Thomas Ginnona
Solo
“Insomnolence” for solo marimba (2022)
Performer: Thomas Ginnona
Program Notes: Insomnolence is a two mallet marimba solo about lying awake at night, trying to fall asleep but being too anxious to be able to. Rather than lean into a more aggressive, erratic representation of anxiety, this piece attempts to create a more subtle portrayal of the helplessness and paralysis chronic anxiety can cause.
“Standoff on a Solar Flare” for solo oboe (2021)
Performer: Dr. Andreas Oeste
Program Notes: “Standoff on a Solar Flare” is an oboe solo written by Thomas Ginnona for Beverly Gard. This recording was played by Dr. Andreas Oeste at the Penn State School of Music Recording Studios.
“In Search of Meaning” for solo alto saxophone (2020)
Performer: Maria Flowers
Program Notes: “In Search of Meaning” is a saxophone solo written for and performed by Maria Flowers. It was featured as the opening piece on Maria’s senior recital at Penn State University on December 19, 2020. Special thanks to Maria as well as the Penn State Composition Studio and the Penn State Saxophone Studio.
“Stasis” for solo piano (2020)
Performer: Austin White
Program Notes: Stasis is a piece for solo piano that revolves a variety of motion revolving around the same three note cluster. The music intensifies quickly going into the second section before abruptly deconstructing. The piece uses various extended techniques, including yelling into the body of the piano and scraping the strings with a card.
“Under the Surface” for solo violin (2020)
Performer: Kristina Sharra
Program Notes: “Under the Surface” is a violin solo depicting a monster living in a swamp. Briefly emerging, the monster descends back in the depths of the swamp. The swamp becomes deathly quiet as the monster patiently waits for an opportunity to catch its prey. The opportunity finally comes, and the monster bursts out and begins chasing after the prey. The prey is caught and briefly fights as a last resort, but the monster wins and pulls the prey under to its nest.