{"title":"Chamber JMM","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"la-directive-du-motif","title":"La Directive du Motif","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e International orders receive digital music files, while U.S. orders receive physical music. Shipping is free on all physical music orders.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLa Directive du Motif\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003efor Stravinsky’s “Histoire”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e for Winds and Percussion Octet\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLa Directive du Motif by John Max McFarland began with a simple five-note melodic motive that gradually evolved into a diverse and unpredictable musical journey. What started as a straightforward compositional idea grew into a work shaped entirely by the influence and development of this central motive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThroughout the piece, the motive takes on a variety of musical identities, moving through pointillistic textures, quasi-Middle Eastern melodies, and off-kilter blues influences. These contrasting sections are interrupted by cadenzas and extended technical passages, showcasing the versatility of the mixed chamber ensemble while demonstrating how a single musical idea can generate a wide range of styles and expressions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe title, translated from French as The Motive's Directive, reflects the composer's experience of allowing the original motive to guide the direction of the composition. The result is an unpredictable and technically demanding work that pays tribute to Igor Stravinsky's influential writing for this unique ensemble.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstrumentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eClarinet, Bassoon, Trumpet, Trombone, Violin, Double Bass, and Percussion\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8 Performers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComposed: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e2007\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDuration:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e~6:46 minutes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"John Max McFarland","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52926154965272,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/9247\/3368\/files\/Screenshot2026-10-17at5.01.50PM.png?v=1792274523"},{"product_id":"piano-trio-no-1","title":"Piano Trio No. 1","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e International orders receive digital music files, while U.S. orders receive physical music. Shipping is free on all physical music orders.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003ePiano Trio No. 1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003efor Violin, Cello, and Piano\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eThis three-movement work represents John Max McFarland’s first in-depth exploration of writing for strings. Originally composed as a single-movement piece in the fall of 2003, the work eventually expanded to include two additional movements, each bringing its own musical character and structure to the composition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eThe third movement was written second and premiered in 2005, providing a contrast to the first movement’s slow–fast–slow structure with its own fast–slow–fast form. The second movement, completed in October 2005, features a continuous repetitive piano pattern that drives the music forward and gives the movement its title, Perpetual Motion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eTogether, the three movements create a varied musical experience, balancing contrasting tempos, recurring patterns, and expressive writing for strings and piano. The work showcases the development of the composer’s approach to chamber music through distinct movements that complement one another while maintaining their own identities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstrumentation: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eViolin, Cello, and Piano\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3 Performers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComposed: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e2003-2005\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDuration:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e~16:03 minutes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"John Max McFarland","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52926156079384,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/9247\/3368\/files\/Screenshot2026-10-17at5.03.28PM.png?v=1792274660"},{"product_id":"thoughts-and-dreams-of-a-dying-man","title":"Thoughts and Dreams of a Dying Man","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e International orders receive digital music files, while U.S. orders receive physical music. Shipping is free on all physical music orders.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eThoughts and Dreams of a Dying Man\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e \u003cem\u003efor Strings, Percussion, and Mezzo Soprano\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eThoughts and Dreams of a Dying Man is a musical reflection by John Max McFarland on a poem by W. Jude Aher, written for the New Music Project’s fifth annual commission series, “Music for Strings, Percussion and Contact Microphone.” Inspired by Aher’s personal struggle with a genetic disease and the composer’s own experience with a dying family member, the work explores the profound emotional and spiritual transformations that can occur when faced with the reality of mortality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eThrough its musical expression, the piece reflects on the shift in perspective that often accompanies the end of life, when everyday concerns become less significant and deeper questions about existence, purpose, and spirituality emerge. Drawing from the raw honesty of Aher’s poetry, the work captures the vulnerability of confronting death while recognizing the strength it takes to continue pursuing one’s dreams despite life’s challenges.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eUltimately, Thoughts and Dreams of a Dying Man serves as a tribute to human resilience and the enduring power of artistic expression. The work encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives, reconsider what truly matters, and recognize the lasting impact of the dreams and aspirations we pursue.