Bruce, (Frank) Neely

Bruce, (Frank) Neely American pianist, conductor, music scholar, and composer; b. Memphis, Term., Jan. 21, 1944. He studied piano with Roy McAllister at the Univ. of Ala. (B.M., 1965); then was a pupil in piano (M.M., 1966) of Soulima Stravinsky and in composition (D.M.A., 1971) of Ben Johnston at the Univ. of 111., where he also taught (1968–74). In 1974 he joined the faculty at Wesleyan Univ., where he also conducted the Wesleyan Singers. In 1977 he founded the American Music/ Theatre Group, an ensemble devoted to the performance of American music from all eras.

Works

DRAMATIC: Pyramus and Thisbe, chamber opera (1964–65); The Trials of Psyche, opera (1970–71); Americana, or, A New Tale of the Genii, opera (1978–83); incidental music to plays and films; dance scores. orch. :Quodlibet on Christmas Tunes for Chamber Orch. (1963); Percussion Concerto (1967); Concerto for Violin and Chamber Orch. (1974); Atmo-Rag for Chamber Orch. (1987); Santa Ynez Waltz for Chamber Orch. (1989); Trio for 3 Rock Bands (1988–94); Orion Rising (1988–97); 1, 2, Ready, Go! for Chamber Orch. (1991); Barnum’s Band for Large Wind Ensemble (1991–92); Songs ofZion Recycled for Tuba and Orch. (1992-93; Hartford, Ct., June 5, 1993). chamber: Trio for Violin, Viola, and Cello (1963); Quintet for Flute, Clarinet, English Horn, Bass Clarinet, and Bassoon (1967); Rondo for Flute, Tuba, and Piano (1976); Jesus Christ is Risen Today, Easter partita for 2 Horns, 2 Trumpets, 2 Trombones or Baritone Horns, and Organ (1980); The Hartford and Middletown Waltzes for Violin and Piano (1986); Music for Emeline for 8 Instruments (1989); Narrative Objects for Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, and 2 Alto Saxophones (1991); Brass Bouquet for Brass Instruments (1992); Analogues for Violin and Alto Saxophone (1993); Wild Oysters II for Electric Cello (1993); 4 + 1 for String Quartet and Piano (1994). keyboard: piano:Variations on a Polonaise (1969); 6 sonatas; Introduction and Variations (1978); Furniture Music in the Form of 50 Rag Licks (1980); 9 nocturnes; Siagi Tamu Tango, or, Tango Rue Jardin (1984); Homage to Charlie (1985); Piano Rock Album (1989–91); 2 Moods (1990). organ:Variations and Interludes (1968); Homage to Maurice (1986); Pink Music (1989–92). harpsichord:A Book of Pieces for the Harpsichord (1968–85). vocal:Psalms of the Nativity, oratorio for Mezzo-soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Chorus, and Chamber Orch. (1972–89); There was a child went forth... for Men’s Chorus, Piano, Percussion, and Flute (1972); A Feast of Fat Things, cantata for Soprano and 7 Instruments (1977); Perfumes and Meanings for 16 Solo Voices (1980); The Plague: A Commentary on the Work of the Fourth Horseman for 4 Solo Voices and Tape (1983–84); 6 Whitman Settings for 12 Solo Singers and 12 Instruments (1986–87); The Dream of the Other Dreamers for 4 Singers and 2 SPX 90s (1987); Hamm Harmony, 38 Psalm and fuguing tunes (1988–92); 8 Ghosts for 4 Singers and 4 SPX 90s (1989); 2+2+2 for 6 Singers (1989); Hugomotion, oratorio for Soloists, Chorus, and Orch. (1989–95); Emily’s Flowers, 24 vocal pieces (1991–92); Tanglewood, oratorio for Soloists, 2 Choruses, and Orch. (1993); also various solo songs in sets or cycles.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire