Works for Solo, Duet, Trio, Quartet, Quintet, Large Ensembles, Choral Works, Vocal Works
Solo
Goldfish Songs – for solo Flute/Alto Flute+ (2008)
Duration 7:30
These four solo movements look at four different types of fancy goldfish, including Pearlscale, Celestial, Ryukin, and Lionhead. (JB 117)
Appears on Jenni Brandon’s CD SONGS OF CALIFONIA
Three Desert Fables– for solo oboe (2010)*
Duration 10:00
The three movements tell of the symbiotic relationships found in the harsh desert environment, from Joshua trees found in the Mojave Desert and the Yucca moth, to the Ocotillo and the Bee, and the chuckwalla and the rock. (JB125)
*Recorded by Laura Medisky on the CD “Personalities” – Centaur Records (CRC 3163)
Wood Song – for solo oboe (2019)*
Duration 7:30
Wood Song for solo oboe (2019) was inspired by the Sara Teasdale (1884-1933) poem of the same name. It tells of the wood thrush bird as well as the poet’s honesty of kissing life “scars and all”. Listen for variations and interpretations on the wood thrush’s ethereal and mysterious sounds, telling the journey of a soul through poem and music. This work was commissioned by Dr. Lindabeth Binkley with a Faculty Research and Creative Endeavors Grant from Central Michigan University.
*It receives its debut recording on Binkley’s CD FROM EARTH AND SKY: MUSIC OF JENNI BRANDON.
In The City At Night – for solo English Horn* (2008)
Duration 6:15
This solo piece explores the quiet at dusk, the lights blinking on once dark has fallen, and the adventures at night in a city. (JB 116)
*Recorded by Ryan Zwahlen on his CD “In the City at Night”
*Recorded by Jacqueline Leclair on the album MUSIC FOR ENGLISH HORN ALONE – New Focus Records
Chansons de la Nature pour la Clarinette – for solo Bb clarinet+ (2003/revised 2006)
Duration 10:00
The clarinet sings the ‘songs of nature’ in these seven short character pieces loosely based on Aesop’s fables, from the shimmering stars, to the tortoise and the hare, to the slippery serpent.
(JB 110)
Appears on Jenni Brandon’s CD SONGS OF CALIFONIA
Starry Night – for solo Bb Clarinet
Duration 8:00
Commissioned by Los Angeles clarinetist Virginia Costa Figueiredo this three-movement work explores the starry skies, the beauty of the night, and dreaming at the sight of stars.
Appears on the album SEULE recorded by Virginia Costa Figueiredo
Stardust for solo E-flat clarinet (2014)
Duration: 8 minutes – 4 movements
Each movement is inspired by great American songwriters of the 1920’s through the 40’s including Arlen, Rodgers and Hart, and Hoagey Carmichael.
Appears on the album INSTANST WINNERS recorded by Elizabeth Crawford
Pleistocene Epoch: The Great Ice Age for solo bass clarinet+ (2009)
Duration 9:00
Composed during the composer’s residency with the Vientos Trio in Los Angeles, this piece tells the story of the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles and the extinct animals found that roamed the area over 10,000 years ago. Four movements. (JB 121)
Appears on Jenni Brandon’s CD SONGS OF CALIFONIA
Colored Stones for solo bassoon (2014)
Duration: 8 minutes – 3 movements
This three movement work tells of three colored stones – Smoky Quartz, Lapis Lazuli, and Tiger’s eye and their mystical, spiritual, and healing properties. Winner of the 2014 Bassoon Chamber Music Composition Competition.
Compostela for solo bassoon (2017)
Duration: 18 minutes – one movement
This work tells the story of the pilgrimage along The Camino Francés, the most popular of the pilgrimage routes through Spain that lead to Santiago de Compostela. The bassoon narrates what we may see and hear along this path, how we may feel, and what we discover about ourselves as we take this personal journey. In one movement, this work has several sections that highlight locations and important items along the way. Commissioned and recorded by Eric Van der Veer Varner.
