Performed by Monument Piano Trio and Analog Ensemble.
Who are today's most talented emerging composers - and whose music do you want to hear at Carnegie Hall? Join Orpheus and WQXR as we find out through Project 440.
Scenes Upon Eternity’s Edge is one work in a series of compositions in which I draw my source of inspiration from the biblical books of Daniel and Revelation. For the former things are passed away is inspired by Revelation 18:22–24 and Revelation 7:16–17. The music here portrays the peace of heaven and the new earth. There will be no more crying, hunger, thirst, or death. The music for the most part is tranquil with passages in the higher registers of the piano. At certain points in the movement there are reminiscences of the former struggle. There is also a sense of sadness, yet an unfolding happiness as “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” The music continues to climb to the heights of bliss in paradise as it fades away into eternity.
A Different Soldier’s Tale is a four-movement work for orchestra loosely based on stories that my grandfather James Lee Sr. told me about his involvement in World War II. This work is a commentary on his experience on various night patrols as a corporal, his fight for survival, his and other African-American soldiers’ near execution by Nazi soldiers, and the victory celebration back at home in Selma, Alabama. The second movement, “I Must Survive,” is a tour de force of energy. My grandfather used to tell me that his goal when fighting in World War II was survival. There are huge vertical sonorities in the brass, screaming strings, machine-gun firings in the trumpets and percussion, sirens sounding the alarm for a bombing raid, and much more. All of the action culminates in a passage for low strings and a snare drum without the snares. This music is supposed to evoke the idea of an impending execution of African-American soldiers by the Nazis. The suspense lingers until the strings scream and plead for the lives of those soldiers. The music begins to build up again until the movement ends in an explosion of sound.
A native of St. Joseph, Michigan, James Lee III (born 1975) has studied composition with Michael Daugherty, William Bolcom, Bright Sheng, Betsy Jolas, Susan Botti, Erik Santos, and James Aikman. As a composition fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center in the summer of 2002, he studied composing with Osvaldo Golijov, Michael Gandolfi, Steven Mackey and Kaija Saariaho and conducting with Stefan Asbury.
Comments [67]
Absolutely Fabulous! Dr. Lee is an amazing composer. I find his music to be both exhilarating and inspiring. He has my vote!
Thank you to Dr. Lee for his inspiration through music. His passion is felt through each composition and the story it tells touches the soul. The contrasting movements speak of the talent it takes to involve a listener not versed in higher levels of music. Thank you Dr. Lee for the experience.
Dr. James Lee is a dynamic composer and instructor. His music is exhilarating and soothing to the soul. He has my vote!
I have had the pleasure of growing up with Dr. Lee. He is my big brother. I have always known he was gifted in music and of course he has my vote.I've listen to him on the piano growing up performing classical music and now others have had the pleasure to know what I have always known and that how gifted and talented he is. Keep up the good work. And may your Blessings continue to flow.
I have known Dr. Lee for about 17 years now and he has a strong deep passion for music. He surely has my vote.And I assure any one that has not heard Dr. Lee music to take time to listen to his music and you will see how captivating it is and it will surely leave you wanting to hear more. And when you hear more of his music you would surely know without a doubt to give him your vote. He is very gifted and in his music you can feel the love and passion he puts into it. Keep up the good work Dr. Lee.
I have know Dr. Lee since he was born and I have always known he has a natural gift and passionate love for classical music. Music is in his heart in his soul. And he always gives it his all when he compose and perform. That is what he has been talk to give it his all and do the very best of everything in life and he certainly has done that. He has my vote.
Dr. Lee is not afraid to challenge the listener with his music. The auditory delight from his piece comes not from the superficial, but from the depth of the composition as it moves and the listener moves with it. This rewarding experience should be extended to others who can appreciate it.
James Lee III has a wonderful ear for rich sonorities, and a flair for both flamboyant drama, and intimate serenity. He knows what he wants, and whoever plays his music realizes his vision with joy and brilliance. One of my top candidates for this project.
James Lee was a student of mine, so I know he possesses a wealth of musical talent. It is great to hear the breadth of expression and direction his music is taking, that should be supported. He can certainly be trusted with this great opportunity through which he will shine !
The work of Dr. James Lee III is unlike any I have heard in a long time. He finds a way to fuse sound and emotion presenting a well crafted piece of work and intelligencia. Dr. Lee is one of few contemporary composers that has created a unique niche of syles, sounds, and unparamounted delivery. I look forward, in eager anticipation, as what will be penned next.
