NEWS
THE ARCHIVE
JOURNEY
December, 2018
Grateful to have received another commission from the very gifted musicians at the Dream Lotus Foundation, in Taipei, Taiwan. "Journey" is a piano arrangment for a lovely song composed by Zhen-Ru. More information will be provided when the album is released, so stay tuned!
REVE DE FLEURS
September, 2017
The Dream Lotus Foundation has again commisioned me to arrange a couple of lovely melodies by the great Zhen-Ru. The songs ("Aranya Forest Waft Fragrance" and "Valley of Fresh Flowers," arranged for Piano and Violin, are included on the album, Reve de fleurs ("Dream of Flowers"), which may be purchased here:
http://www.dreamlotus.org/products_detail4.html
THEY CALL ME MR. TIBBS
August, 2017
I contributed a second arrangement for the Brussels Philharmonic to perform during the Ghent World Soundtrack Awards. The piece served as the Main Title for the 1970 film, They Call Me Mr. Tibbs, and was composed by Quincy Jones. Check out the original recording:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9Mx4wqVXfk
THE CINCINATTI KID
July, 2017
I have always loved Schifrin's film music. Check out this arrangement I reconstructed for the World Soundtrack Awards (where it was performed by the Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExxfI6jf4zE
BEN HUR
January, 2017
I am honored to have contributed a few reconstructions for Tadlow Music's production of the score for Ben-Hur. Under the supervision of producer, James Fitzpatrick, this new Ben-Hur CD has been created by the outstanding City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus under the superb baton of Nic Raine.
To purchase the 2-CD album, click here.
TREE-SHADE SWAYING WITH BRIGHT MOON
October, 2016
I arranged this song for orchestra and choir from a melody composed by Zhen-Ru. The arrangement was commissioned by the Dream Lotus Foundation of Taipei, Taiwan.
"THAT'S MY FLORIDA!"
October, 2016
I was honored to arrange "That's My Florida" for choir, by songwriter, Georgia Germond. It's such a great tune! She is attempting to make it Florida's state song. Help us out by signing the petition!
Listen to the song here: http://www.thatsmyflorida.biz
CIVILIZATION VI
September 14, 2016
Civilization VI constitutes yet another meaningful collaboration with my good friend and fellow-composer, Christopher Tin.
The game will be released on 10.21.16. Visit their website for more information.
DISNEY SHANGHAI JET PACK CUES
August 2, 2016
Next time you are in Shanghai, be sure to check out the Jet Packs area at the Disney Resort. I worked with Christopher Tin and BT prepping the orchestral sheet music to record the cues that play on the rides.
IS PARIS BURNING?
July 22, 2016
Tadlow music, with the city of Prague Phliharmonic Orchestra & Chorus, has recently released an album containing the film music of Maurice Jarre, including a few tracks I reconstructed and orchestrated for the project. The 2 CD set contains over 140 minutes of splendid film music! Purchase the album (about $20) here.
Here is a photo of the inside cover.
ZEN AND FLOWERS (2 CDs)
March, 2016
Zen and Flowers is an exquisite album of music (string quartet, tenor, piano, and flute), featuring gifted musicians from Taiwan. I contributed two of the arrangements on the album — viz., "Reminiscence" and "Acacia." Though there may be a language barrier for some (with Chinese lyrics), the music and performance need no translation.
The album may be purchased: here.
Here are a couple video links for two of the songs on the album:
OFF-WORLD TRADING COMPANY
January, 2016
I recently completed orchestrations of Christopher Tin's score for the videogame, Offworld Trading Company. The game, by Mohawk games, may be purchased at: www.offworldgame.com. The soundtrack, which includes 30 songs with over 70 minutes of music, may be purchased at: www.gumroad.com/christophertin.
HOLLYWOOD BLOCKBUSTERS 2
December 20, 2015
In 2012, the folks at Silva Screen Records (London) commissioned me to orchestrate a track from Dario Marianelli's "Anna Karanina" score for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's "Hollywood Blockbusters" album. The album may be purchased here.
A video of the track (#11 on the album) may be viewed on YouTube here.
