Piano Sextet

I began composing this piano sextet around the year 2000, intrigued by the possibilities of octatonic scales—eight-note collections that alternate whole and half steps. From the start, the goal was to explore this complex tonal palette in a way that felt both adventurous and approachable—exploring the possibilities of melody and harmony while keeping the music emotionally engaging and singable. The first movement was crafted around strict form, and that same year it was selected for a recording broadcast on Nashville radio as part of a local composers showcase. 

III. Tarantella Blues
The final movement takes off with a whirlwind energy—an exhilarating tarantella infused with the gritty soul of the blues. By the time I reached this part of the piece, I had grown more confident in the octatonic tonal world, allowing me to loosen the reins and take a more playful, improvisatory approach.

The movement explores the intersection of the rapid, compound-meter pulse of the traditional Southern Italian tarantella and and the way a blues progression can interlock with an octatonic scale.  This synthesis of rhythmic drive and harmonic complexity generates a propulsive and unpredictable character, inviting both performer and listener into a space where dance and dissonance coexist.