On September 25, 2024, at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), two of my original film scores—Don’t Be Square and Flutterby—were performed live as part of a special faculty recital by pianist Magdalena Adamek. I was honored to have these scores selected for her recital, showcasing them alongside other works in front of a captivated audience.
Don’t Be Square
Don’t Be Square, an animated short film directed by Isaac Braz, was performed by a talented trio: Magdalena Adamek on piano, Justin Alexander on drums, and Aniyah Ricks on bass. This performance brought the rhythmic and jazzy elements of the score to life, perfectly complementing the quirky and vibrant world of the film. The chemistry between the musicians was palpable, and the audience responded enthusiastically to the dynamic interplay of piano, drums, and bass.
The piece reflects a playful, contemporary jazz influence, underscoring the humorous and energetic tone of the animation. It was rewarding to see how the live performance enhanced the visuals, adding a layer of spontaneity and emotional depth to the story.
Flutterby
Flutterby, an animated short by Ruchirek Yui Somrit, featured a solo piano performance by Magdalena Adamek, who once again delivered a mesmerizing interpretation of the music. This score differs from Don’t Be Square in its more intimate and delicate nature. It was composed to evoke the delicate movements and emotions of the animated characters, with the piano serving as the sole voice to guide the narrative.
The performance was ethereal, reflecting the nuanced sound design and melodic beauty I aimed to create for this project. Adamek’s sensitive touch and expressiveness brought the score to life in a way that truly captured the essence of Flutterby.
A Memorable Night of Music
It was an honor to witness these compositions performed live by such talented musicians, and I’m grateful to VCU for providing the platform to showcase my work in this way. These live performances not only highlighted the intricate details of the scores but also allowed the audience to experience the connection between music and visual storytelling.
For those interested, the scores for Don’t Be Square and Flutterby are available for purchase. Simply contact me for more information.
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