JOSEPH TURRIN
JOSEPH TURRIN

Joseph Turrin is a greatly valued contributor to contemporary American musical life thanks to his wide-ranging activities as a composer, orchestrator, conductor, pianist, and teacher.
Since completing his formal education at the Eastman School of Music and the Manhattan School of Music, he has pursued a career that has always been multifaceted. As a composer, he has produced works in many genres. Among the many commissioned works in his catalogue, highlights include Hemispheres commissioned for Kurt Masur’s final concert with the New York Philharmonic in May 2002 and taken on tour by Masur and the orchestra to Europe and Asia in June 2002, his concertos for flute (commisioned for Carol Wincence and the New Jersey Symphony) and for trumpet (commissioned by the New York Philharmonic for Philip Smith, its principal trumpet, and conducted at its 1989 premiere by Erich Leinsdorf), the chamber works Riffs and Fanfares (The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center), Arcade (New Jersey Chamber Music Society), Quadrille (West Point Military Academy), Chronicles (twelve American Universities for Philip Smith), Modinha (Orpheus Chamber Orchestra) and numerous other commissions. The New York Philharmonic, both as an ensemble and through several of its individual members, has cultivated a longstanding relationship with Turrin. In addition to the new Hemispheres, the Trumpet Concerto (which Kurt Masur has also led with the Gewandhaus Orchestra in Leipzig), the Philharmonic-commissioned Two Gershwin Portraits (which Mr. Masur and the Orchestra premiered at the “New York 100 Celebration Concert” in Central Park in 1998, with trumpet soloists Wynton Marsalis and Philip Smith), Turrin has composed several pieces for the Orchestra¹s brass section, including Jazzalogue No. 1 (featured on the Orchestra’s 1997 Latin American tour) and West Side Story Suite (commissioned and premiered at Carnegie Hall in 2000 by the Philharmonic’s brass section). In addition, he has composed numerous solo and chamber works to spotlight the talents of several Philharmonic musicians. Most recently, his Trombone Concerto Illuminations was recorded by Joseph Alessi for Summit Records. His Fandango was performed on “Live From Lincoln Center” in July, 2002 by Kurt Masur and the NY Philharmonic and hosted by Beverly Sills. This is what the NY Times said about his work Hemispheres: "Mr. Turrin's music is nervous, loud, swift and aggressive to the point of violence. It is also beautifully made, negotiating its constant changes of speed and pulse with grace. Mr. Turrin's music is young: no past, only future."
Active as a composer, and conductor for film and theatre, Turrin lists among his many credits the scores for Alan Alda’s film A New Life, Little Darlings, Weeds (with Nick Nolte), Tough Guys Don't Dance (directed by Norman Mailer), Verna-USO Girl (with Sissy Spacek and William Hurt and nominated for 3 Emmy Awards), Nightmare on Elm Street 3, Kingdom of Shadows (narrated by Rod Steiger), Broken Blossoms (1919 silent film classic directed by D.W. Griffith, starring Lillian Gish), and for the restoration of the silent film classic Sadie Thompson. Other silent film classics that he has scored include, Diary of a Lost Girl, Intolerance and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. His work in musical theater includes performances on Broadway with Michael Feinstein as well as the score for Frankie, with a libretto by Broadway legend George Abbott. Other theater works by Turrin include the opera Feathertop, Love Games and The Barricade. He also did the orchestrations for the 1992 Olympic Fanfare for the summer Olympic ceremonies in Barcelona, Spain.
Turrin has appeared as a conductor with the Pittsburgh, Baltimore, New Orleans, Detroit, and New Jersey Symphonies; he has performed as a pianist on many recordings and as orchestral pianist for the New Jersey Symphony. He has received awards and grants from the United Nations (for contributions in the arts), ASCAP, American Music Center, and five Fellowships from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, in addition to the Ann M. Alburger Award for Chamber Music.
His works have been performed by the New York Philharmonic, St. Martin-in-the-Fields Academy Orchestra. Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society, Baltimore Symphony, Gewandhausorchester (Leipzig, Germany), Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, New Orleans Symphony, New Mexico Symphony, New Jersey Symphony, English Chamber Orchestra, Little Orchestra Society of New York, Wynton Marsalis, Philip Smith, Joseph Alessi, Lew Soloff, Carol Wincenc, Hugh Wolff, Kurt Masur, Erich Leinsdorf, Ramon Vargas, Evelyn Glennie. Susannah McCorkle, US Army Band, US Army Brass Quintet, Atlantic Brass Quintet, New Jersey Chamber Music Society, West Point Military Academy Band, US Marine Band, University of North Texas Wind Symphony and many others.
