Music of J. Halvor Benson

Home
Ancient Winds
Blue Preludes
Canonic Dances
Etudes & Diversions
Journey Inward
Light Escaping
Petroglyphs
Quarrels
Temporal Shadows
From Emily's Window
Whitman Settings
Wondrous Love
Dreams of Edvard Munch


Lawrence University

Conservatory of Music
John Benson's Bio Page

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Instrumental Music  (This site is best viewed through Internet Explorer.)

bulletAncient Winds (Five pieces for Wind Ensemble) 11:58
bulletBlue Preludes (Seven Preludes for Solo Piano) 8:55
bulletCanonic Dances (Canons for Two Similar Instruments) 8:45
bulletDreams of Edvard Munch (Variations for Strings) 6:53 
bulletEtudes and Diversions (Variations for a Solo String) 15:28
bulletJourney Inward  (Nine Character Pieces for Solo Piano) 12:13
bulletLight Escaping (Variations for Solo Piano) 11:32
bulletMostly Dancing Petroglyphs (Eight Pieces for Brass Quintet) 7:38
bulletQuarrels (Nine Pieces for Solo Wind Instrument) 10:09
bulletTemporal Shadows (Canons for Two Similar Instruments) 7:52

Vocal Music

bulletFrom Emily's Window (Selections from Songs with Texts by Emily Dickinson)14:14
bulletWalt Whitman Settings (Poems Related to the American Civil War) 11:20
bulletWondrous Love (Variations on an Old American Hymn Tune) 13:20

Email me.  I will try and respond promptly. Click onto the links (composition titles on the left-hand side) for  recordings and program notes.  Sorry, the audio files may take ten seconds to load. By clicking the minimize button, you can listen to the composition chosen and follow along with the notes provided.

 As you will hear, most of the compositions are based upon the principles of variation, mirror forms and modular design. Musical scales are used to generate harmonic and melodic material. I try and create a sense of spontaneity by not overworking the material while still maintaining a clear musical structure.  Scores using Finale are available for all but the piano pieces.  I hope you find the music expressive and engaging. - J. Halvor Benson