Ryan A Marvel
pianist . composer . arranger



                                   ...follow your passion
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Composition and Arrangements

COMPOSITION
I remember my first "real" song...the song was an ode for my 5th grade class.  I still have the chicken scratch.  Creating music is such a joy...and a rewarding challenge.  My focus until recently was mainly solo piano composition.  Starting in 2005, I began delving into the world of choral music and composing for SATB choirs.  My eventual goal is to compose for feature film and documentary and publish some SATB compositions.  

My first album, "Left Hand, Right Hand" (2005) features two original compositions.  Look for "Possibilities", releasing late June 2010 to be all original solo piano compositions.   Purchase both here.
 
ARRANGEMENTS
I started arranging early in my musical life, picking out melodies and wanting to color them with a different style.  Playing by ear and hearing something in a different light has always been something that spoke to my inner musician.  

Some original arrangements on solo piano can be found on my first album, "Left Hand, Right Hand".  I am also working with a few clients arranging hymns, songs and choral compositions.  I hope to publish some of these arrangements soon.  

Below are some samples of various compositions and arrangements.

  • "Building on a River: Questor's Tale"  (October 2007)

        An educational video made for the Tempe Center for the
        Arts.  "Rainfall", an original piano piece from my "Left Hand, 
        Right Hand" album, is featured throughout the short
        film.   Producer:  Dr. Mary Erickson

        Click here to view the video
           

 

 

 

  • "Bring you home to me"   (April 2004)

This CD is a wonderful combination of narration, poetry and music.  Written from actual soldiers' letters from war, and read from a mother's perspective, this presentation of prose and song is awakening.  
   Producer and Composer:  Igor Glenn
    Arranger:  Ryan Marvel
    Vocals: Kellie Walker
Bring you home to me 

  • "Round-Up 2001"   (April 2003)

Ryan's first work on film.  A documentary about the dying art of cattle driving in the high desert of Northern Arizona.  
    Producer:  Laurie Fagen 
        

Round Up -- Theme 1        Round Up -- Theme 2

Round Up -- Theme 3             Round Up -- Theme 4


Choral compositions:
   (sound clips coming soon...)


  • "Spirit in Four Directions"  (March 2007)

       Benediction with anonymous text, giving honor to the four 
       directions.  Published May 2007
.
       
       SATB chorus, unaccompanied   


  • "Sounds of Peace"  (April 2002)

      Written and submitted for "Waging Peace through Singing" 
       project.  Beautiful text by Betti Marvel, aka "Mom".  Published 
       May 2007.
       SATB chorus, unaccompanied

 

 

 

 

  • "Melody of Joy"  (April 2004) 

 Commissioned by anonymous donor associated with Valley Unitarian 
 
Universalist Church for their new building dedication service.
       
SATB chorus, brass and piano 

 

 

 

 

  • "Spiral of Sanctity"  (November 2001)

     Commissioned by VUUC to commemorate the installation of Rev.
   Lone Jensen.

       
 SATB chorus, solo cello


Other compositions: 

  • "Cello Sonata No. 1"  (May 2000)

    Commissioned by Terry Sims for personal performance use.  
       
Cello and piano (Recorded in May 2005 by Terry and Ryan)

Cello Sonata Sample -- First Movement

Cello Sonata Sample -- Third Movement 


Samples of solo piano and orchestral music are available both in
audio and notated formats.  If you are interested in commissioning
a new piece, or would like a demo CD, drop me an e-mail:

ryan@ryanmarvel.com

"If music be the food of  love, play on;  give me excess of it."

                    Shakespeare

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