Mtro. Michael Douty will conduct once more my piece for mixed ensemble “Small big band” at Florida State University in Tallahassee (Dohnányi Recital Hall – DRH) on February 9th 7:30 PM.

Small Big Band is a “personal summary” of musical sonorities, which inspire a twenty-first century composer. Original jazz melodies and improvisation permeate the work, but the influences of Igor Stravinsky, Charles Ives, Miles Davis, and Iannis Xenakis percolate just below the surface. The work opens with a full ensemble jazz/blues melody, but one-by-one the performers peel off from the ensemble to perform their own improvisatory solos. Duets and other small groups within the ensemble create the atmosphere of a casual jam session. Once the improvisations have concluded, the full ensemble sounds shimmering bell tones. The baritone saxophone interjects new rhythmic ideas. The piccolo takes a turn at improvisation as the ensemble sound grows thinner. Finally, when all other instruments have finished, one lone drummer remains to “broom the stage.”