Chamber Works & Solos | Choral | Handbells | Wind Ensemble
Usage
Many of the pieces listed below can be purchased at Sheet Music Plus and Sheet Music Direct. Some others include a link to the full score for free. Anyone is welcome to download and perform those works. I only ask that you send me a copy of the program if you actually perform them.
Musical Deconstructions
A collection of short pieces that explore the different fundamental elements of music using avant garde styles and techniques.
Medieval / Renaissance Dance
One of my primary hobbies is involvement with the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), a worldwide non-profit organization that studies, teaches, and re-creates most aspects of life from the Middle Ages. I am heavily involved in teaching dance. To combine my music composition background and my love of medieval/Renaissance dance, I began writing my own dance tunes and choreographing them. They are similar to period English Country Dances as found in the first couple of editions of Playford’s Dancing Master, with the tunes and the dance steps being typical for southern England around 1600. My plan is to collect these into a document and present them as a “long-lost manuscript” that has recently been found. I call it the Chichester Manuscript.
Chamber Ensembles / Solos
Six Episodes for Unaccompanied Oboe (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
- solo oboe
- a collection of short one-page works written one per year for 6 years
- may be played in any order
- the complete set of sheet music is available at Sheet Music Direct
- video of #1-3 at http://youtu.be/_c2to52PEAU
Sailing Away (2012)
- flute trio (two standard flutes, one alto flute)
- in honor of the retirement of Lewis R. Miller, Dean of Libraries at Butler University
- full score available at Sheet Music Plus
- video at http://youtu.be/RPNVEP6jaZQ
Birth of the Dragon Nebula (2010)
- Bb clarinet, tuba, piano, and three percussionists
- uses spatial-proportional notation
- full score available at Sheet Music Plus
Meditation for Alto Flute (2010)
- unaccompanied alto flute
- score available at Sheet Music Plus
- video at http://youtu.be/aBkheIWDWPM
Snaggleteeth (2010)
- trombone, piano, and two percussionists
- uses spatial-proportional notation
- full score available at Sheet Music Plus
- video at http://youtu.be/8X8zpDRpBGo
TripleThreaT (2010)
- alto saxophone and two tenor saxophones
- written for Dr. Michael Schelle who loves Triplets
- full score available here
- video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh9zBpG4hBE
Fourteen Dancing Strings (2009)
- guitar, viola, and double bass
- three movements: Watusi, Habanera, and Tarantella
- complete score available at Sheet Music Plus
Night Life on Venus (2009)
- digital recorded medium (electronic composition)
- created with Reason 5.0
- audio recording available here
Vestiges of a Dream (2009)
- bassoon, bass clarinet, and tenor saxophone
- full score available at Sheet Music Plus
- video at http://youtu.be/rLBmnmRWMmo
Wholly Tonitrophobic (2009)
- any number of C or Bb instruments
- an “open form” piece where parts of the piece are variable based on performer choices
- The entire piece is built on a whole tone scale.
- Tonitrophobia is a fear of thunder and lightning.
- full score available at Sheet Music Plus
Mallet-justment: A Musical Palindrome (2008)
- solo marimba
- condensed score available here
- video at http://youtu.be/i08fL_L3b2o
Bang-A-Box (2008)
- four or more people playing various sizes of general percussion or any available objects
- sheet music available: score – parts
- video at http://youtu.be/r-HhIhg05JU
Di Criceto Sogno (1989)
- flute, clarinet, and tenor saxophone
- my first ever original composition
- full score and parts available here
Choral / Vocal
The Waits (A Christmas Carol) (2019)
- SATB a capella choir
- text by Margaret Deland (1857-1945)
- In English
- Printed music available at Sheet Music Plus
Benedictus es (2019)
- SATB a capella choir
- from Daniel 3:52-55 (Blessed are You, O Lord)
- In Latin
- available at Sheet Music Direct
Nunc Dimittis (2019)
- SATB a capella choir
- also called Simeon’s Song (Luke 2:29-32)
- In Latin and English
Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (2013-2015)
- SATB a capella choir
- appropriate for Orthodox Christian and Eastern Catholic services or for concerts
- Check my Orthodoxy page for the description and music
Be Still My Soul (2012)
- arranged for baritone vocalist and SATB a capella choir
- commissioned by Eric J. Wickens
- available on Eric Wickens’ CD Comfort; this track available as a free download
- original music by Jean Sibelius, words by Catharina von Schlegel
- video at http://youtu.be/Per1_g1Cw4I
The Lord’s Prayer (2009)
- SATB a capella choir
- two endings to choose from, depending on your tradition
- available FOR FREE at http://pfitzinger.net/LordsPrayer.pdf
The Lord’s Prayer by Scott Pfitzinger is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License. - video at http://youtu.be/BmdnZzgxXTs
Epitaph (2008)
- alto solo with piano accompaniment
- text from the self-written epitaph of Sir Walter Raleigh
- available at Sheet Music Direct
- video at http://youtu.be/cEljyBsB8Ws
Venite popoli lodate (Salmo 66) (2004)
- SATB a capella choir
- text in Italian from Psalm 66
- written for the Cornerstone University Chorale
- score available here
- video at http://youtu.be/zWNLBkJfPdE
Response of the Angels (2002)
- 6 octaves of handbells and women’s chorus (SSAA)
- written for Embellish Handbell Ensemble and the Calvin College Women’s Chorus
Confession (1993)
- SATB a capella choir
- Text from Psalm 32:1-5; 51:1-2, 10, 17; 86:5
Handbells
If a composition or arrangement is not otherwise available, please contact Scott to view a score or hear a recording.
