Neely Bruce’s compositions include three full-length operas; five one-act operas; works for orchestra and band; about 300 solo songs; chamber music; documentary film scores; and a choral setting of the Bill of Rights. Recent major works include the dramatic oratorio Circular 14: The Apotheosis of Aristides, for eight soloists, two choruses and large orchestra.

His performances of his complete works for solo piano can be heard on SoundCloud. The West End String Quartet recently premiered his 21 Lines: Pulse Music for Sol LeWitt, at the New Britain Museum of American Art. A scholar of American music, his interests include Anthony Philip Heinrich; Arthur Farwell; music by American women; and The Sacred Harp. Currently he is investigating music in the life and work of Sol LeWitt.

He has been involved in several major premieres, including HPSCHD by John Cage and Lejaren Hiller; Meteor Farm and other spatial works by Henry Brant; and unpublished songs of Charles Ives. Bruce came to Wesleyan in the fall of 1974.