Rufus Reid

Movement I unveils three vignettes: Vignette 1 slowly develops from an ominous entrance of the cello inviting the first violin and viola to caress the mood, whilst the second violin flutters about. Vignette 2 introduces a slower, more lyrical motif with the first violin singing this beautiful melody grounded by engaging harmony. Vignette 3 is longer and more abstract, becoming extremely animated with brief individual solo outings propelled by an energetic rhythmic figure. The first violin is the final soloist before joining the other strings in a robust unison melody.

Movement II is a pizzicato rhythmic escapade introduced by the cello’s pulsating ostinato figure, which is heard throughout. Each instrument introduces an independent rhythmic figure layering on top of one another creating an organic texture. Suddenly, the texture changes by employing an unconventional orchestral technique called chicarra, where the strings bow on the “wrong side” of their bridge to mimic the scratchy sound of cicadas.

Movement III portrays the relaxed motion of a carousel that never becomes too fast for one to hop
on and off. Each melodic motif invites the next one to move forward, with the four instruments in conversation creating a rich and sonorous harmonic color. The melodies grow quieter and more intimate as the carousel slows, eventually becoming motionless.

In 1999, Rufus Reid retired from his twenty-year position of Director of Jazz Studies and Performance at William Paterson University. From 1999-2005, he was a member of the BMI Composers Workshop that ignited his intrigue and desire delve into the process of composition. In 2003 he was awarded the first BMI COMPOSERS WORKSHOP COMMISSION for his composition, Whims of the Blue Bird. His receipt of the 2006 Raymond Sackler Commission resulted in his five-movement suite for large jazz ensemble, Quiet Pride-The Elizabeth Catlett Project. In November 2015, this album received two Grammy nominations, for Best Large Jazz Ensemble and Best Instrumental Composition. Rufus Reid is a 2008 Guggenheim Fellow in the field of composition, which resulted in the three-movement symphonic work, Mass Transit. In April 2016 he was named Harvard University’s Jazz Master in Residence, participating in public conversations and also performing in concert with his original compositions. In April 2017, Lake Tyrrell In Innisfree, Rufus’ third symphonic work was debuted in Raleigh, NC by the Raleigh Civic Symphony. May 2017, Rufus Reid was awarded the America Composers Forum Commission to composed, Remembrance, for Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, an eight-member chamber ensemble, to be premiered in July 6-7, 2018. In December 2017, Newvelle Records, an all vinyl recording company, will release the Rufus Reid Trio, “Terrestial Dance,” featuring the Sirius Quartet. February 2019, The Vermont Philharmonic and the North Jersey Reginal High School Symphony performed Lake Tyrrell In Innisfree. In February 2020, Newvelle Records release a second vinyl recording, “Always In The Moment,” as a duo, featuring, pianist, Sullivan Fortner. Early March 2020, The WDR BAND in Köln, Germany featured nine compositions with THE BIG BAND SOUND OF RUFUS REID. In September 2021, Cross Currents, was premiered at New England Conservatory with Saxophonist, Kenneth Radnofsky. Harness The Winds will be debuted March 29, 2022, by The Palisades Virtuosi Trio for piano, flute and clarinet.