Duet
The Dreams of Birds – for alto flute and piano (2011)*
Duration 7:49
This piece explores what birds might dream and the journey into their world of flying. (JB 128)
*Recorded by Jenni Olson- alto flute and Bryan Pezzone-piano on the CD “The Dreams of Birds” on the Delos label (2012)
Great Sand Dunes – for flute and marimba (2014)
The tallest dunes in North America are the inspiration for this work which tells of the incredible system of sand, salt flats, and streams. The flute and marimba dance and flow as they tell the story of this unique topography. Fun techniques for the flute like jet whistle, flutter tonguing, and key clicks all add a unique element to creating the world of the Great Sand Dunes, while the ever-moving marimba part creates a sense of fluid motion.
I. Star Dune: Main Dune Mass II. Sabkha: Salt Flat III. Sand IV. Stream: Surge Flow V. The Great Sand Dunes: A Closed System
On Holt Avenue – for oboe and piano+ (2006)
Duration 10:00
Four movements (I. Morning Coffee II. The Lemon Tree III. That Mockingbird…
IV. Daisies) about daily life on Holt Avenue in Los Angeles. (JB 113)
Appears on Jenni Brandon’s CD SONGS OF CALIFONIA
The Lemon Lily Waltz – for oboe and piano (2011)
Duration 5 minutes
A simple a beautiful waltz that tells the story of the Lemon Lily that grows in the mountains of Idyllwild, California.
Going to the Sun: Snapshots from Glacier National Park* – for oboe and bassoon (2015)
Going to the Sun: Snapshots from Glacier National Park – This duet for oboe and bassoon explores the beauty of Glacier National Park in Montana, telling the stories like looking back at snapshots from vacation.
Single movement with descriptive sections: Early morning on the Road; Fifty miles begin….; Sunrise on Lake McDonald; Driving the Loop; The Weeping Wall; Stepping onto Jackson Glacier Overlook; Jackson Glacier; Sunset at the end of The Road>
*It receives its debut recording on Binkley’s CD FROM EARTH AND SKY: MUSIC OF JENNI BRANDON.
Cumulonimbus: The King of Clouds for B-flat clarinet and piano
Duration 11:00
The story of the cumulonimbus cloud – the biggest cloud of all.
Shades of Violet* – for Clarinet in B-flat and Viola (2017)
Shades of Violet for clarinet and viola: This work was written for the inagural season of the duo Violet (Elizabeth Crawford and Katrin Meidell). Their namesake inspired this work, and tells of the many ways the color violet has been an important part of history, from its symbolism of passion to it being the color of the Crown Chakra. In some ways this work is a love story – two instruments seeking passion, inspiration, union, and unconditional love, and a push and pull of harmonies and shades of violet representing the complexities of the meaning of the color violet.
*Appears on the album VIOLET on Albany Records
Double Helix for bassoon and piano
Duration 14:00
Commissioned by bassoonist Christin Schillinger, this work is inspired by the sculpture of the same name by sculptor Susan Hawkins.
An Orange Tree – for bassoon and contrabassoon (2020)
Tide Pools for bassoon and cello (2017)
Tide Pools for bassoon and cello: This duet for bassoon and cello tells the story of the tide pools of Southern California, the ebb and flow between high and low tide, and the stories of the creatures that lie in the tide pools.
Wooden Stone – for bassoon and percussion (2020)
Inspired by the poem Wooden Stone by Karla Linn Merrifield, this work explores the earth elements of these instruments: wood, metal, and stone. Using the abilities and some extended techniques of the instruments both in range and especially a variety of percussion instruments, the work is at times primoridial in texture and at others beautiful in telling the story of the earth.
Dawn -for horn and piano (2018)
Dawn for Horn in F and piano is inspired by a poem of the same name by Scandinavian Poet Edith Södergran (1892-1923). This work was commissioned by Steven Cohen to make the premiere recording on his CD Cruise Control and premiere during the 50th International Horn Symposium. He wanted a work that was bold and adventurous, and this poem guides us on such a journey into unknown lands revealed by the coming dawn.
Trio
The Wildflower Trio – for oboe, bassoon, and piano (2004)*
Duration 18:00
Commissioned to celebrate the life and environmental work of Lady Bird Johnson.
5 movements based on images of nature. (JB 111)
*Recorded by Rebecca Henderson-oboe, Kristin Wolfe Jensen-bassoon, and Robert Freeman-piano on Rebecca Henderson’s CD “Gobo” on Longhorn Music lable (2012)
Also appears on the album SUMMER GARDEN recorded by the Sundance Trio on Centaur
Found Objects: On the Beach – for oboe, B-flat clarinet, and bassoon (2013)
Jenni’s work for Reed Trio tells of finding objects on the beach – from tumbled stones to sea glass; from driftwood to black feathers on the sand and the seashells that populate the beach as far as the eye can see.
