"Kaleidoscope" (1991) for trombone quartet is a five-movement piece that is structured in a symmetrical way. The center of the piece is the third movement, a non-traditional fugue, surrounded by two quiet movements, which in turn are surrounded by identical fanfare-like first and last movements. Kaleidoscope was commissioned by trombonist David Manson. (Recorded in St. Petersburg, FL, 19 December 1991, following the premiere in Tampa, FL, on 7 December) "Moods" (1993) for double bass and piano was originally written for tuba, which necessitates tuning the lowest bass string down to a “d”, or using a five-string bass. Each of the relatively short five movements represents a different mood, which gives the piece a divertimento-like appearance. But the basic mood stays fairly wistful and somber throughout. (Recorded in Tampa, FL, 23 January 1994, following the premiere in St. Petersburg, FL, on 7 January) "Mantra" (1992) for piano and percussion is structured as a set of free and developing variations that grow out of very simple musical impulses. The title implies elements of repetition and development, which are maintained throughout quiet and virtuosic sections, as well as solo sections. From basically nothing, this piece ends up growing to rather extended proportions before returning to its origins. (Performed in St. Petersburg, FL, 4 October 1996) "Emotions" (1994) for soprano and double bass was commissioned by the two performers who premiered the piece and whose performance you hear on this CD. The commission involved writing music that went beyond the established norms for vocalizing and playing a double bass. The resulting composition was performed with an unusual display of abandon, doing full justice to the title of the piece. (Performed in St. Petersburg, FL, 2 October 1994) "Music for Brass Trio and Percussion" (1992) was a commission by trombonist Don Zegel. The four rather distinct movements end up pitting brass instruments individually or as a group against the percussion instruments, who like the trio not only furnish rhythmic elements, but often melody and accompaniment as well. (Performed in Weston, VT, 8 July 1992) ============== PETER BLAUVELT (b. 1956) was born in France and grew up in Germany, where he began his studies in composition and piano. In 1975, he came to the U.S., where he studied at Harvard University. There, he received three degrees -- including a doctorate in composition. Since 1968, he has often given recitals -- not only of his own pieces -- in the U.S., France and Germany, in public and on the radio, and has received several prizes for both composition and piano. Meanwhile, he has also been performed in other countries in Europe and North America. After leaving Boston for Florida in 1984, he co-founded the "Tampa Bay Composers' Forum" in 1989 and founded "Creative Arts and Tutoring Services" in 1990. To date, he has written over 125 compositions, mostly chamber music, and has had nearly 100 of them performed in public.