I don’t remember why I started writing this piano sextet but I was exploring the possibilities of diminished (octatonic) scales and they seemed to come together in my mind for this ensemble.  The first movement you hear in this clip is very classical in approach and structure, with two contrasting main themes in the exposition, lots of development, and a busier use of the themes in the recapitulation.  I even created the structure moving from a tonic to a pre-dominant to a dominant and back to tonic, though rather loosely redefined inside the diminished tonality. The themes are singable and the octatonic universe allows for many traditional triadic chords.

At the time I was living in Nashville and Alias String Quartet would let composers submit pieces to be played on monthly radio broadcasts.  I was so happy they picked this to play and this is the group you will hear in this recording.

I have since completed 2 more movements and outlined the fourth, but I am seeking a group to workshop or perform them. . .  It’s amazing how having an actual performance lined up can help solidify a project!