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstrumentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eString Sextet, 2 Percussion, and Mezzo Soprano\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 9 Performers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComposed: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e2013\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDuration:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e~3:28 minutes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"John Max McFarland","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52926157717784,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/9247\/3368\/files\/Screenshot2026-10-17at5.05.26PM.png?v=1792274736"},{"product_id":"5-songs-in-the-age-of-stupidity","title":"5 Songs in the Age of Stupidity","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e Available through TapSpace Publications only \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tapspace.com\/product\/5-songs-in-the-age-of-stupidity\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/tapspace.com\/product\/5-songs-in-the-age-of-stupidity\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e5 songs in the Age of Stupidity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003efor Mezzo Soprano and 2 Percussion\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e5 Songs in the Age of Stupidity by John Max McFarland is a contemporary song cycle for mezzo-soprano and two percussionists, featuring five selections from The 365 Stupidest Things Ever Said Page-A-Day Calendar. Each movement sets an entire quote to music, ranging from brief, absurd statements to longer passages, transforming real-life moments of foolishness into a theatrical musical experience.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eThe work combines contemporary musical techniques with programmatic elements, incorporating an unusual assortment of percussion instruments, noisemakers, and toys to bring each quote to life. The mezzo-soprano even joins in playing some of these unconventional instruments, adding another layer of humor and theatricality to the performance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eBlending musical complexity with comedic expression, 5 Songs in the Age of Stupidity challenges performers to move beyond traditional concert presentation. This moderately difficult work offers an entertaining and unconventional experience that celebrates the absurdity of human expression through music, humor, and theatrical performance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstrumentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e Mezzo Soprano and 2 Percussion\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3 Performers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComposed: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e2011\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDuration:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e~7:32 minutes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"John Max McFarland","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52926159192344,"sku":null,"price":36.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/9247\/3368\/files\/Screenshot2026-10-17at5.07.33PM.png?v=1792274893"},{"product_id":"cresinuendo","title":"Cresinuendo","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e International orders receive digital music files, while U.S. orders receive physical music. Shipping is free on all physical music orders.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eCresinuendo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e \u003cem\u003efor String Quartet\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eCrescinuendo is an etude that explores the expressive possibilities of ensemble dynamics, focusing on the art of controlled crescendo and diminuendo. Through carefully shaped dynamic changes, the work challenges performers to develop balance, sensitivity, and precision while creating a unified musical expression.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eThe piece also incorporates extended techniques in the cello part, including touch harmonics and glissando, adding distinctive textures and colors to the ensemble. These techniques expand the instrument’s traditional sound and contribute to the work’s exploration of subtle musical nuances.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eCombining dynamic control with unconventional instrumental techniques, Crescinuendo provides performers with an opportunity to refine their ensemble awareness and expressive capabilities while exploring the intricate relationship between volume, texture, and tone color.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstrumentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eString Quartet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4 Performers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComposed: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e2005\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDuration:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e~6:00 minutes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"John Max McFarland","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52926163976472,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/9247\/3368\/files\/Screenshot2026-10-17at5.10.18PM.png?v=1792275030"},{"product_id":"the-cat","title":"The Cat","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e International orders receive digital music files, while U.S. orders receive physical music. Shipping is free on all physical music orders.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eThe Cat\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003efor Piano and Tenor Voice\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eThis quirky musical setting of William Carlos Williams’ short poem “Poem (As the Cat)” brings the poet’s concise and vivid imagery to life through music. Drawing inspiration from the poem’s simple yet distinctive observations, the work explores the expressive possibilities of setting a brief literary text to music.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eThrough playful musical gestures and an unconventional approach to interpretation, the piece captures the poem’s whimsical character while highlighting the relationship between language, rhythm, and musical expression. Its compact form allows each musical idea to contribute to the overall personality of the work.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eBlending literary inspiration with musical creativity, Poem (As the Cat) offers a charming and offbeat performance that celebrates the unexpected artistry found in everyday moments.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstrumentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003ePiano and Tenor Voice\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2 Performers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComposed: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e2005\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDuration:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e~0:51 minutes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"John Max McFarland","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52926164271384,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0921\/9247\/3368\/files\/Screenshot2026-10-17at5.12.17PM.png?v=1792275147"}],"url":"https:\/\/sixtofiveproductions.com\/collections\/chamber-jmm.oembed","provider":"Six to Five Productions","version":"1.0","type":"link"}