Michael D. Blostein, New "Serious" Music Composer 

Mr. Blostein's music is accessible yet musically strong.

"Helping to make new music accessible to tomorrow's generation"

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Curious about a new piece for your group?

I pride myself on writing music that is accessible to the performer as well as the audience, while at the same time providing musical fulfillment.


Newest pieces - completed in 2010 to 2011:
Halve Maen - written for full orchestra, based on themes from my arrangement of "O Captain"; re-arranged for string orchestra and percussion
Fandango for Strings - appropriate for a middle school string orchestra. Ostinato in the bass, first violins need to shift into 3rd position (as well as a bit of 2nd); 2nd violins and violas may shift into 3rd or stay in 1st at the director's discretion; cellos need to shift into 4th position. 3/8 time, requires the ensemble to adjust balance throughout. Includes octave harmonics, fast retakes, and dynamics!
A Legend of Paul Bunyan - for string orchestra, narrator, trombone solo, and optional percussion. A follow-up to "The Legend of John Henry", this original story keeps the folks tradition alive. Requires sensitivity in the string parts, a strong trombone player, and incorporates elements of jazz (specifically rhythm), as well as use of the blues and chromatic scales.

Some of my compositions (underlined titles have score images available by clicking on the title) (sound clips are high school performers):

Works are categorized as Works for String Orchestra (Serious Contemporary Music), Works for String Orchestra (Groove-Based learning pieces), Works for Tuba, Other Works

Works for String Orchestra

Serious Contemporary Music

Works for Low Brass

(see tubist page for more information and free music to play!)

Variations on "America the Beautiful" (also available for full orchestra)

    An arrangement of the well-known anthem that goes through several full variations depicting different musical styles that have become popular in American music. Very effective at events such as Memorial Day and other patriotic celebrations.

A Legend of Paul Bunyan (trombone, narrator, and string orchestra w/ percussion)

An original story based upon the Paul Bunyan character. Jazz harmonies and rhythms are infused throughout the work, especially noticable in the second half of the composition. This work serves as a sequel of sorts to "The Legend of John Henry".


12 Days (string orchestra with chimes and timpani) 

    Written using a unique formal structure yet very understandable for students, it requires strong interpretive skills and immense control from all string players.

27 Etudes for the Advancing Tuba Player

    This was an "Honorable Mention" at the 2003 T.U.B.A. (now I.T.E.A.) composition contest. Exactly as the name implies - this collection of 27 etudes is designed as a transitional book for students between those earlier books (Rubank, Beeler, etc...) and the more advanced etude books (Tyrrell, Rochut, Fink, etc...)


A Gentle Wave

Written to promote full and rich string playing within the structure of a level 3 or 4 piece, while incorporating modern harmonies and progressions, as well as counterpoint. An excellent teaching piece.

The New Tuba Player's Manual

    Designed for the non-tuba player, this manual is appropriate for teachers and students alike. It covers everything that typically comes up - from basic care, to forming the embouchure, the holding the instrument. Including are a set of duets and beginning exercises, designed to get things started. Duets parts are recorded and available for additional purchase. Great for being able to demonstrate good tone if a tuba player of high quality is not readily available.


Bride's Processional (String Quartet)

    Written for the composer's wedding, this was the processional leading to the alter. Rather simple, but requires good ensemble playing.

The Legend of John Henry (tuba, anvil, narrator, string orchestra)

    This tells the childhood folk tale of John Henry, but through the narrator as well as through the music. This is the most recent (spring 2009) composition, and indicates the direction my compositions are heading, trying to keep this immense treasure of folk tales alive for future generations.


Pagan Dance (written as a commission for the Mannheim Middle School Orchestra, Peter Tambroni, Director)

    A level 3 or 4 work which has a catchy groove to it (very popular today in educational music - groove based music works because it draws on the commonality and repetition so common in popular music but incorporates musical traits necessary for younger players to learn).

Sonata #2 in e minor (Benedetto Marcello, arranged Michael D. Blostein, available from Southern Music)

    In the tradition of other well-known Baroque sonatas, this sonata sits extremely well for the tuba, and is even more effective when performed with harpsichord.
Works for String Orchestra

Groove-Based learning pieces (all level 3 / intermediate). These pieces all focus on only one or two specific performance and/or music issues, which allows for optimal learning.

Nebulous (12 tuba ensemble, available from the tuba-euphonium press)

    As the name implies, the tuba-euphonium ensemble is one of those ensemble types that is constantly changing as better and more music is being developed. Here, the change is through meter, where the timing alters gradually, by instrument, throughout the work.
Blues Etude

This piece us designed to introduce students to the basic formal structure of the blues. Also introduces/reinforces syncopation. Requires shifting in the cellos.

Other Works

Fiddler's Delight

This piece is designed in the basic format of a fiddling tune, but gives the melodic material to all instruments. Requires first violins to shift into 3rd position, all instruments to cross strings, and keeps a steady tempo.

Canyon Images (Brass Quartet (2 trumpets, trombone, tuba))

    Written as a memoir of my initial mental images upon seeing the Grand Canyon, trying to capture how echos and various sounds are affected by the natural wonder.
The Chase

Introduces/Reinforces the finger patterns requires to play the upper tetrachord of the harmonic minor scale. Requires cello and bass students to slide on the  lower strings, which focus on ear training to hear the upper pitch and relaxed left hand.

Stroll (Marimba Solo)

    This is a very demanding work, which requires the full use of the marimba.

O Captain, My Captain (Mixed Chorus)

    Based on the poem, this hymn is equally as haunting. Currently under revision.

I am a proud member of ASCAP.

If you are interested in contacting me for commission information, or to purchase one of the works directly, please follow the link below.

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