Newest Release
“Elegy of Autumn” from “Three Pieces for Piano" op. 15 no. 2, composed by Pancho Vladigerov (1899-1978), the greatest Bulgarian composer. He expanded the sounds of music from his country in countless ways. A master at weaving traditional folk melodies into classical styles and creating the ethereal music of light and color and memory.
Swing, Baba, Swing!
It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing) ~ Osedlala Baba Kucheto Magare. This is an example of the cultural exchange “mash-up” style that is so much fun to create. “Swing” is an exuberant American jazz classic. “Osedlala” is a funny song about a grandmother, a saddled donkey, a knife and a pumpkin. The blend of these songs is all about the rhythm. The arrangement intertwines it all to a happy finale.
More, sokol pie
“A falcon is drinking water in the River of Vardar. Oh, you falcon, you brave bird. Haven’t you seen a brave man pass by…?” This traditional song from the Balkans is very popular in Bulgaria and the Republic of Macedonia. The song probably originated in 1837; Bulgarian singer Baba Nastia Pavlova made the first recording in 1940.
The Heavens Are Telling the Glory of God
Composed by John Thomas. Performed by The Middle Church Choir of the Middle Collegiate Church NYC & The Manhattan Brass. Conducted by Tami Petty. Primary arrangement by John Thomas, expanded arrangement by Tami Petty. Palm Sunday, March 25, 2018. middlechurch.org
Meditation 1
Music meditation… for the beauty of the day… for strength… for peace… an original composition by John Thomas… filmed in San Miguel de Allende, Gto., México. “Meditation 1” is available online on the recording Composing Myself: original music by John Thomas.