Appears on the album FOUND OBJECTS: NEW MUSIC FOR REED TRIO recorded by the PEN Trio
The Sequoia Trio for oboe, B-flat clarinet, and bassoon+ (2008)
Duration 13 minutes
Composed during the composer’s residency with the Vientos Trio in Los Angeles, this six-movement work tells the stories of the giant Sequoia Trees as inspired by the words of John Muir. (JB 119)
Appears on Jenni Brandon’s album SONGS OF CALIFORNIA and on FROM EARTH & SKY:MUSIC OF JENNI BRANDON recorded by Lindabeth Binkley
Spider Suite – for oboe, B-flat clarinet, and bassoon (2009)
Duration 13 minutes
Commissioned by the California Association of Professional Music Teachers for the February 2010 State Conference, this piece takes the listener through the life and adventures of a spider. Five movements about spinning webs, capturing prey, and starting the cycle all over again the next day. (JB 122)
Appears on the album POSTCARDS recorded by the Ceora Winds
Metamorphosis* – for two oboes and piano (2018)
Metamorphosis for two oboes and piano explores the idea of rebirth and growth through trials and tribulations. The work concludes with a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson that brings together the intent of the whole work: “The metamorphosis excites in the beholder an emotion of joy…” In one movement, the sections in the work take the listener on a journey from vulnerablilty to emerging new in joy.
*This work receives its world premiere recording on Lindabeth Binkley’s CD of music featuring Jenni Brandon’s chamber music for oboe.
Quartet
Sea Quartet for oboe, B-flat clarinet, bassoon, and piano+ (2009)
Duration 5:30
Commissioned by the L.A. Musical Salon in 2009, this piece captures the beauty of the sea as inspired by the Pacific Ocean and trips to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. (JB 120)
Appears on Jenni Brandon’s CD SONGS OF CALIFONIA
Meditations for violin, viola, cello, and piano (2012)
Duration 22:00
Commissioned by the Central4 Piano Quartet, this work draws inspiration from Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5. Five Movements.
Double Concerto for Oboe and Bassoon with piano and percussion (2013)
Duration: 23:00
This piece tells the story of our Galaxy, of the great unknown and what lies beyond, and where we belong within this vastness of space. Chamber version with optional percussion. This work is also available with Wind Symphony.
Quintet
Five Frogs for woodwind quintet+ (2003)
Duration 15 minutes
This delightful woodwind quintet gives each player the chance to portray part of a frog’s daily routine, from swimming to lazing on the lily pad to catching bugs. Five Frogs is light-hearted but challenging and musically rich.
Windependence Chamber Ensemble, Master Level. This edition: M051801954. Boosey & Hawkes Chamber Music. Published by Boosey & Hawkes (HL.48018979).
Appears on Jenni Brandon’s CD SONGS OF CALIFONIA
Appears on the album AMERICAN BREEZE recorded by the Musical Arts Woodwind Quintet on Albany Records
Quintet with Soloist
CANE: Bassoon Concerto with Reed Quintet (2019)
The first concerto of its kind, Cane tells a dramatic story of one bassoon reed’s journey from its origins as raw, organic cane, to the final joy of playing on the finished reed. The colors of the reed quintet and the virtuosic solo bassoon intermingle in this through-composed piece to take the listener through this vivid experience. Rhythm, lyrical lines, extended techniques, Afro-Cuban style music, jazz and fugue join together to remind us that this is an organic process. From making reeds to making music, we come together to create performance. Ever changing and ever evolving, every reed and every performance is unique, and Cane promises to tell this story in a powerful and exciting new way.
Quintet with Narrator
The Woman with the Unfathomable Eyes for narrator, flute, clarinet (Bb and A), violin, cello, and piano (2010)
Duration 10:30
Mystery. Intrigue. Murder…A 1940’s Los Angeles detective and the woman with the unfathomable eyes. It’s only a matter of time before he finds out her true motives in this noir-style piece, but will it be too late?(JB 129)
Wind Symphony
Double Concerto for Oboe and Bassoon with Wind Symphony (2013)
Duration: 18:30
This piece tells the story of our Galaxy, of the great unknown and what lies beyond, and where we belong within this vastness of space. This work is also available as a chamber work with piano and percussion.
