Please contact matthew@matthewtommasini.com about the rental/purchase of performance materials.
Torn Canvases (2009)
fl., cl., bass cl., sop. sax., alto sax., hn., trpt., trbn., tba., vib., chimes, pno.
ca. 10 min.
Commissioned by the following schools of the Big East Band Directors Association:
DePaul University
Georgetown University
Marquette University
Providence University
Rutgers University
St. Johns University
Seton Hall University
Syracuse University
University of Cincinnati
University of Connecticut
University of Louisville
University of Notre Dame
University of Pittsburgh
University of South Florida
Villanova University
West Virginia University
Complete Recording
View the Score
NOTE: Previously listed erata and clarifications have been incorporated into the above score.
Program note/biography (WORD format)
World Premiere
Sept. 27, 2009
University of Louisville Wind Ensemble
Frederick Speck conductor
Margaret Comstock Concert Hall
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY
Program note
Torn Canvases is inspired by the abstract expressionist painting style of Jackson Pollock. The piece imagines a video camera panning across a large canvas made up of layers of fragmented paint drippings and splotches. The ensemble is divided into three groups on stage, each representing musical "layers" of chiming chords and fragmented jazz riffs, which are piled on one another, creating rhythmically charged collages of sound. The climax of the work comes when the entire ensemble plays together, evoking the sound of a giant bell, transforming into the sound of a driving jazz ensemble.
Performance History
Sept. 27, 2009 (world premiere)
University of Louisville Wind Ensemble
Frederick Speck, conductor
Louisville, KY
October 6, 2009
West Virginia University Wind Symphony
John Hendricks, conductor
Morgantown, WV
October 15, 2009
Rutgers University Wind Ensemble
William Berz, conductor
New Brunswick, NJ
November 10, 2009
Rutgers University Wind Ensemble
William Berz, conductor
Symphony Space
New York, NY
November 11, 2009
University of Louisville New Music Ensemble
Frederick Speck, conductor
Louisville, KY
December 3, 2009
University of Connecticut Wind Ensemble
Matthew Smith, conductor
Storrs, CT
December 10, 2009
Syracuse University Wind Ensemble
John M. Laverty, conductor
Syracuse, NY
February 27, 2010
ECU New Music Camerata
Scott Carter, conductor
NewMusic@ECU Festival
Greenville, NC
May 20, 2010
Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Chamber Players
Rodney Winther, conductor
Corbett Auditorium
Cincinnati, OH
October 27, 2010
University of Michigan Symphony Band
Scott Boerma, conductor
Stamps Auditorium, University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
November 12, 2010
Hartt Wind Ensemble
Glen Adsit, conductor
Millard Auditorium
The Hartt School
West Hartford, CT
January 26, 2011
UNCG Symphonic Band
Kevin Geraldi, conductor
Aycock Auditorium
Greensboro, NC
February 18, 2011
University of Maryland Wind Orchestra
Michael Votta, conductor
Dekelboum Concert Hall
Smith Center at the University of Maryland
College Park, MD
March 29, 2011
Baylor University Symphonic Band
Isaiah Odajima, conductor
2012 CBDNA Southwest Division Conference
Recital Hall
UT San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
December 5, 2011
Baylor University Symphonic Band
Isaiah Odajima, conductor
Jones Concert Hall
Baylor University
Waco, TX
back to compositions list
