Jan Bach

Although officially retired in 1998 after 35 years of teaching from Northern Illinois University (DeKalb), Jan Bach continued to teach an orchestration class each semester through spring 2005. In the spring of 2006, he was asked to teach composition students at Wheaton (IL) College. The composer has just completed an orchestral version of his Concerto for Trumpet and Wind Ensemble, commissioned by the International Trumpet Guild in 1987.

Premieres

The Haunted Palace, for soprano and guitar, was first presented in recital by Diane Ragains and Fareed Haque, on March 9, 2005, at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb. A Little Night Music, for large concert band and pep band, was introduced at the March 19, 2006, dedication of Kaneland (IL) High School Auditorium. Five Penny Poems premiered by the Pinotage Ensemble (flute, harp, viola, and soprano) on October 3 at Wheaton (IL) College. James Wilson and Jay Hunsberger performed Oompah Suite for horn and tuba on a tour of Illinois and Michigan colleges, October 16-20. Triple Play, for trumpet, horn and trombone, was first heard in a January 26, 2007, performance by the Zephyr Brass Trio at the Georgia Music Educators Association Conference; the same ensemble will perform the work again at the U.S. Army Band’s Eastern Trombone Workshop, on March 22.

Performances

Les Amies Trio performed Eisteddfod on January 27, 2006, at the Mendelssohn Club in Rockford, IL. The composer reports many other performances throughout the year of his chamber works, particularly those for brass.

Publications

Oompah Suite, horn and tuba; Concerto for Tuba and Orchestra, version for band accompaniment; both by Tuba-Euphonium Press.

Recordings

Music of Jan Bach, featuring Jon Boen, horn (“Gala Fanfare,” “Concerto for Horn and Orchestra,” “French Suite,” “Helix,” “Four Two-Bit Contraptions”); with Stephen Duke, saxophone; Jean Berkenstock, flute; Chicago Philharmonic, under the direction of Larry Rapchek; Equilibrium Records. Everyone But Me, includes the work “Concert Variations” for euphonium and piano, Matthew Murchison and Donna Amato, Murch 2607.

Further Information

• 2005-2006 American Composers Update
• 2002-2003 American Composers Update
• 2001-2002 American Composers Update
• 1999-2000 American Composers Update
• 1998-1999 American Composers Update
• 1996-1997 American Composers Update
• SAI's Composers Bureau Online
• SAI's Music for Young People section