An improvisation on a theme given to me by a young audience member.  She was trying to give me "Maria" from West Side Story, but missed.  I liked her motive, though, and went with it.  I hope you enjoy.

A short piece for piano solo

The beautiful, yet rarely performed Fantasy by Beethoven.

I enjoy closing my recitals by inviting a member of the audience to join me on stage and give me a short theme on which to create an improvisation.  The audience seems to enjoy this moment in the performance and it allows me to connect with them in a special way.  It is usually the highlight of the evening for me.  Sometimes I am given a compact disc recording of the performance by the hall manager, which allows me to keep the improvisation as a momento of the evening.  

I put a few of these improvisations on my album Stations of the Cross.  Here is one.  I hope you enjoy.  

I composed this piece in 2006, while my first daughter was going through a period of restless nights.  I happened to also be reading Kierkegaard's "The Sickness Unto Death".  Both influenced this piece.

I enjoy closing my recitals by inviting a member of the audience to join me on stage and give me a short theme on which to create an improvisation.  The audience seems to enjoy this moment in the performance and it allows me to connect with them in a special way.  It is usually the highlight of the evening for me.  Sometimes I am given a compact disc recording of the performance by the hall manager, which allows me to keep the improvisation as a momento of the evening.  

I put a few of these improvisations on my album Stations of the Cross.  Here is one.  I hope you enjoy.