The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University

Domenica Romagni, cello. Recorded live at the Spring Composition Department Recital on 5.12.2009 in Cohen-Davison Auditorium. "This piece, which I started last summer, was my first experience writing for a solo instrument other than piano. I had difficulty with the pacing and form, and for awhile was unsure where the piece was leading, unable to write a satisfying ending. I found myself listening frequently to Britten's first suite for solo cello, which I discovered by chance while browsing iTunes. It helped release some creativity, and I wrote the second half of the piece in a few days. The title refers to the mood of the piece, which is remorseful and nostalgic."

Will Fesperman has been studying composition at the Peabody Preparatory since 2008. 

Kate Kilian, violin, Dorotea Racz, cello. Recorded live at the Spring Composition Department Recital on 5.12.2009 in Cohen-Davison Auditorium.

"This duo for violin and cello is very lyrical and conversational in nature. Throughout th epiece the instruments remain in close range of each other. The opening motive has both instruments beginning on the same note before moving apart. At the end of the piece the violin and cello move homophonically before quietly fading away, with the cello ending on the very note the piece started on."

Susan Lehmann has been studying composition at the Peabody Preparatory since 2000.

Jonathan Rubin, piano. Recorded live at the Spring Composition Department Recital on 5.13.2008 in Cohen-Davison Auditorium.

"This piece was a compositional study on the possibilities inherent in a few simple musical ideas. I sought to create a compelling piece using only two pulse figures and two melodic fragments by weaving them together in various combinations. I wrote this piece in an improvisatory style reminiscent of a Toccata, but chose not to title it as such due to its shorter length."

Jonathan Rubin studied composition at the Peabody Preparatory from 2006-2008, receiving the 2007 Louis Cheslock Prize for outstanding accomplishments in composition. He currently attends Yale University.