David J. Sosnowski

.

Primarily an orchestral composer, Sosnowski's works are characterized by strongly delineated stylistic treatments with innovative use of orchestration and color, and an emphasis on texture and clarity of expression. A key element of style is the integration of the piano in many of the works in a manner which blends its role across the boundaries of orchestal instrument and soloist. Intricate, lyrical woodwind passages, heroic brass treatments, and opulent string and ensemble writing are also hallmarks.

Though harmonically and rhythmically modern in sound, Sosnowski's orchestral compositions nonetheless evoke strong ties to neo-Romanticism and the broader heritage of Western music. Later works also frequently incorporate a strong Jazz influence, with characteristically fluid and expressive virtuosic trumpet and piano elements.

Technically, beneath often shimmering exteriors, the works are tightly integrated, concentrated examples of form and structure, usually based entirely on short thematic elements from the introductory measures; yet they remain consistently evocative, expressive and melodic. The use of color, texture, and ensemble as components of structure and form also emerge in later pieces, further distinguishing the emphasis on unity, flow and cohesion in composition.

Works by Sosnowski for symphony orchestra include "Beyond the Event Horizon" (for violin and symphony orchestra), "A Woman of Windswept Years", "The Discourse of Stars", "The Emergence of Time", "The Realization of Light" (with Jazz trumpet and piano), "Quarks", "Ascension", "Discomposure While At Prayer", "A Delectation of Woolgathering" , "Ruminations on Providence", "The Departure of Rosa Parks" (dedicated in memory of civil rights activist Rosa Parks), and "Lucifer and Gandhi" (for piano and symphony orchestra).

Sosnowski is also well known for contributions to modern piano literature, most notably "Piano Sonata #7" (subtitled "And Light Upon Them"), an extended philosophical work comprised of five movements. Occasional pieces like the concisely witty "Three Gaseous Preludes for Piano" and the innovative woodwind quintet, "Ingredients in a Sauce", also underscore the composer's lighter side.

More recent experimental work with smaller ensembles explores the realms of algorithmic composition, minimalist music and stochasticism, in extension and elaboration of concepts of John Cage, Morton Subotnick, Karlheinz Stockhausen, Philip Glass and others.

Sosnowski's "Kuiper's Trousers: Stochastic Fantasia No. 1" (piano, vibraphone, strings, bells and mixed natural and electronic percussion) combines all three traditions into what the composer describes as "algorithmic stochastic minimalism". "Sublime Delta: Stochastic Fantasia No. 2" (piano, vibraphone, bells and mixed percussion) adds elements designed to resonate with human brain states (delta wave rhythms), extending the scope of composition by the inclusion of subliminal influences.

Sosnowski studied with Terrence Greenawalt, David Barnett, Alan Hovhaness, Gundaris Poné, Harry Dart, Earl Sauerwein, Irene Schneidemann and Howard Rovics, amongst other notables.

Sosnowski's [http://www.davidsosnowski.com published works] include "Beyond the Event Horizon", "A Woman of Windswept Years", "The Discourse of Stars", "The Emergence of Time", "The Realization of Light", "Catherine In Winter", "Ruminations on Providence", "And Light Upon Them (Piano Sonata #7)", "South Mountain", "Ascension", "Ingredients in a Sauce" , "Three Gaseous Preludes for Piano", "Quarks", "Discomposure While At Prayer", "The Departure of Rosa Parks", "Lucifer and Gandhi", "Weather Coming In", "A Delectation Of Woolgathering", various piano pieces and others. The composer is the brother of journalist James J. Roberts.