Since I've known James and his music, I'm gracious by his powerful and sensitive sound. He is a of the best new American composers. Best wishes for you James!
Wow! I love the abstract/ melancholy nature of the first piece and the pathos and "Leonard Bernstein like" treatment to the timpani and horns!!! Loved them both!!!! James Lee is a phenominal composer. You should hear his choral works too!
Your music is so well written. I have enjoyed just sitting here listening to the beautiful melodies! Fantastic Job....
I love the fact that you don't have to be a fan of orchestral music to understand and be touched by these compositions. Did you know that Dr. Lee did not even start playing the piano until he was already in high school? His raw talent and dedication to his music has brought him so far in just a few years! Bravo!
Creatively stunning and intriguing. Abstractions tell the story in both pieces. Keep up the great work.!
I've had the pleasure to play for some of orchestral compositions and have found them to be a great pleasure to play. I vote for James Lee III.
I have had the opportunity to hear several compositions by Dr. Lee. The quality is exceptionally high. As a composer, he has something to say, and that is not commonplace these days. Dr. Lee certainly gets my vote.
" For the Former Things are Passed Away"- Great piece! I especially love the dissonance associated with the struggle. The undertone of sadness in various parts can be felt! The ending is so beautiful-the violin and flute appropriately depicting that sense of "bliss fading into eternity."
"I Must Survive" is a very intense composition. The harrowing adventure of Mr. Lee's grandfather are richly expressed through the tone color and movement of the piece. I love it!
This work is just one of many precious works that I have heard by James Lee III. He writes with beauty, lyricism, passion and depth. This work in particular is especially gorgeous. I look forward to hearing him in NY!
Dr. James Lee is a gifted composer whose music communicates directly, honestly and very sincerely. It is accessible and reaches the audience as a group and, at the same time, each person individually. More people should be able to hear his music.
What I like the most about Dr. Lee's music is how accessible it is to people who may not normally listen to classical music. It's full of emotion and possesses a vibrancy that I'd like to see emulated by other modern composers.
Dr. Lee is a mentor to me. His music is not only a joy to listen to but a gift from God. My vote belongs to him.
I've always enjoyed listening to and I have a great respect for Dr.Lee's music in general and his contributions to classical music is like the saying, "keep your fork because the best is yet to come."
Dr. Lee's composition is totally awesome. I have had the pleasure of attending numerous performances of his compositions and all I can say is WOW!! Such a strong talent. He gets my vote.
Dr. Lee is a wonderfully talented composer. His work is very rich and impressive. He definitely has my vote.
I have played James Lee's Piano Sonata on my recital debut in Seattle and it is a masterpiece. The audience went gaga over it, and I intend to play it and other music of his as much as I can. He definitely has my vote! Two thumbs up!
Dr. James Lee III, what a wonderful composer! His music is powerful and impressive. Definitely he has my vote.
Even though Dr. Lee's music addresses timeless themes, he speaks to the modern mind. His music is evocative, deep, and challenges a conformist mindset. Definitely, he is a composer that must be taken seriously.
Two great compositions by a phenomenal composer! Dr. James Lee III definitely has my vote and support!
Truly expressive and profound compositions from an innovative composer. The listening public must hear it.
I Must Survive – is a powerful piece. I can feel the tension and the energy of the soldiers, and the fear they must have had in trying to survive. Dr. Lee’s use of instruments is phenomenal. As I close my eyes, I can see visions of war, of capture and the uncertainty of ones survival.
For the Former Things are Passed Away – is also quite powerful and beautifully reflects the biblical passages that Dr. Lee references. Very ethereal.
I have sung and listened to Dr. Lee’s compositions, and his works have never ceased to amaze me. He is an incredibly talented composer and definitely has my vote.
Talent + Creativity = Inspiring music.
This is James Lee !!!.
No one else captures ethereal like James Lee, and he does it again in For the Former Things Pass Away. Exquisite. And yet, I felt the struggle of his grandfather - maybe I Must Survive is my favorite... Either way, his compositions must surely make him one of the Orpheus 4.
I have found Dr. Lee's compositions, including "For the Former Things are Passed Away" and "I Must Survive !" to be challenging and reflecting an unusual ear/talent for creativity. Even though there must be a better method for such selection, than a "who gets the most votes," I surely would cast my vote for him. His pieces are indeed remarkable.
