The Mansion

"The Mansion" was composed in 2011. The inspiration for the work came from a reoccurring dream (or nightmare) I would have about being lost in a large, haunted mansion. The mansion would be abandoned, yet would be full of unexpected noises and surprises around every corner. Because of this, the music is intended to sound a little haunting, yet adventurous at the same time, because both of these emotions were strong in the dreams.I have been a student of the guitar for over 18 years, and I wanted to write a concerto-like work for the nylon string guitar and orchestra. Because an orchestra can be overpowering to the acoustic guitar, I have suggested that the guitarist use an acoustic guitar amplifier. The volume can be adjusted to the performers discretion, but the guitar should needs to always be heard. Although the work is technically challenging, I tried to write something that would still be accessible for the audience. Almost all of the thematic material comes from a simple 5-note motive that can be heard at the beginning of the piece in the piano and guitar. This work does not follow a specific form, although many of the sections do repeat.Originally for guitar & orchestra, this arrangement is for guitar & piano.