His publishers include: Theodore Presser, Curnow Music, BIM Editions, Kjos Publications, Rosehill Music, Paramount Pictures, Warner Brothers Music, C. Alan Publications and others. His works are recorded on the Teldec, RCA, EMI, Cala, Summit, Albany, Klavier, and Curnow labels.
Kurt Masur said about Mr. Turrin's music: “I have always liked composers who are reflecting upon the musical sound of their country. Joseph Turrin does it in a very convincing way. I have taken great delight from getting to know his scores, which I have conducted in New York, in Europe, and in Asia.”
For more information about Joseph Turrin, please visit his website at www.josephturrin.com. |
 | 1996: Meet the Composer |  | 1994: New Jersey State Council on the Arts |  | 1993: Meet the Composer |  | 1991: New Jersey State Council on the Arts |  | 1989: New Jersey State Senate (Senate resolution for contribution in the arts) |  | 1988: New Jersey State Council on the Arts |  | 1987: American Music Center Awards |  | 1986: United Nations Award for the Arts |  | 1981 - 1999: ASCAP Awards |  | 1977: Anne M. Alberger Composition Award (Walden Trio) |  | 1976: American Music Center Awards |  | 1976: New Jersey State Council on the Arts |  | 1965: FLAME Award in Composition (Piano Sonata No. 1) |  | Manhattan School of Music / Composition Prize (March & Choral) |  | Sol Human Award (Eastman School of Music) |
Chronicles for Trumpet and Wind Symphony (1998) Available From Publisher (C. Alan Publications)Movements: • 1. Prologue • 2. Lamantation • 3. Epilogue
Concertino for Tuba and Band (1976) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Fandango for Solo Trumpet, Trombone and Band (1999) Available From Publisher (C. Alan Publications)
Hemispheres (2002) Available From Publisher (C. Alan Publications)Movements: • 1. Genesis • 2. Earth Canto • 3. Rajas
Illuminations for Solo Trombone and Wind Symphony Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Quadrille for 3 Trombones and Band (2002) Available From Publisher (C. Alan Publications)
Serenade Romantic (1982) Available From Publisher (Curnow Music Press)
Soundings for Band (1997) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)Movements: • 1. Ritual • 2. Reflections • 3. Ceremonial
Two Sketches for Band (1995) Available From Publisher (Neil A. Kjos Music Company)Movements: • 1. Gettysburg Hymn • 2. Marching Song
Zarabanda for Solo Xylophone, Marimba and Band (1998) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Arabesque for 2 B-flat Instruments and Band (1990) Available From Publisher (Rosehill Music Publishing Co. Ltd.)
Asterisum for 12 to 16 Trombones (2003) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Caprice Transcription for Trumpet and Brass Band (1989) Available From Publisher (Rosehill Music Publishing Co. Ltd.)
Escapade for Piccolo Trumpet and Brass Band (1989) Available From Publisher (Rosehill Music Publishing Co. Ltd.)
Fanfare for Five for Brass Quintet (1997) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Festival Fanfare for 8 Trumpets and Percussion (1975) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Festival Fanfare for Cornet Section and Percussion Available From Publisher (Rosehill Music Publishing Co. Ltd.)
