Fugue In D Major For Organ By Thomas R. Schadl

Written in a style reminiscent to the fugues of J. S. Bach and Palestrina, this work is educational in that it explores how the main theme and the second theme are treated. The devices used include retrograde, inversion, augmented versions, and the alternation between subject and real answer. Fugue in D Major, being a majestic and uplifting in character, is suitable for memorial services, postludes, and for other occasions. In performing the work, the principal chorus would be a good choice of organ registration for the great division and a quieter registration for the swell or choir division. As the piece progresses towards the end, reed stops may be added to bring brilliance to the work.

http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/fugue-in-d-major-for-organ-digital-sheet-music/20382252?ac=1

Follk Dance In D By Thomas Schadl

Folk Dance In D is written for two pianos with four hands, and has an eastern European or Middle Eastern character which involves the use of scales not common in the western European musical tradition. The main theme is based on the octatonic scale and its main motive is A G# D E flat treated in forward and retrograde motions. Further, the main theme is treated in an imitative manner. The second theme is somewhat an octatonic scale, but involves the use of motivic inversion in its imitation sections. Second theme's main motive is C B C D Flat D Flat C E Flat D Flat C B C C.

This piece is suitable for concert use and possibly for film use, but has a strong educational use in that it explores different scales and counterpoint in many forms, including retrograde, inversions and many others. Composers such as Bela Bartok and Olivier Messiaen explore octatonic scales and other modes in their compositions, typically in Bartok's Six Volumes of Microcosmos for piano and Messiaen's L'Ascension for organ.

http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/folk-dance-in-d-digital-sheet-music/20332220

Fantasia And Variations In E Flat For Organ by Thomas R. Schadl

Fantasia And Variations In E Flat is a large-scale work that would take about eight to ten minutes to perform on organs with two or more manuals. The work combines both technical virtuosity and lyricism, and may be reminiscent to the organ compositions of Max Reger, with some of Messiaen's scales on limited transposition.

The piece starts with a scale that is arranged with tone and halftone alternating each other, known as the octatonic scale; that is the scale is built on eight keys within an octave. There are three themes. The motto theme is scalar in structure and is octatonic in character, giving an oriental sound effect; it appears at bars 3-4, 8-10, 22-24, and in the rhythmically augmented version at bars 148-155. The main theme from the fantasia section is derived from the motto theme; it occurs at bars 16-21 and bars 35-40. The second theme occurs in fugal form in bars 27-32, but appears at the fourth variation and is played against the main theme. The theme and its seven variations span from bars 41-147. The theme is stated in the pedal division from its beginning and at variations one, two, and three. The fourth variation consists of themes one and two, playing a duet; first theme is played with the left hand and later on the pedal; second theme is played with right hand. As we come to variations five and six, the pedal states the first theme. The fifth variation is written in the triple time and is written in quintuple time in the next variation. The final variation is stated for the hands and is hymn-like in quality, building up its intensity and majesty until the motto theme is stated finally in the pedal division.

 The performance of the piece requires a freer approach to rhythms in the fantasy segments within the fantasia; in other words, one can play at pleasure. Sections where themes one and two are stated should be played in strict time.

 When performing the theme and variations, one should pay attention to the lyrical nature of that movement, including the melody stated in the bass at variations five and six. The tempo for the final variation is broad and majestic in character and should be played in an unhurried manner. The coda at bars 147 to 155 should be played slowly and try to listen to the motto theme in augmented note values descend. This surely brings the work to a triumphant close.

 The piece is suitable for concert use and for educational purposes. Anyone who is studying the organ works of Max Reger and works of more contemporary composers may like to explore this work. I hope you shall enjoy it.

http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/fantasia-and-variations-in-e-flat-digital-sheet-music/20270564?ac=1&_requestid=2446759

Rhythmic Dance I by Thomas R. Schadl

Rhythmic Dance I explores rhythmic interactions between passages that are based on the motive D E flat A B flat. Rhythmic Phase-out of the main motive is evident, and is repeated; the compositional technique resembles the works of Steve Reich. The piece is suitable for concert use and for educational instructions in that it helps music students appreciate minimalist works. Further, the work may be used as a background music for films and other media.

http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/20242896

Rhythmic Dance II by Thomas R. Schadl

Rhythmic Dance II explores rhythmic interactions between passages that are based on the motive D E flat A B flat, but does not employ rhythmic phase-out procedures as much as used in the works of Steve Reich. Apart from being a concert piece, the work is suitable for educational purposes that focus on the minimalist composers and their works. Musicians of the minimalist category include Arvo Part, Philip Glass, Steve Reich and others. The work may also be used as a background music for films, television series and other media.

http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/20242898

Pleasant Memories by Thomas R. Schadl

Based on a minimalist idiom, Pleasant Memories depicts a calm atmosphere that builds up excitement before subsiding in the end. In the middle section where the excitement occurs, the main theme is stated in a stepwise manner that resembles a folk song. The piece is suited for concert use, and it is educational in that it strengthens one's appreciation for minimalist works of Steve Reich, Philip Glass and other composers. The work may also be applied as a background music for a film productions.

http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/20242894

Reaching Up To God by Thomas R. Schadl

This work is based on Psalm 16 where King David sings to God with joy. Written for Easter, Post-Easter and other services, as well as recital use, the piece is joyous in character and is to be performed with care to phrasings. The middle section is quieter and meditative, and it gradually builds up excitement until the end of the piece. I hope that the work shall bring joy to you and to others.

http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/20211708

Fantasia And Chorale In E by Thomas R. Schadl

Written in E, the work consist of two themes that have hymn-like and chorale qualities interspersed with lighthearted passages that depict the strength and weakness of human nature. The first theme resembles a melody of the ancient church; the melody has a mystical quality depicting God's majesty. The transition is light in content as it gives a listener a break from the serious mood of the first theme. The second theme is a chorale and is chordal in texture; it resembles a church hymn sung in many churches. Moreover, the second theme is written in B Flat Major, depicting one's praising God in spirit; the general mood is quiet. Following that section is the transition that gradually builds up excitement before the restatement of the first theme. The second theme is restated in E Major, but its longer note values are placed over the repeated bass and chordal patterns, a style that many composers use in their works, including Igor Stravinsky's L'Histoire Du Soldat. Once again, the lighthearted transitional passage recurs before the chimes start to strike four times. Following the chimes, the chorale is stated in E Major and begins quietly and builds up power as the work nears its ending; the chorale, unlike its first statement depicts the singing of praise with joy. This piece may be performed in concert halls and churches; it could give people fond memories of recitalists who enjoy bringing excitement to the public. 

http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/20199587

Reflections In E by Thomas R. Schadl

This is a quiet piece that is performed in a meditative manner and involves frequent changes in speed. Imagine yourself coming out of the rush-hour traffic or a hectic day at work and you listen to calming music at home. This music could give a time to relax and release stress from you. 

http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/20199607