John M. Kennedy Composition Portfolio
Chaconne-Part 1
“Chaconne‐Part 1” for mixed sextet (Pierrot, no voice, plus percussion) uses the concept of an ever-present harmonic background as in the traditional chaconne, creating colorful textures in the piece through simultaneous duos, trios, and quartets throughout the piece. The work was first performed by TM+, Laurent Cuniot conductor, in May 2019, Los Angeles, Ca.
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Breath, Smoke, Crystals
"Breath, Smoke, Crystals" (2018) for solo alto saxophone, opens with simple melodic gestures (breath) that become gradually more complex (smoke) and culminates in richer complex multiphonic sounds (crystals). The work was written for and premiered by saxophonist Tong Yang at the 2018 World Saxophone Congress in Zagreb.
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Desde el Balcón
Composed in 2008 for violist Hong Mei Xiao and bass-baritone Nicholas Isherwood, "Desde el Balcón" uses texts of Lorca that reflect loss and isolation. The most striking aspect of the piece is the array of sounds that bridge the two worlds of the voice and the viola, expresing the Lorca's rich text. The work was premiered in November 2008 by the duo in Los Angeles.
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