Hymn for Diana for Brass Band (1997) Available From Publisher (The Salvation Army / Music Publications)
Jazzalogue No. 1 for 3 Trumpets, 4 Horns, 3 Trombones, and Tuba (1997) Available From Publisher (C. Alan Publications)
March and Choral for 4 Trumpets, 2 Horns, 4 Trombones, 2 Euphonium, Tuba, and Percussion (1972) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
My Song of Songs for Solo Trumpet and Brass Band (1998) Available From Publisher (The Salvation Army / Music Publications)
Prologue for Brass Band and Narrator (1985) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Solarium for Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba and Piano (1995) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Soundscapes for Brass Quintet (1994) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)Movements: • 1. Riffs • 2. Soliloquy • 3. Jive Dance
Structures for Large Brass Choir (1981) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Sweet Liberty for Brass, Flute, Piano, Bass, Drums (1986) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Trilogy for Brass Band (1987) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)Movements: • 1. March • 2. Choral • 3. Rondo
TV Wizard for 4 Trumpets, 4 Trombones, Piccolo, Piano, Bass, Drums (1983) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
West Side Story Suite for 4 Trumpets, 4 Horns, 4 Trombones, Tuba (2000) Available From Publisher (Boosey and Hawkes Music Publishers, New York)
Arcade for Flute/Alto Flute, Oboe/English Horn, Viola & Cello (1991) -- 10' Published: #114-40710 Commission Information: New Jersey Chamber Music Society
Movements: • 1. Prelude • 2. Bourree • 3. Arioso • 4. Waltz • 5. Quadrille
• Reviews
Available Separately:Set of parts (#114-40710P) Full Score - Study (#114-40710S)
Festival Music for the Golden Pavilion for String Quartet, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Bass, and Keyboard (1997) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Fragments for Alto Sax and Viola (2003) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Riffs and Fanfares for String Trio, Clarinet, Horn, and Piano (1990) -- 5' Cl. Hn. Vln. Vla. Vcl. Available from the Presser Rental Library Commission Information: Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society, for the opening concert of its 22nd season Premiere Information: Alice Tully Hall, New York, NY; October 28, 1990; David Shifrin, clarinet; Robert Routch, horn; Ida Kavafian, violin; Paul Neubauer, viola; Fred Sherry, cello; Lee Luvisi, piano • Reviews
Symmetries for 2 Pianos / 4 Hands (2003) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
The Steadfast Tin Soldier for Chamber Ensemble and Narrator (1977, rev. 1998) -- 15' Fl. Ob. Cl. Bsn. Hn. Tpt. Pno. Narr. Published: #114-40908 Commission Information: Kid Stuff Records Additional Information: Text by Hans Christian Andersen.
Also arranged for Chamber Orchestra & Narrator.
Available Separately:Set of parts (#114-40908P) Full Score - Study (#114-40908S)
Three Summer Dances for Woodwind Quintet (1994) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Variations for String Orchestra or String Quartet (1967, rev. 1989) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Walden Trio for Flute, Cello, and Piano (1974) -- 17' Published: #114-40622 Commission Information: Walden Trio Premiere Information: Carnegie Recital Hall, New York, NY; October 13, 1974; Walden Trio
Movements: • 1. Awakening • 2. Nocturne • 3. Scherzo • 4. Epilogue
• Reviews
Available Separately:Set of parts (#114-40622P) Full Score - Study (#114-40622S)
Wedding Prelude for Organ, Flute, Trumpet, Horn and Harp Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Credo for Male Chorus (1970) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Faith in Tomorrow for Chorus and Band or Piano (1995, rev. 1999) Available From Publisher (Curnow Music Press)
Hope Alive for Chorus and Band or Piano (1995) Available From Publisher (Curnow Music Press)
Hymn for Peace for SATB, Flute, Cello and Piano (2003) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Invocation for Chorus and Band or Piano (1992) Available From Publisher (Neil A. Kjos Music Company)
Psalm 121 for SATB Chorus with optional Piano (1970) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Three American Folk Songs for SATB Chorus with optional Piano (1970) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)Movements: • 1. Careless Love • 2. Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier • 3. Peter Grey
Two Russian Love Songs for SATB Chorus and Piano or Clarinet and Cello (1971) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)Movements: • 1. Do Not Awaken My Memories • 2. Snow Flurries
‘A New Life’ Overture from the film “A New Life” (1989) Available From Publisher (Paramount Pictures Corp. (Famous Music Corp.))
Broken Blossoms (1919 silent film) (2000) Not available
Intolerance (1916 silent film) Not available
Sadie Thompson (1928 silent film) (1987) Available From Publisher (Ballerbach Music)
The Guest (1969) Not available
Verna - USO Girl (WNET/Channel 13 film) Not available
Weeds (Orchestrations) (1988) Not available
Aeolus for Flute and Piano (1972) Available From Publisher (Zalo / JP Publications)
Arabesque for 2 B-flat Instruments and Piano (reduction) (1990) Available From Publisher (Rosehill Music Publishing Co. Ltd.)
