String Quartet No. 3 is written for, and dedicated to all of the wonderful people that make up the Midsummer Musical Retreat (MMR).
Christopher Lee Fraley
composer, publisher, choral tenor
Christopher Lee Fraley
composer, publisher, choral tenor
“At every moment there is a potent direction, a flow that informs the listener that something interesting is happening now…”
—Dr. Gary D. Cannon, director Emerald Ensemble & Cascadian Chorale
Thank you for stopping by!
Enjoy your time exploring my music and looking through my scores. Please reach out if you have any questions or if you would like to work together on a project!
If you are interested in talking, we can meet one-on-one over Zoom! Just make a reservation on my Calendly page.
Guest on “Moveable Do” Podcast!
Listen here:
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The Movable Do podcast (October 27, 2020) “Composer and conductor Steve Danielson interviews other living composers to learn about their journeys, successes, and learning experiences.
“This week, Hawaii-based composer Chris Fraley discusses how his background as a math and science wiz influences his love for counterpoint. Featured in this episode: Eire’s Call, The Plains, Hine Ma Tov, and the premiere of the recording of A Light Exists In Spring. Plus, experimentations with Just Intonation.”
For more information about any of the featured pieces, click below:
- Eire’s Call (Tone Poem No. 3)
- The Plains (SATB)
- Hine ma tov (SATB, SATB & Piano, SAA & Piano)
- A Light exists in Spring (SATB)
Pitch Matters
Learn how music works, focusing on an experiential approach to how sounds combine. Visit PitchMatters.com and learn why pitch matters!
A Random Sampler
A Light exists in Spring
On the surface, “A Light exists in Spring” captures Emily Dickinson’s feelings during an ephemeral experience of Nature—that particular light that is unique to early Spring. But there is a wonderful depth in her writing, including insights about how Nature moves us to feel, the relationship between contentment and Nature, and our experience of the passing of the intangible.
Fish Trio (Piano Trio No. 1)
Instrumental / F. 127 / Piano Trio (with 2 Violas, or Violin & Viola, or Violin & Cello) / 8:35 / 2003 / 
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/ A musically serious piece which depicts a humorous story of an innocent trout living in an aquarium under the hungry eyes of two cats. Who will get the upper paw?
Missa Dramatica (Missa Brevis No. 2)
Missa Dramatica (Missa Brevis No. 2) borrows its intensity from the Agnus Dei of my first mass. While still a work-in-progress, I’ve completed both the Kyrie and the Agnus Dei, and have prepared a video score for the Kyrie so that you can listen to this beautifully dramatic setting while following along with the music.
An End
“An End” is a multi-movement a cappella SSATBB setting of Christina Rossetti’s poem by the same name. I was captivated by a literal interpretation of this poem: the tragic death of a baby born in Spring, and the awful emotional turmoil for those left behind. The music I wrote explores the complex facets of such a loss.