Choral Music – Women’s Choir
Breakable for SA choir and piano (2015)
Duration 5 minutes
Poetry by Annabelle Mosely – this work explores the delicacy of human nature through the delicate nature of a sand dollar. To be Published by Graphite Publishing – available soon.
This Perfect Beauty for SSA choir, flute, piano (2015)
Duration: 6 minutes
Poetry by Amy Lowell – tells that we are all unique and perfect. To be published by Santa Barbara Music Publishing in 2016.
Vive la Liberté for two-part treble choir, flute, percussion(optional), piano (2007)
Duration 4:30
Vive la Liberté was commissioned to celebrate the life of the Marquis de Lafayette and his constant belief in liberty and freedom for all people. Also available for SATB choir.
We Are Home for SSAA choir, percussion, piano (2014)
Duration: 5 minutes
Commissioned by Vox Femina Los Angeles under the direction of Dr. Iris Levine and premiered on March 22, 2014 in Zipper Hall in Los Angeles. Words compiled by Jenni and taken from the words, poems, and stories of the women of Vox that tell the story of what home means to each of us.
A Universal Dream for SSAA choir, percussion, and piano (2010)
Duration: 5 minutes
Commissioned by Sister Singers Network for the 2010 SSN festival in Chicago. This work tells of a universal message of liberty and freedom – a better life for all, and a chance to be heard. Published by Santa Barbara Music Publishing.
Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn for SSAA choir, percussion, and piano (2009)
Duration 10 minutes
3 Movements – Commissioned by the women’s choir Sistrum under the direction of Meredith Bowen, this work tells of dancing naked, letting go of fears, and being true to yourself.
SATB a cappella
The Peace of Wild Things for SATB (2013)
Duration: 6 minutes
The Peace of Wild Things for SATB a cappella with text by Wendell Berry tells of finding solace in the natural world when life becomes complicated and worrisome.
The Giver of Stars for SATB (2011)
Duration: 5 minutes
This work tells of joy and pleasure, sensuality, and beauty almost too much to behold. Commissioned by the Young New Yorkers Chorus under the direction of Michael Kerchner.
At Night for SATB (2008)
Duration: 5:20
Tells of the wind singing through the trees, a wild, tumultuous night, and the freedom of the onward sweeping wind.
SATB Accompanied
Earth Grown Old for SATB and piano (2004)
Duration: 5 minutes
Poetry by Christina Rossetti tells of the mysteries of the Earth beneath the snow, and the beauty of the coming spring.
Make Music Sweet for SATB choir and piano (2010)
Duration 9 minutes
Make Music Sweet for SATB choir and piano is a three-movement work which uses the poetrry of James Joyce from his collection Chamber Music. These three movements speak of love and nature, of cool valleys, and speaking to the heart.
Vive la Liberté for SATB, flute, percussion, and piano(2007)
Duration 4:30
Vive la Liberté was commissioned to celebrate the life of the Marquis de Lafayette and his constant belief in liberty and freedom for all people. This version is slightly expanded and more difficult than the version for two-part treble choir.
The Dark Hills for SATB choir, oboe, piano (2009)
Duration: 4 minutes
The poetry of The Dark Hills by Edwin Arlington Robinson offers a beautiful picture of evening settling on the hills, or of the quiet that comes at that moment just before dark falls completely over the land.
Appears on the album AHEAD OF ALL TIME by the Yale Glee Club under Jeffrey Douma
All That You Need Is You for SATB choir, violin, piano (2016)
All That You Need is You is an uplifting and joyful work celebrating the idea of following our dreams. Poetry by Carisa Kozicki.
Two Immigrants for SATB, cello, piano (2018)
TWO IMMIGRANTS for SATB choir, cello, and piano (with poem by Maya Porcelli) tells the story of two young immigrants who come to America from a different land. They seek out what many immigrants did in coming to America – a chance to build a life, grow a career and family, and live the American dream. Great for high school choirs or community choirs.
Large Choral Works
We Are Joy for Piano Concerto with choir and chamber orchestra (2015)
Duration: 25 minutes
This work celebrates discovering what joy means, in all poems, all songs, and that we are joy. Original poetry by Oliver Mayer and commissioned by the Long Beach Camerata Singers for their 50th anniversary celebration in 21015.
