Album Notes

From the composer: "When approached about the possibility of recording a CD of my piano compositions, several old favourites immediately sprang to mind. Some of the pieces I have chosen to include were commissioned works, whilst others were written as gifts.

"Especially near and dear to my heart is a piano version of 'Glorieta', the theme to the documentary 'The Man Who Lost the Civil War', arranged expressly for this album. Many of the selections you are about to hear however, are brand new and were composed with this CD in mind."

Jane Ellen is a freelance composer and a self-styled music historian. She has a catalogue of over 300 works and more than 40 published pieces to her credit, and is a national award-winning member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). Jane's commissions include the National Endowment for the Arts/New Mexico Arts Division, Music Teachers National Association, American Guild of Organists, and New Music Across America.

In addition to performing and composing, Jane is currently working as lecturer, and webdesigner. She presents classes for OASIS (Older Adult Service and Information System) on a wide variety of topics, and serves as webmaster, worksheet editor and occasional script assistant for the national award-winning children's radio show 'Boombox Classroom'. Her keen interest in history causes her to spend much of her time researching and presenting lecture programs on her favourite subjects, and she is a sought-after speaker for various educational, social and religious groups. Jane also enjoys good movies, classic mystery and adventure novels, and studying Italian. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, summa cum laude with distinction, Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of New Mexico with majors in music and religious studies. Presently she makes her home in New Mexico.

Jane Ellen's music is published by JEMS Publications, Shawnee Press, Kjos Music, Myklas Press, and Heritage Music Press. You can visit Jane Ellen on the web at: www.janeellen.com