Member Since July, 2007
Austin, Texas
Genre:
choral, classical, Dance, Film/Video, folk, jazz, Music for Young People, sacred
Biography:
Biography:
Composer and mandolinist Joel R. Hobbs (b. 1963) writes and performs joyous music in wide range of styles including jazz, folk and chamber. His music has been performed by the International Contemporary Ensemble, the Wet Ink Ensemble, the Austin Mandolin Orchestra, Suzanne Mueller and Thomas Piercy.
Recent Works:
Ad Astra Per Aspera (2004) for mandolin quartet
Hawthorn Hill (2004) for mandolin quartet
Father of the Forest (2005) for guitar quartet
Mbaqanga for B.J. (2006) for guitar quartet
Okeanos (2007) for guitar quartet
Las Alas Derritidas (2010) for mandolin orchestra
Jabu (2010) for three mandolins and guitar
Starlight Shine (2010) SATB choir and handbells
Il Bocolo di San Marco (2010) two mandolins and guitar
Monkey Do (2011) solo piano
Quarrantotto (2011) for violin, bassoon, piano and percussion
40 Green Street (2011) for clarinet, mandolin and cello
Waltz of the Dragonflies (2012) for clarinet and cello
Quaerens Lux in Tenebris Nemus (2012) for flute, oboe d'amour and bassoon
Kitsuné-Bi (2012) for viola, bass clarinet and percussion
Fountain (2012) for oboe, mandolin and bass clarinet
Ouvimos o Som do Mar Nas Conchas (2012) for solo flute
Sautillant Gigue (2012) for solo harpsichord
Artist Statement:
Music is an enigma that compels me. When a baby laughs, a child claps or a bird chips, we are pleased. The simplest sounds have the ability to change our mood – causing us to feel better, or worse, or some other way.
Yet the theories and tools of music composition and production are as nuanced and elaborate as any science. With each composition and performance, I become more aware of the infinite palette of musical choices and more adept at the craft of conveying my unfolding vision.
I balance my time as a composer between writing simple folk & jazz tunes and composing & arranging fully orchestrated works.
My compositions are often a reflection of the natural world. I draw on diverse influences from the gem-like precision of a Bach fugue to the primal swirling drone of a didgeridoo.
Ultimately, I seek to awaken a wellspring of joy in the performer and the listener.
