SCOTT CARRELL, pianist

Original Compositions



CROSSINGS for Solo Piano (2001)

This work was inspired by a painting of an Arkansas artist. The scene is a small, Mississippi-delta town in summertime; two African-Americans approach the intersection of two railroads on the main street. It seems to represent the choices that we all must make, whether to remain comfortably where we are or to leave for the unknown and the uncertain. The music is based in a modern sense of tonality with influences of dissonant twentieth-century music and jazz.

Premiere: April 2, 2001
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
Helena, Arkansas
Scott Carrell, piano

Other Performances:
Guongdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, China
Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
Harding University, Searcy, Arkansas
Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas
University of the Ozarks, Clarksville, Arkansas
Williams Baptist College, Walnut Ridge, Arkansas
Blue Mountain College, Blue Mountain, Mississippi
Desoto County Arts Council, Hernando, Mississippi
Rust College, Holly Springs, Mississippi
University of Mississippi "Ole Miss," Oxford, Mississippi
Oklahoma Christian University, Edmond, Oklahoma
Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
David Lipscomb University, Nashville, Tennessee
Carson-Newman University, Jefferson City, Tennessee
Del Mar College, Corpus Christi, Texas
Hill College, Burleson, Texas
Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas
Texarkana College, Texarkana, Texas
University of North Texas, Denton, Texas


SKIPPIN' CRAZY for Solo Piano (2007)

This ragtime work was originally written when I was a young composer in high school. When preparing for a ragtime/jazz program and recording in 2007, I made slight but necessary revisions in order to include this in the performance. It most closely resembles the "novelty" ragtime style of Zez Confrey and other composers.

Premiere: September 6, 2007
Harding University, Searcy, Arkansas
Scott Carrell, piano


SUITE for Brass Quintet (2011)

This lively and entertaining work is based in a modern sense of tonality with influences of dissonant twentieth-century music and film music. A melodic and energetic Prelude opens the set. The Waltz features the tuba and contains moments of both great intensity and gentle beauty. A quartal melody begins the Fugue and continues through different contexts and instruments. The Finale, with its nod to film scores, brings the entire work to a rousing conclusion.

Premiere: September 8, 2011
Harding University, Searcy, Arkansas
Searcy Brass Quintet


FANTASY for Woodwind Quintet (2011)

Cast in a classic ternary form, this lyrical work begins with an opening ostinato accompaniment, which sets a somber mood and is shared between instruments. The melody is reminiscent of those from the Romantic era, particularly the melodies of Brahms and Fauré. The middle section presents a contrasting melody in the flute, joined then by the others, building to a great climax. The opening section returns with minor changes. After a brief recollection of the middle section, the piece ends quietly.

Premiere: (not yet!)


DANCE for Oboe and Piano (2012)

The melody of this work began as a sight-singing exercise for my theory class! I quickly realized that the mixed meters and jazzy elements had potential for further development, and the oboe seemed the best instrument for it. Lyrical melodies, playful motives, and lively rhythmic interactions are featured in this exciting piece.

Premiere: February 7, 2012
Harding University, Searcy, Arkansas
Gerry Gibson, oboe and Scott Carrell, piano


CONVERSATIONS for Two Oboes and English Horn (2015)

This work explores the very unusual combination of two oboes and English horn and the peculiarities of the sounds in different ranges. Modern tonality with mixed meters, melodic interchange, and modified scales gives this piece an exciting and fun quality.

Premiere: January 25, 2015
First United Methodist Church, Conway, Arkansas
DDG Trio (Leanna Booze, Lorraine Duso Kitts, Beth Wheeler)

Other Performances: Harding University, Searcy, Arkansas



For more information, please send an e-mail to scarrell@harding.edu

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