission / Artist
Detroit Civic Orchestra
Premiere
Detroit Civic Orchestra / Charles Burke, conductor
Composer's Note
Blue Like Monk is a short work for orchestra that rubs shoulders with a jazz great and carries dual dedications. As the title suggests, it pays tribute to one of my favorite jazz artists, Thelonious Monk, whose music has been a constant source of inspiration. The piece also honors my teacher, William Albright, who passed away the year prior to my writing of this work. His passion for the creative process and his gift for inspiring sly, fresh ideas remain a lasting influence on me.
Blue Like Monk (Orchestra)
Kevin Beavers
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