STEVE MURRAY

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Steve Murray (b. 1939): Steve’s formal studies in composition were with Eugene Hill at Miami University and with Donald Freud at the University of Memphis where he completed his Doctorate in theory and composition with a minor in jazz studies. He studied with Harold Roberts, principal bassist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Steve founded. directed and arranged for the 18 – piece Berkshire Big Band and has performed with Burt Bacharach, Judy Collins, Natalie Cole. Willie Nelson and Buddy Franco, among others.

Steve is also a singer and has performed with the Hartford Chamber Choral. He founded the Memphis State University Jazz Singers, and has been a member of Albany Pro Musics since 2002. He is the Honorary Composer in Residence for Albany Pro Musics, has written instrumental chamber and orchestral music as well as works for music theater, is published in the U.S. and Canada, and has won numerous awards in England, Canada and the United States.

O Proud Left Foot

by Steve Murray

SATB – CP 1131 – 1:10
Who amongst us could forget the famous “Hokey Pokey” and it’s Shakespearean parody “O Proud Left Foot”? With magical approach Steve Murray has set this whimsical semi-sonnet in an engaging a cappella Madrigal setting for SATB choir.

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TRAIN TRAVEL SUITE - 4 movements (Complete Set)

by Steve Murray

SATB with piano (all 4 movements) – CP 2970 – duration 7:17
1) Crossing Kansas by Train
2) Window
3) Travel
4) From a Railway Carriage

Note: One can order individual movements – see below – or the complete set.

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Crossing Kansas by Train - (mvt 1 - Train Travel Suite)

by Steve Murray

SATB with piano – CP 2966 – duration 2:00
The telephone poles
Have been holding their
Arms out
A long time now
To birds
That will not
Settle there

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Window - (mvt 2 - Train Travel Suite)

by Steve Murray

SATB with piano – CP 2967 – duration 1:10
Night from a railroad car window
Is a great, dark, soft thing
Broken across with slashes of light.

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Travel - (mvt 3 - Train Travel Suite)

by Steve Murray

SATB with piano – CP 2968 – duration 1:50
Night from a railroad car window
Is a great, dark, soft thing
Broken across with slashes of light.

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From a Railway Carriage - (mvt 4 - Train Travel Suite)

by Steve Murray

SATB with piano – CP 2969 – duration 2:10
Faster than fairies, faster than witches,
Bridges and houses, hedges and ditches;
And charging along like troops in a battle,
All through the meadows the horses and cattle:

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