Engaging Classical Music
The music you will find here is fun and engaging, all while preserving those aspects that make classical music deep: counterpoint, rich harmonies, instrumental palette, varied structures, and careful craftsmanship. I am a firm believer that sophisticated/deep/artful music can (and should) still be accessible. Crafting music that is both deep and accessible results in music that is engaging—from the first listening to the hundredth.
These aesthetics reflect my several loves in classical music. I love counterpoint, whether it is a Josquin madrigal, Mozart’s Requiem, or a Schubert piano trio. I love the broad structures composers create. For example, Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony starts with a movement that is almost 14 minutes long—nearly unheard of in popular music. I love the inventiveness of Hayden, the variety exemplified by Beethoven’s symphonies, the expressiveness of Mahler...
My love of this kind of music is what led me to composing. If you enjoy what you encounter on these pages, please drop me a line. But most of all, enjoy!
News
Hine Ma Tov (F. 163) will be premiered by the Gaithersburg Community Chorus May 18 & 19, 2013, and is a new setting of the traditional text for SATB and Piano.
New video! View the video score of The Plains (F. 154)—listen to the premiere performance while viewing the score.
Let Us Be Merry (F. 160) was premiered by the Gaithersburg Community Chorus December 8 & 9, 2012. This carol is based on William Billings’ setting of A Virgin Unspotted originally published 1778.
Wistful Wind (F. 152) (No. 2 from India’s Love Lyrics) was premiered by the Cascadian Chorale on Saturday, June 2nd at 7:30pm in Medina, and Sunday, June 3rd at 5:00pm in Union, 2012.
Lost Delight (F. 157) is a new addition to India’s Love Lyrics. Scored for SATB, piano, flute. A version for solo voice is also available.
Latest Video
Christopher Lee Fraley
Composer of accessible, yet sophisticated, classical music for orchestra, chamber ensembles, chorus, and solo voice.