THE DREAM LOTUS FOUNDATION — 3 ARRANGEMENTS
December 12, 2015
I was commissioned by the Dream Lotus Foundation of Taiwan to arrange two beautiful songs, "Acacia," and "Reminiscence," for string quartet (2 Violins, Viola, Cello), piano, and solo tenor—and an instrumental version. The songs (lyrics & melody) were composed by Jen-Ru. The arrangements will be included in an album produced by Wang Tzu-Cheng, Music Director and Conductor of the Dream Lotus Symphony Orchestra. The tenor part will be sung by Chi-Long Teng.
Recordings will occur soon. I will post purchasing information as soon as the album becomes available!
IU CONCERT BAND PERFORMANCE
December 1, 2015
The IU Concert Band, under the direction of Jason Nam, performed one of my latest concert works, "A Glorious Sunrise." I am especially impressed by their command of dynamics, articulations, and sonic wholeness. They represent my home state well! I hope there will be many more collaborations in the future.
A Glorious Sunrise (For Concert Band)
October 5, 2015
Score and parts for one of my latest works for concert band are now available. This seven-minute work serves as the final movement of a three-movement concerto for wind ensemble (the first two movements are still unfinished). Each movement functions as program music, depicting elements from three parts of the day: afternoon, evening, and morning.
Although the concerto is written for the average high school concert band (and is therefore not too technically demanding), it is also composed to showcase the performers' musicality and talents (as every concerto should).
I am beginning the process of promoting the piece, and am attempting to line-up a few performances. For now, I think it will serve well as a stand-alone movement. Meanwhile, I hope to be able to complete the first two movements as soon as possible.
The Great-Horned Owl (Recording Release)
July 9, 2014
My latest recording release is now available for purchase on my website, aaronpurvis.com. It is called, The Great-Horned Owl. The 3-minute track was written for solo Cello and orchestra (strings, harp, percussion, flute, and clarinet).
The piece was recorded in Prague by the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, as part of the recording session for the documentary, The Lost Bird Project (for which I was an orchestrator). I composed, orchestrated, and prepped the piece a few days prior to the session, since some extra time was available (the track was not a part of the documentary). Special thanks to Christopher Tin for this.
You may also purchase the track ($2) here:
Carnegie Hall Debut
April 16, 2014
This past week, I had the opportunity to travel to New York for the world premiere of Christopher Tin’s latest album, The Drop That Contained The Sea. The music debuted in — of all places — Carnegie Hall!
I have worked with Chris for over five years now on a number of different musical projects, including films (e.g., Hoodwinked Too, Dead Space, Lost Birds, etc.), games (e.g., Pocket God, Karateka), dark electronic albums (Stereo Alchemy), and concert works (e.g., Calling All Dawns and Drop) — and nearly everything in between! It has been an honor, to say the least.
After months of preparing the score and parts for his latest album, it was such a privilege to see and hear the work performed live and up close — to talk with the musicians performing it and to get to know the conductor and the soloists. The concert was sponsored by DCINY (Distinguished Concerts International New York) and conducted by Jonathan Griffith. Both Calling All Dawns and The Drop That Contained The Sea were performed, requiring over 600 musicians (vocal soloists, two full choirs, and full orchestra). On top of that, the average age of the performers must have been in the 20s, as many of them were still in high school. In spite of the logistical nightmare this presented, the concert was a triumph, with a 5-10 minute standing ovation after the final bar!
I will begin working on alternate orchestrations for Drop this week for the west coast premiere in June, as this will enable the majority of ensembles around the world to perform this work with greater feasibility.
I was also given access to the Maestro suite and to the stage before the concert and during sound check. It was a special privilege to be a part of such a talented group of musicians, under the great leadership of Jonathan Griffith, the marvelous music of Christopher Tin, and the storied history of Carnegie Hall.
2013 IFMCA AWARD NOMINATION
February 17, 2014
The International Film Music Critics Association has nominated QB VII for “Best Archival Release of An Existing Score—Re-release or Re-recording” in 2013. I had the privilege of reconstructing and orchestrating the album. Check out their website for a list of the nominations.
The album itself may be purchased through Tadlow Music.
Film Music Journal—QBVII Interview
February 10, 2014
A journal based in Europe recently requested an interview with me regarding my work with the re-recording of the score for QB VII. They specialize in reviewing film music. That interview is now available online.
NOTE: The first two paragraphs (in German) introduce the project and the context of the interview to the readers. The interview itself, however, is published in English.
Read the interview online, here: FMJ Interview
QBVII—Soundtrack Release
December 20, 2013
During the summer of 2012, I was commissioned to reconstruct and orchestrate the entire score of the TV mini-series, QB VII, originally composed by Jerry Goldsmith. The mini-series follows the life of Adam Kelno, a doctor who served as head physician for the Nazis in a Jewish concentration camp during World War II. After a book is published implicating Dr. Kelno with atrocious conduct while at the camp, Dr. Kelno sues the author for libel. The trial that ensues, which brings to light further evidence regarding Dr. Kelno’s conduct at the camp, takes place in QB VII (Queen’s Bench #7), one of her majesty’s courtrooms. The plot is loosely based on Dr. Wladislaw Dering (Aushwitz) and Leon Uris, the author of the book, QB VII.
Goldsmith’s score is haunting and riveting—one of his best. This re-recording was performed by the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by Nic Raine. I am truly honored to have been a part of this work.
Here is a youtube clip of one of the tracks on the album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcSIwQaaxl4
To order this 2-disc album, visit: Tadlow Music
Karateka—Videogame
January 12, 2013
A year or so back, I collaborated with 2-time Grammy-winning composer, Christopher Tin, on Karateka, a “beat’em up” video game created by Jordan Mechner (Prince of Persia). That game is now available for purchase online, here.
Created on an Apple II by Jordan Mechner in his Yale dorm room, Karateka became a #1 bestseller and influenced a generation of gamers with its groundbreaking rotoscoped animation and cinematic cutscenes.
28 years later, Mechner returns to his indie roots with a new take on Karateka for today’s digital game platforms, featuring art by Jeff Matsuda (The Batman) and music by Grammy-winning composer Christopher Tin (Civilization IV).
Whether you are a nostalgic Karateka fan or new to the game, Karateka will charm you with its classic love story set in feudal Japan. Fight to save the lovely Mariko from the evil warlord Akuma and reunite her with her True Love!
Pocket God—Videogame
December 12, 2012
Pocket God is a game for phones and tablets developed by Bolt Creative, in which the player manipulates an island and its inhabitants. Working with 2-time Grammy-winning composer, Christopher Tin, I was hired to contribute some of the music to the game. The game may be purchased in your APP store on your smart phone, or via iTunes.
24 Hour Bloodline—Soundtrack
November 12, 2012
The soundtrack for the video game, 24 Hour Bloodline, is now available on my website! The first track features the talented singer, Sarah Espinosa, with lyrics by Gabriella Bartonico. The track was mixed by Tim Jones of OTR studios. The rest of the album features music from the game itself.
Captive Audience—Soundtrack
October 1, 2012
The soundtrack for the feature film, Captive Audience, is now available on my website! Written and directed by Mel Thompson, the film is about a desperate author who holds a restaurant and its patrons captive in order to share his latest masterpiece.
Starring Tony Mathews, Mark McGrath, and Rachael Besant.
Harold Rose—Short Film
April 1, 2012
Recently, I composed the score for the short film, Harold Rose. Written by Anna Winters and directed by Stephen Winters, the film is about a man who lives his entire life devoid of emotion. Visit my website if you wish to purchase a copy of the score.
Starring Carlos Appleton, Joshua Jones, and Zane McCurley.
The Lost Bird Project—Documentary
August 30, 2011
I was the music editor and orchestrator for this moving documentary. The Lost Bird Project is a film about public art, extinction, and memory. It is an elegy to five extinct North American birds and a thoughtful, moving, and sometimes humorous look at the artist and his mission.
The film is directed by Deborah Dickson, whose previous films have been nominated three times for Oscars, and is produced by Muffie Meyer, whose previous directing credits include the original Grey Gardens documentary and several Emmy award-winning documentaries. The score, composed by Grammy-winner Christopher Tin, is a stirring tone-poem for chamber orchestra, evoking the majesty of these flocks of birds, and the pathos of their eventual demise.
Visit the Lost Bird Project website for more information.
Islamic Funeral—Documentary
February 10, 2011
I recently completed composing the score for the TV documentary, Islamic Funeral. Directed by Waqas Qazi, the film is about the process from death to burial in Islam. The audio score is available on my website.
