I was reflecting just now on all of the music that I wrote before 1989. With a handful of exceptions, all of that work (handwritten scores and lead sheets) was lost due to one reason or another.
I was thinking about several pieces that I wrote in the late 1960's and early 70's. In particular, two pieces for concert band -- Haiku Sketches and Ten Events for Band. It has been many years since I thought about them. There was also an extended piece for double quartet (classical woodwinds and jazz ensemble) as well as several pieces for experimental theater. As I write these words, more originals and arrangements are coming back into my mind. I did A LOT of writing during those years!
At this stage in my life and in how my music has evolved, it is likely that I would no longer care for those earlier pieces; but, some of them might have been like meeting old friends again. Regardless, what's gone is gone. I am entirely happy to have all of the music that I have written since 1989...almost 30 years worth. When I think about the pieces that I no longer have, I can see how they served as a foundation for the music that came later. In truth, nothing is ever lost.
I was thinking about several pieces that I wrote in the late 1960's and early 70's. In particular, two pieces for concert band -- Haiku Sketches and Ten Events for Band. It has been many years since I thought about them. There was also an extended piece for double quartet (classical woodwinds and jazz ensemble) as well as several pieces for experimental theater. As I write these words, more originals and arrangements are coming back into my mind. I did A LOT of writing during those years!
At this stage in my life and in how my music has evolved, it is likely that I would no longer care for those earlier pieces; but, some of them might have been like meeting old friends again. Regardless, what's gone is gone. I am entirely happy to have all of the music that I have written since 1989...almost 30 years worth. When I think about the pieces that I no longer have, I can see how they served as a foundation for the music that came later. In truth, nothing is ever lost.