It’s All About the Base - October 2023

October 9, 2023

COMPOSER OF THE MONTH
Nancy Galbraith

There are some composers that I come back to again and again because they write so much great music that is excellent for a variety of performances. One of these composers is Nancy Galbraith.

Currently, I am working on her composition Danza de Los Duendes for Orchestra for an upcoming “Music, Magic, and Mystery” with the Saratoga Orchestra. This composition, as an afterthought, was named after the malicious goblin-like creatures (los duendes) of South American folklore. These little elfin beings are mischievous and mean spirited who victimize children during siesta while their parents are asleep or inattentive. Los duendes are many times blamed for recreational haphazard and are thought to be the spirits of children dwelling in “ghost purgatory.” Though the meaning is a bit macabre, Galbraith’s composition is a fun and a great concert starter!

Nancy Galbraith is the Chair of Composition at the Carnegie Mellon University School of Music. Her compositions have been praised for “rich harmonic texture, rhythmic vitality, emotional and spiritual depth, and wide range of expression.” Last year, the Seattle Collaborative Orchestra performed her Euphonic Blues, which is a perfect example of this statement from Galbraith’s website.

Nancy’s compositions are perfect for any community, university, and professional ensemble. There are a few compositions that could be appropriate for a high-level high school music program. Nancy has scores with most of her compositions on YouTube (Super helpful!!!). Definitely check out what would work for your ensemble.

Here are a few of my favorites (not including Euphonic Blues and Danza de Los Duendes):

1. Strange Travels - for Orchestra
2. Elfin Thunderbolt - for Band
3. A Festive Violet Pulse - for Orchestra