On his debut solo Navona Records release, THE REAL BEELER, composer Alan Beeler
presents his refined and distinguishable orchestral voice, exploring various harmonic
and melodic forms and structures as well as the serial techniques of the Second Viennese
School. In Symphony No. 1 and No. 4, the composer creates intricate atmospheres
and moving textural soundscapes, generally derived from the composer's preset tone
rows. Beeler's Marimba Concerto in Sixths highlights colorful and open conversations
among the instruments, while his Marimba Concerto da Chiesa builds dramatic
ensemble passages, followed by reactionary interludes from the marimba. Homage to
Roger Sessions and Mad Song After William Blake both retain stylistic elements from
their original settings for solo piano and chorus. As Beeler himself remarks about his
compositional style, "I write music that pleases me...form and technique are useless
unless they produce a pleasing result." His symphonic music carries an air of mystery
and abstraction, yet remains expressive, leaving space for the listener to take his or her
own journey.
Alan Beeler has taught music at Wisconsin State University at Stevens Point and Eastern
Kentucky University, where he was Professor of Music Theory and Composition. His
many compositions include works for solo piano, chorus, chamber ensemble, string
orchestra, full orchestra, and voice.
Follow Us: