Incompatibility Issues
Copyright 2007, Joe Wiedemann (Orchestronics)

As many of our daily activities are taken over by the computer, a host of issues arise, and inevitably lead to trouble.  Everything starts off hunky-dory.  Then, in an abruptly new key, things take a turn for the worse.  A series of error messages add stress and confusion, making progress difficult.  Constantly hitting brick walls, frustration builds.  Just as suddenly, and without explanation, things seem to right themselves with a tidy 3-part fugue, as if all components are working together again in harmony.  This builds to a reprise of the "all-is-well" theme, until a brief reminder of trouble ends this episode.  Duration: 5:24.

Scored for: Piccolo, Flutes I-II, Oboes I-II, Clarinets I-II, Bassoons I-II, Horns in F I-II, Trumpets I-II, Trombones I-II, Tuba, Cymbal, Bass Drum, Violins I-II, Violas, Cellos, Double Bass
.  Sample Score: Incompatibility Issues

Dreamcycles
Copyright 2004, Joe Wiedemann (Orchestronics)

The sleepy intro droops into a slightly dissonant chord, which signals the beginning of the dreams. If you've ever noticed someone twitching as they sleep, you'll understand what comes next. Just as sleep has its cycles, dreams stretch and compress, morph and change.  A synthesizer adds a touch of surrealism that reminds us "it's only a dream."  As an integrated player in the orchestra, the synth adds color and timbre, shining through on its own only occasionally. Various scenarios play out, until the cycle ends with that familiar dry-sounding mechanical alarm clock. Duration: 7:55.

Scored for: Synthesizer (with one-button patch/program change), Flutes, Oboes, English Horn, Clarinets, Bassoons, Horns in F I-II, Trumpets I-II, Trombones I-II, Tuba, Timpani, Glockenspiel, Violins I-II, Violas, Cellos, Double Bass.
 Sample Score: Dreamcycles

Four At a Time, Please!
Copyright 2004, Joe Wiedemann (Orchestronics)

Four-part harmony is the basis for much ensemble music.  This piece has four lively parts and can be scored for just about any four instruments you like.  It would make a great educational tool in applied music settings.  Currently, scores are available for string quartet, saxes, brass, and basic S.A.T.B. which can be used as a template for orchestration classes.  The full orchestral score alternates instrumentation throughout, so that only four parts are playing at a time, until the very end, when everyone chimes in.  Click on the blue speaker icon above to hear that version
  Sample Score: Four... (Orchestral)   Sample Score: Four... (Saxes)    Sample Score: Four... (Brass)    Sample Score: Four At a Time, Please! SATB)

Watching the Clock
Copyright 2006, Joe Wiedemann (Orchestronics)

If you're familiar with the phrase "hurry up and wait," you'll understand the many moods of Watching the Clock. Though time remains constant, our perceptions of it change in speed.  A brief calm intro is quickly contrasted by a hurried "ticking" bed, with a slowly moving theme superimposed over it.  Interrupted by brief moments of building frustration, as if the hands of the clock are moving to slowly, the paced rhythms continue.  A slow interlude interlude could be a sign of surrender to nature's time superiority, or it could simply be the lunch break in a busy work day when "it's okay" if time seems to pass more slowly.  The relentless pace resumes and builds, until a final ritardando ends this busy day.  Duration: 8:03

Scored for: Synthesizer (with one-button patch/program change), Flutes I-II, Oboes I-II, Clarinets I-II, Bass Clarinet, Bassoons I-II, Horns in F I-II, Trumpets I-II, Trombones I-II, Tuba, Timpani, Violins I-II, Violas, Cellos, Double Bass.
  Sample Score: Watching the Clock

Public Transit
Copyright 2003, Joe Wiedemann (Orchestronics)

A ride on any public transit (train, bus or trolley) can be entertaining and interesting.  While most people sit in their own private worlds, alot of body language can be read.  The driving pace (sorry about the pun) is steady, while the semi-ethnic moods and melodies change.  It's a fairly quick ride, in a vehicle that waits for no one.  Duration: 4:50

Scored for: One or two Synthesizers, Flutes, Oboes, Clarinets, Alto Sax I-II, Bassoons, Horns in F I-II, Trumpets I-II, Trombones I-II, Cymbal, Bass Drum, Violins I-II, Violas, Cellos, Double Bass.
  Sample Score: Public Transit

Duet for Half-a-Pair
(one player, any two keyboards)
Copyright 2008, Joe Wiedemann (Orchestronics)

This duet is scored for one player with two keyboards (likely stacked atop one another).  The version heard here is for piano and synthesizer, but any two  keyboards will do.  While hands alternate between instruments, some latitude is left to the performer in choosing which hand plays which part.  Experimentation is encouraged, especially if electronic sounds are used.  The piece makes for a challenging educational exercise for a talented student or aspiring pop keyboardist, in playing stacked instruments.  Duration 4:40
 
Scored for any two keyboards.  The midi recording here uses a Korg Z-1, patch B-006 Techno Flasher (modified).
Sample Score: Duet for Half-a-Pair