Canticle for Solo Organ (1988) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Caprice for Trumpet and Piano (1972) Available From Publisher (Editions BIM / Switzerland)
Children Suite for Piano Solo (1970) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)Movements: • 1. Song for my Doll • 2. Playing • 3. It's Raining • 4. Waltz • 5. Going to the Park • Children's Song
Dedications for Flute and Piano (1995) Available From Publisher (Zalo / JP Publications)Movements: • 1. Recitation (for George Abbott) • 2. Winter Sky (for James Pallerite) • 3. Song for Flute (for James Galway)
Elegy for Trumpet and Piano (reduction) (1970, rev. 1994) Available From Publisher (Editions BIM / Switzerland)
Escapade for Piccolo Trumpet and Piano (reduction) (1989) Available From Publisher (Rosehill Music Publishing Co. Ltd.)
Etudes for Solo Trumpet (2000) Available From Publisher (Curnow Music Press)Movements: • 1. Antaras • 2. Quadrille • 3. Saltarello
Fandango for Solo Trumpet and Piano (reduction) (1999) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Five Pieces for Solo Clarinet (1971) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Four Miniatures for Trumpet or Flugelhorn and Piano (2000) Available From Publisher (Editions BIM / Switzerland)
Intrada for Trumpet and Piano (1988) Available From Publisher (Editions BIM / Switzerland)
Joyful Rain for Native American Flute and Guitar (1995) Available From Publisher (Zalo / JP Publications)
Landscape for Solo Bass Clarinet (1966) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Night Flight for Flute and Piano (1995) Available From Publisher (Zalo / JP Publications)
Piano Suite (1987) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)Movements: • 1. March • 2. Siciliana • 3. Vocalise • 4. Fragment • 5. Nocturne • 6. Toccata
Prelude for Solo Piano (1988) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Romantic Sketches for Solo Piano Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)Movements: • 1. Dream Waltz (1981) • 2. Song for Barbara (1981) • 3. Waltz for Bernadette (1989) • 4. Waltz for Ann (1986)
Sonatina for Clarinet and Piano (1972) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)Movements: • 1. Moderate • 2. Lightly • 3. With Energy
Three Episodes for Trumpet and Piano (2001) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Two Pieces for Clarinet and Cello (1967) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)Movements: • 1. Contrapunctus • 2. Dance
Two Portraits for Flugelhorn / Trumpet and Piano (1995) Available From Publisher (Editions BIM / Switzerland)Movements: • 1. Psalm • 2. Incantation
Vision for Flute and Piano (1995) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Winter Sky for Native American Flute and Piano (1994) Available From Publisher (Zalo / JP Publications)
Zarabanda for Solo Xylophone & Marimba with Piano (reduction) (1998) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Bagatelle for Chamber Orchestra (1987) -- 6' 2 2 2 2 - 2 0 0 0; Perc. Str. Available from the Presser Rental Library
Civil War Suite for Orchestra in Five Movements (1994) -- 20' 2 2(E.H.) 2 2 - 4 3 3 1; Timp. Perc. Pno. Hp. Str. Available from the Presser Rental Library Premiere Information: Albuquerque, NM; February 16, 1996; New Mexico Symphony, David Lockington, conductor
Movements: • 1. Into Battle • 2. Hymn • 3. The Charge • 4. Far from Thee • 5. Honor and Glory
Concerto for Flute and Orchestra (1991) -- 25' Solo Fl.; 2 2 2 2 - 2 2 2 1; 3Perc. Hp. Str. Available from the Presser Rental Library Commission Information: Written for Carol Wincenc Premiere Information: Absolut Concerto Series; Avery Fisher Hall, New York, NY; January 25, 1992; New Jersey Symphony, Hugh Wolff, conductor, Carol Wincenc, flute Additional Information: In memory of Lena Domonkos (1895-1991)
Movements: • 1. Movement • 2. Landscape • 3. Excursion
• Reviews
Available Separately:Solo Part with Piano Reduction (#114-40758)
Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra (1988-89) -- 15' Solo Tpt.; 3(Picc.) 2 3(B.Cl.) 3(Cbsn.) - 4 3 3 1; Timp. 2Perc. Pno. Cel. Hp. Str. Available from the Presser Rental Library Commission Information: New York Philharmonic, for Philip Smith Premiere Information: Avery Fisher Hall, New York, NY; May 2, 1989; New York Philharmonic, Erich Leinsdorf, conductor, Philip Smith, trumpet • Reviews
Available Separately:Solo Part with Piano Reduction (#114-40759)
Elegy for Trumpet and String Orchestra (1970, rev. 1994) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Fanfare for George Gershwin (1989) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Lullaby of Broadway Suite for Orchestra, Chorus and Vocal Soloist (1985) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Modinha (1995) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Shanghai Concerto for Piano and Orchestra (2001) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
The Steadfast Tin Soldier for Chamber Orchestra and Narrator (arrangement) (1977, rev. 1998) -- 15' Narr.; 1 1 1 1 - 1 1 0 0; Perc. Pno. Str. Available from the Presser Rental Library Additional Information: Text by Hans Christian Andersen.