Hoodwinked Too! Hood Vs. Evil (Feature Film)
November 12, 2010
In addition to working as music editor, some of my music is featured in the new feature film, Hoodwinked Too: Hood Vs. Evil. Directed by Mike Disa, Red Riding Hood is training in the group of Sister Hoods, when she and the wolf are called to examine the sudden, mysterious disappearance of Hanzel and Gretel. The film will be in theatres and on television around the world.
Starring Hayden Panettiere, Glenn Close, and Patrick Warburton.
Dead Space: Aftermath (Feature Film)
October 12, 2010
I worked as music editor on this feature. Directed by Mike Disa and starring Christopher Judge, Ricardo Chavira, and Gwendoline Yeo.
Based on the much-anticipated EA videogame Dead Space 2, Dead Space: Aftermath is a fast-pased, horrifying thrill ride that follows the surviving ship crew members of the USG O’Bannon. The year is 2509 and not only has Earth lost contact with the Ishimura and Isaac Clarke, but also now the USG O’Bannon, the first responder ship sent to rescue them.
The Tyranny of the Mirror (Short Film)
September 1, 2010
I recently completed the score for the short film, The Tyranny of the Mirror. Written by Ladonna Willems and directed by Michelle Brown, this cinepoem (cinematic poem) features eight different vignettes, eight different voices, and eight different faces in the mirror. It addresses the fact that there’s always something not quite right in the mirror—not tall enough, short enough, curvy enough, thin enough, old enough, young enough.
The score may be purchased here.
Hradec-Kralove Philharmonic—Orchestrations
June 18, 2010
The Hradec Kralove Philharmonic Orchestra is based in the Czech-Republic. This talented ensemble commisioned me to produce some orchestrations of various film music selections for their upcoming concert series. If you are interested, contact me for more information about the project.
You may also visit their website for more information about the orchestra.
A Marley Brown Christmas (Short Film)
December 19, 2009
This short film is a holiday cartoon advertisment for a bay-area company. Spoofing on Charlie Brown, director Beibei Song requested that the music also sound reminiscient of the well-known Charlie Brown music. Contact me for more information.
Homeland Security (Short Film)
January 6, 2009
This cinepoem (cinematic poetry) is the second collaboration between myself, writer Ladonna Willems, and director Michelle Brown. The film explores the duality of masking your own identity. It won the Grand Festival Award at the Berkley Video & Film Festival. The music is available for purchase here.
Scrap (Short Film)
December 15, 2008
Directed by Terry Lamb, Scrap is a short film for which I composed the score. Rachel, an old political radical, is wandering in an old dump that is now a sort of park with discarded items turned into artworks. She is followed by Charlie, a long-time government spy, who decides that this is the time and the location to meet her in person. And then the sparks begin to fly!
The score is available for purchase here.
Life Sciences (Documentary)
December 2, 2008
Essinova is a media program on a quest for better solutions to man’s survival challenges – as individuals, from diseases; and as a species, from destruction of nature. The Life Sciences programs feature interviews of thought-leaders who can articulate those visions, entrepreneurs who dare to blaze the trail, and business and organization leaders who can bring vision to reality.
Shaker (Short Film)
November 29, 2008
Directed by Terry Lamb, Shaker is a comedy short about a blind date caught on a hidden camera television show. During the reveal, some awkward moments are unveiled.
The score is comedic, with a hawaiian flavor. It is available for purchase here.
Health Care (Documentary)
November 25, 2008
Essinova is a media program on a quest for better solutions to man’s survival challenges – as individuals, from diseases; and as a species, from destruction of nature. The Heath Care programs feature interviews of thought-leaders who can articulate those visions, entrepreneurs who dare to blaze the trail, and business and organization leaders who can bring vision to reality.
Insight (Short Film)
November 12, 2008
I recently composed the score to the short film, Insight. Directed by Liam Satre-Meloy, the film explores the challenges confronting a young man who is blind.
Strange (Short Film)
March 31, 2008
This short film marks my first collaboration with Michelle Brown and Ladonna Willems. The film is styled, “Cinepoetry,” inasmuch as it is a poem narrated in the film format. The score, like the poem it complements, is dark and quirky — or, “strange.”
Purchase the music here.
Berklee College of Music
December 31, 2004
I graduated from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, earning a B.A. in Film Scoring, in addition to various awards, including the George Delerue Film Scoring Scholarship.
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