Album Notes

This cd is the first release of Philadelphia-based composer David Bennett Thomas. The music is very fresh and colorful, lively at times, introspective at others, with a wide variety of instrumentation. The largest piece on the cd is a 30 minute work for chorus and piano entitled "Four Easter Canticles" (texts by George Herbert 1593-1633). This work is given a marvelous performance by the internationally renowned Gregg Smith Singers. Other pieces include a set of duet miniatures for flute and piano; two songs scored for soprano, viola, and harp; a 10 minute work for piano four hands; and a solo Homage to Toru Takemitsu. These are performed by Philadelphia's finest classical performers: Gary Gress, Samuel Hsu, Margaret Claudin, Deborah Lipsi, April Stace, and Michael Locati.
Thomas' focus is on creating well-constructed and imaginative music. As a result, his music appeals both to those with conservative tastes and to those with more adventurous leanings.

David Bennett Thomas received degrees from West Chester University, and The Peabody Conservatory. His private teachers include Lukas Foss, Ron Thomas, Jacques Voois, and Morris Cotel. Thomas has written in many genres, including works for solo voice, chorus, orchestra, chamber groups, and piano. His works have been performed throughout the Philadelphia and New York areas, including several performances at The Festival of the Hamptons, and as part of concert series by groups such as The Gregg Smith Singers, The New Carillon Ensemble, The Satori Chamber Group, pianist Daniel Gortler, saxophonist Marshall Taylor, and oboist Lloyd Shorter. He has received grants from The University of the Arts, and The Peabody Conservatory to support the recording of several of his compositions.
Thomas won the Philadelphia Young Composers competition, and the Morawetz Award in Composition. He is also the author of "A Conversation with Lukas Foss", which was published in 'The Journal of the Conductors Guild,' and subsequently published by Carl Fischer.
Thomas teaches theory, composition, and piano at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and performs with his jazz trio three nights a week at Sullivan's Steakhouse, in King of Prussia, PA.