Composer of Symphonic Music and Chamber Music, Opera, and...Writer on the Subject of Music
Expressively engaging.
The evening's climactic moment.
These words have been used by the Washington Post to describe the music of Garrison Hull. His compositions are distinguished by breadth of melodic line, lyricism, clarity of tonality, all merged into a contemporary idiom toward the goal of expressing our shared humanity.
In 2021 Mr. Hull received the ASCAP (American Society of Composers and Publishers) Plus Award to further assist his artistic contributions in music. And, among his recently commissioned works is a piece for the renowned violoncellist Brigitta Gruenther, which premiered at Strathmore Hall in the Washington, D.C. area.
Earlier commissioned works include Mr. Hull’s Violin Sonata No. 2, written for the international renowned virtuoso duo of Michael Appleman, violin, and Alexander Paley, piano. In a glowing review of their performance, The Washington Post (September 25, 2004) wrote that the duo played marvelously and with the utmost passion. [See "About the Music..." to read related article.] In May, 2000 Mr. Hull’s first violin sonata, the Strathmore, premiered, a commission from that performing arts center to celebrate the turn of the millennium.
Mr. Hull’s full-length dramatic opera Nancy, commissioned by Opera Theatre of Northern Virginia premiered in Spring 2004. The Washington Postreview reported that Hull’s opera, Nancy“stands up well when compared with the...first operas of Verdi and Puccini.” Mr. Hull’s chamber opera, The Fashionable Vices: Fables of John Gay, described as “exciting opera,” according to The Journal Newspapers was premiered by Opera Americana during the 1990-1991 season.
Mr. Hull’s second piano sonata, the Riverside, a 1998 commission from the 250th Birthday Committee for the City of Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.A., was premiered in July, 1999 and was performed at the Talloires [France] International Composers Conference in July, 2000.
From respondents to an international call for scores, The Louisville Orchestra selected Hull’s Concert Overture ( A Prayer and Praise to the Memory of Russell Woollen ) for performance at the 1997 Indiana State University’s Contemporary Music Festival.
In 1995 he was one of ten composers selected to participate in the Fifth Talloires International Composers Conference at Tufts University European Center.
In 1994 Mr. Hull was honored by both an award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers’ Standard Music Panel, and the Alexandria Choral Society’s Bi-Annual Distinguished Virginia Composer Commission, which allowed the composition of A Profound Whisper.
In 1993 Mr. Hull received a commission from the Knickerbocker Artists of New York to commemorate the installation of Glenna Goodacre’s Vietnam Women’s Memorial. Knickerbocker Suite for guitar and violin continues to receive many wonderful performances.
He was a recipient of both a commission and a residency sponsored by Meet the Composer Education Program for 1992-1993.
In 1991 he was honored with a Rosebud Award from the Washington Independent Filmmakers for his score to Eternal Bliss, which was screened at the American Film Institute and the Virginia Festival of American Film. The theme for that year's festival was “Music in the Movies.”
Mr. Hull’s music is frequently performed in the United States of America and in Europe. He has been interviewed on Voice of America and has been a regular contributor to the national monthly journal, 21st Century Music. He has written a regular column on concert music for Rhode Island’s Motif magazine. He has also written scholarly articles, including "Between the Staves," which was published in Volume 22/1 of the award winning music journal, Sonus.
Mr. Hull has twice been a Resident Fellow at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts. He chaired the Virginia Music Teachers Association’s Commissioned Composer Contest from 1991 through 1994. He has served as Board President and Music Director of the New Music Society from 1988 to 1993.
Mr. Hull studied conducting with Russell Woollen; piano, theory and composition with Serge DeGastyne and received his Bachelors Degree from George Mason University where he studied composition with Stephen D. Burton, Heritage Professor. He holds his Master's Degree in composition, having studied with the delightful Dr. Eliane Aberdam.
Scores and Parts are Available and Signed by the Composer. PDF files are also available electronically.
Recordings are Available, with all CDs Signed by the Composer. Audio files are also available.
Prose Writings and Libretti are Available and Signed by the Composer. PDF files are available electronically.
See Above Headings to View Specific Items
Photography credits: When shown, Garrison Hull by Denise Bass, East Providence, Rhode Island. Above: White Oak Canyon courtesy Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Still one of my favorite images: The Long Room of the Library at Trinity College, Dublin. Busts of the authors within the collection gaze at the sculpture that is based upon NASA’s photograph.
The Brian Boru Harp, Trinity College, Dublin. The Brian Boru Harp is the oldest surviving Irish Harp and is the model for the insignia of Ireland. And if I were a better photographer I’d not have all that reflection from the glass
Updates:
Concert Overture
I’ve enclosed a link to a recording of my Concert Overture (A Prayer and Praise to the Memory of Russell Woollen). A few brief words: A cursory search will bring up the many accomplishments of this renowned pianist, composer, historian, linguist and friend. The opening of the piece is a lamentation upon his passing. This leads, however, into a celebration of Russell and concludes with a strong and powerful expression of love, that in my mind sparks an image of him firmly stepping upward into a welcoming presence of light. Duration: Six and one half minutes. Just click the below link:
A Profound Whisper
The piece that inspired William Styron’s comments (see below), A Profound Whisper, can now be heard in its entirety. Simply click the below link:
See above ABOUT THE MUSIC AND RECORDED EXCERPTS > CHORAL to learn how to obtain the Alexandria Choral Society’s recording of the work. Duration 15 minutes.
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Noah Chen’s recording (!) of - and the Podcast Narration to - the Sonata for Solo Violoncello is now posted. Just click the above link PODCAST FOR SONATA FOR SOLO VIOLONCELLO. Noah is terrific!!
Three movements of the Sinfonia for Guitar Solo have been posted and are now available for purchase. Preview them in the ABOUT THE MUISC AND RECORDED EXCERPTS > GUITAR SOLO menu above. The third movement, Largo, is proving to be rather obstinate, so to complete this remaining movement is going to take more time. But it is on the front burner. And also…
The printed hard copy first edition of Piano Sonata No. 1 is just about sold out, so I’ve made digital copies available. Please see SCORES AND ORCHESTRAL PARTS: CATALOGUE AND PURCHASE in the above menu.
Other News:
Under the heading, “I never really thought about it being that interesting…” The University of Rhode Island and I have signed an agreement to have their Archive house my collected papers: Scores, performance programs, articles and correspondence. My heartfelt appreciation to the archivists who initiated this project. To my fishing buddies: Chill, I’ve redacted the embarrassing stuff.
And while sorting my papers for the archivists I came across a note written to me in 1995. It relates to A Profound Whisper. It reads, in part, “…I thought the music & the voice were very moving and eloquent, and made me feel beautiful served. Sincerely, William Styron.” The poet Ann Spencer is the other writer quoted in the composition. I once had the pleasure of spending a splendid summer afternoon with her son, Chauncey.
And...a pleasant surprise: Garry Wills cites my opera Nancy in his book Henry Adams and the Making of America. And finally...