America Belongs to Us – for SATB choir and Flute Orchestra (2015)
America Belongs to Us explores the idea of the immigrant – coming from another country and growing roots in America, the land of opportunity for all. Leaving behind all that they know, they move to an unfamiliar country, often leaving family, friends behind, to hopefully make a better life for themselves and for the generations to come. This work was commissioned by Holland Chorale, Ars Voce, and the West Michigan Flute Orchestra to celebrate the diverse Latino culture in West Michigan and within their performing communities.
Tonight a Stolen Moment for SATB choir, String quartet, percussion (2012)
Duration approx. 8:30 Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Poem by Bobbi J. Nicotera.
This work tells the story of an immigrant family displaced from their home and forced to move to a new land. With only the stars in the skies to keep their memories, they will add new memories as they embark on their new life.
Vocal Music
Love Songs for soprano and oboe (2014)
Duration: 23 minutes
Multi movements (may be performed as one work or choose any combination of movements). The texts – translations of Native American words – I chose to tell a story of the Native American woman – a story that she might tell to her child while she rocked the child to sleep.
Appears on the album FROM EARTH & SKY: MUSIC OF JENNI BRANDON recorded by Lindabeth Binkley
Multitudinous Stars and Spring Waters – for soprano and oboe (2018)
Using the translated poems of Chinese women poets from the 3rd century through the 20th century, the soprano and oboe weave a story of love, death, life, and what we hold close to our hearts. Commissioned by Dr. Amy Yeung of the University of Tennessee-Martin and premiered in March 2018.
Dog Tales for soprano, flute, clarinet, piano (2009)
Duration: 15 minutes
Dog Tales tells the stories of beloved family dogs, but truly speaks to the universal theme of relationships, both with our pets and world around us. Often sweet and funny, these touching pieces are a testament to the love for man’s best friend and how these relationships positively affect us each day.
Appears on the album FROM THE DIAMOND GRID recorded by Conunundrum
Dig for soprano and piano (2009)
“Dig (Chloe)” comes from the larger work Dog Tales for soprano, flute, clarinet, and piano, and tells the amusing anecdote of one dog’s need to bury her owner’s items in the back yard while waiting for her to return. Sung in the style of a “torch song,” this piece works well as a fun and light addition to any vocal recital.
Imperceptible for soprano and piano (2004)
Duration: 9:30
“Imperceptible” is a collection of ten translated Japanese poems by Kenneth Rexroth woven together into a single work to tell the story of one woman’s wait for her lover, her loss and grief, and her questioning of the delicate human heart.
Sun Songs for soprano, English horn, cello, piano (2013)
Duration: 17 minutes
The 3 texts for Sun Songs comes from translated text of the North American Indians. I thought these three texts fit together well in telling a story of honoring the sun and nature for what it does, from bringing beautiful colors to the sky to giving us food and life.
Ahead of All Parting – for Mezzo-Soprano, Bassoon, Harp (2019)
Ahead of All Parting explores the emotions of life, death, and what lies beyond as told through the lush sounds of the harp and the dark, sonorous qualities of the mezzo-soprano and bassoon. With some simple staging, this dramatic work calls upon the words of Rilke and E.E. Cummings to wrap the audience in the world of the here and beyond. Commissioned by Darrel Hale, bassoon, of Louisianna State University and premiered April 1, 2019.
Opera
3 PADEREWSKIS: An Opera in One Act
At his grave, we meet three versions of Paderewski (one of them female): Ignacy the virtuoso pianist/composer, Jan the politician/founder of the Polish nation, and Paderewski the éminence grise/Paso Robles winemaker. Coming together and pulling apart, sifting through a lifetime of memories far too large for any one person, they summon the ghost of Antonina, their beloved long-dead first wife. In so doing, they summon the spirit of Poland itself. A compassionate opera about a man who changed the world not only through his music but through pure passion for life, whose memory instructs our own moment of political and moral crisis. This project has been commissioned by The Adam Mickiewicz Institute as part of the international
cultural program POLSKA100 accompanying Poland’s Centenary of regaining independence.
Co-financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland as part of the multi-annual program NIEPODLEGŁA 2017-2022.