Beautiful, serene, and above all, sets a longing tone for his subject...Heaven. We need more music like this.
There is nothing simple or easy about Dr. Lee's music. is compositions continue to blow me away with the depth and intensity. I hear something new each time I listen to or sing one of his compositions. I hope he is chosen as the composer. I would be excited to hear what amazing musical construction he would produce next! He definitely has my vote!
Wonderful song
Great composer
Dr.Jame Lee III is a fantastic composer.
James Lee is an incredible composer who has captured the essence of each topic in sound. "For the Former Things" of Revelations evokes the emotions of pain at the loss of a loved one, while expressing a sense of joy because one day death and crying will cease. It is almost surreal how he has been able to capture the horror of the WWII experience just from hearing the stories of his grandfather. Mr. Lee's compositions have my nomination. Everyone should have the opportunity to EXPERIENCE his music.
Dr.Jame Lee III is a fantastic composer.
Dr.Jame Lee III is a fantastic composer.
Dr.Jame Lee III is a fantastic composer.
Dr.Jame Lee III is a fantastic composer.
As a colleague of Dr. Lee, I have had the opportunity to both hear and perform his compositions on many occasions. He is a profound composer, who communicates with a highly expressive musical language. I give him my full support.
As a colleague of Dr. Lee, I have had the opportunity to both hear and perform his compositions on many occasions. He is a profound composer, who communicates with a highly expressive musical language. I give him my full support.
Dr. James Lee is a very fine composer. I loved listening to both "For The Former Things are Passed Away" and "I Must Survive."
He certainly has my vote (always). I hope to see you in New York.
I certainly vote for his music . He is a fantastic composer.
Congratulations , Dr.Lee for the nomination. Tremendous composer. He has my vote.
Otimo musico e compositor
That incredible this composer
The best composer...
I love the basis for this thought provoking and powerful work. Clearly James Lee is a sensual and inspiring composer. I vote for his composition.
Dr.Lee is a wonderful composer and I love listening to his music. I had the pleasure of hearing his music perform in Detroit and I was at the Kennedy center when one of his pieces were perform there. Dr. Lee is truly gifted and talented and he has my vote.
Dr.Lee is a fantastic composer. His work always has my vote.
I am so impressed by his music. He has my vote.
I certainly vote for his music after listened all participants. Fantastic talent.
Definitely, James Lee III has my vote.
Unfortunately, it is a short audio because I'd like to hear more from this composer.
Riveting! Dr. Lee is a unique talent. His music has my vote. I hope his work will be chosen.
Dr.Jame Lee III is a fantastic composer. He definitely has my vote. Everytime when I have the opportunity to hear his work I have the feeling that he composed with his heart and soul. He is a tremendous musician with a inspired talent.
Dr. James Lee III's "For the Former Things are Passed Away" and "I Must Survive !" composition is so wonderful!! I would vote for him. His pieces are so explosive, powerful and haunting. He is a fantastic composer.
To William Bolcom - I've been describing this competition as this summer's American Idol, as well. With some Survivor thrown in, as well. Best thing would be to have the funds to commission all 60 composers!
Dr. Lee is quite an inspiring and phenomenal composer as well as an awesome teacher. I am encouraged everytime I hear his work. We need to hear his music on the airwaves.
YYR
James Lee most definitely has my vote. His commitment to excellence is evident. His music is refreshing, powerful and inspiring.
Dr. Lee was a professor of mine for three of my graduate level courses. One of his colleagues Joel Puckett, another fine composer, both got their doctorates from the University of Michigan. Joel was an undergrad colleague at Shenandoah with me. I have performed James' arrangement of Set Me As a Seal and he has had quite an extensive four years of commissioned works. Leonard Slatkin premiered a portion of Beyond Rivers of Vision in 2006. Come Unto to Me, a choral work was recorded twice in the same weekend in May 6, 7, 2007. Also we share the same faith. You can visit his website www.jamesleeii.com. The Lord has inspired him to compose great works for the edification of the human soul; spirit and there is no doubt that James will be one of the finalist.
James Lee was my student and I have strong faith in his talent. I certainly vote for his music.
It's a strange way to commission someone, I think, in this kind of sampling contest, too much like American Idol. I fear it will lead to the same homogenization I deplore in a lot of recent work I see and hear.
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