Two Gershwin Portraits (1998) Available From Publisher (Warner Brothers Publications)
Variations for String Quartet or String Orchestra (1967, rev. 1989) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
When Tony Played the Sax for Narrator, Orchestra, Solo Alto Sax, Jazz Vocal, and Rhythm Section (1995) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Feathertop Opera in 2 Acts (1976) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Frankie an Opera (1990) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Love Games Opera / Musical in 2 Acts (1980) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
The Skin of Our Teeth (Incidental music for the play by Thornton Wilder) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Veronica’s Room (Incidental music for the play by Ira Levin) (1979) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
12 Haiku Songs for Soprano and Piano (1978) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
A Certain Slant of Light for Voice and Piano (1972) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
A Dream Within a Dream for Soprano and Piano (2001) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Anyway You Play It - It's Music for Voice and Piano or Orchestra (1996) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Ave Maria for Soprano and Piano (2001) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Away Delights for Voice and Piano (1972) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Friendship a Duet for Two Women Voices and Piano (from the Opera "Frankie") (1988) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Grave Diggers Song a Duet for Tenor, Baritone and Piano (from the Opera "Frankie") (1988) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Love is Everywhere With You a Duet for Soprano, Baritone and Piano (from the Opera "Frankie") (1988) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Lullaby for Voice and Piano with optional Flute (1991) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Moon Song for Voice and Piano (1994) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
She Walks in Beauty for Baritone Voice and Piano (1990) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
Songs of Protest for Voice and Piano (1972) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)Movements: • 1. Death of a Soldier • 2. In Guernica • 3. The Dead in the Square
True Love for Voice and Piano (1995) Available From Publisher (Joseph Turrin Music)
"There is no guessing what new music will make a place for itself in the repertory, but I think Turrin's ‘Walden Trio’ belongs in it somewhere."-The Record"Mr. Turrin has written a vital work that is rhythmically and dynamically alive. There is no lack of ideas, which tumble one after the other yet seem capable of growth. The idiom is modern the piece thoroughly engaging and making deft use of the instruments."-New York Times
 | Arcade for Flute/Alto Flute, Oboe/English Horn, Viola & Cello |
"Arcade is divided into five movements: Prelude, Bouree, Arioso, Waltz and Quadrille and featured flute, oboe, cello and viola. It was interesting music which gave all the performers a run for their money."-Post-Courier (Charleston, SC)
"This is a big, sophisticated concerto that evolves way beyond its classical and romantic models to show off the soloist's technique while exploring adventurous interactions between soloist and ensemble"-The Record"The most successful of the world premieres was Joseph Turrin's ‘Concerto for Flute and Orchestra’. Of the three, it was only he who most clearly set a musical goal and reached it. The goal: Compose a virtuoso flute concerto for Carol Wincenc. The result: a brilliantly written and played showpiece with a wonderfully evocative slow movement. It should already be in demand by every reputable flutist."-The Star-Ledger"The ‘Concerto for Flute and Orchestra’ is a very fine work of its kind (fully as enjoyable as his ‘Trumpet Concerto’ from two seasons ago)"-New York Daily News
"There just may be hope for modern music after all. There's a lot of bold color in this concerto. It's a fine piece, though any trumpeter tackling it had better have inexhaustible breath."-New York Daily News"A sizzling soloist's vehicle. Mr. Turrin has given his soloist - Philip Smith, the orchestra's principal trumpeter - a great deal to do, usually at speeds and in detail that must require a lip of steel."-New York Times"Turrin has composed a refreshing work that creates in the listener the desire to hear it a second time. The concerto is a worthwhile addition to the limited trumpet/orchestra repertoire"-Musical America
"Joseph Turrin's ‘Riffs and Fanfares’ a CMSLC commission, was given its world premiere. Turrin, who scored well last year with his Trumpet Concerto premiered by the NY Philharmonic, has again written an arresting work of spiky, individual energy"-New York Daily News"Joseph Turrin's well-crafted ‘Riffs and Fanfares’ for clarinet, horn, string trio, and piano, commissioned by the society and receiving its premiere…"-New York Times
|
|