Original Compositions
A Spooky Waltz (2024)
- 2-3 octaves of bells
- an easy original composition that is perfect for Halloween or any other time you want a light waltz tune
- available at Sheet Music Direct
Psalm 23 (2019)
- 2-3 octaves of bells
- a simple original composition ideal for a church service
- available at Sheet Music Plus
Haunted House (2017)
- 3-6 octaves of bells and 3-5 octaves of optional chimes
- a musical walkthrough of a spooky house
- optional additional visual or sound effects may be added
- published by AGEHR Publishing via Handbell World
Wind Suite for Handbells (2017)
- 3-6 octaves of bells
- each movement is based on a wind from around the world
- I. Williwaw (3-5 octaves)
- II. Mistral (3-5 octaves)
- III. Chinook (3-5 octaves)
- IV. Simoom (3-5 octaves)
- V. Zephyr (3-6 octaves)
- VI. Chubasco (3-5 octaves)
- available at Sonology Music
Handbell Salsa (2017)
- 3-6 octaves of bells
- alternates between hot and mild
- syncopated with clave rhythm and techniques including TD, gyros, and mallets
- available at Sheet Music Plus
Mallet Madness (2017)
- 3-6 octaves of bells
- completely malleted
- rather fast and syncopated
- available at Sheet Music Plus
Celestial Impressions (2017)
- 3-6 octaves
- based on Psalm 148:2-4
- slow, with very fluid beginning and ending
- available at Sonology Music
Summer Storm (2011)
- 4-7 octaves
- a “contemporary classical” piece using some avant garde techniques to musically depict a rainstorm
- published by Tinnio Ergo Sum Press
- also available at Sonology Music
[Bride’s Name Here]’s Theme (2010)
- 3-6 octaves
- a customizable wedding processional where even the title can be changed to fit
- full of optional repeats and movable sections
- written for the wedding of Karen and Dan Wiggins
- available at Sonology Music
Six-in-Hand Sonata (2008)
- six-in-hand soloist and 4-6 octave ensemble
- the six solo bells are taken out of the ensemble
Rondo Azzurro (2005, 2010)
- 4-5 octaves
- performed at Pinnacle 2010 by the Circle City Ringers
- written for the Circle City Ringers
- 3-7 octaves
- available at Sonology Music
Appalachian Sunrise (2004)
- 3-5 octaves of handbells or chimes
- published by Tinnio Ergo Sum Press
- also available at Sonology Music
Celebrondo (2004)
- 4-6 octaves of bells and 5 octaves of chimes
- mostly in 7/8 time
Fuzzy Logic (2003)
- 2 octaves
- published by High Meadow Music
Triad (2003)
- 4-6 octaves of handbells and optional chimes
- a three-movement suite combining original melodies with familiar hymn tunes; may be performed together or separately
- Exaltation
- Reverence
- Worship
Funktasia (2002)
- 5-6 octaves of handbells and brass quintet
- written for Embellish Handbell Ensemble
- published by Above the Line Publishing
Response of the Angels (2002)
- 6 octaves of handbells and women’s chorus (SSAA)
- written for Embellish Handbell Ensemble and the Calvin College Women’s Chorus
Late Night Blues (2001)
- 4-6 octaves
- written for Embellish Handbell Ensemble
- published by From The Top Music
On the Street Corner (2001)
- 4-7 octaves
- doo-wop style with plenty of syncopation and four-in-hand flourishes
- available at Sheet Music Direct
Neon Blitz (2000)
- 4-6 octaves
- modern rock style, with driving bass and syncopated rhythms
- available at Sheet Music Direct
A Kingly Fanfare (1991)
- Scott’s first handbell composition, written for his own wedding, used as the recessional
Arrangements & Transcriptions
TV THEME SONGS
The A-Team (2024)
- 3-5 octaves of bells
- theme from the TV show
- available at Sheet Music Direct
Black Sails (2024)
- 3-6 octaves of bells
- based on the theme music from the TV show
- very rhythmic and sea-shantyesque
- gyros help create the feeling of a hurdy-gurdy
- available at Sheet Music Plus
Breaking Bad(2024)
- 3-6 octaves of bells
- theme from the TV show
- available at Sheet Music Direct
Cheers (Where Everybody Knows Your Name) (2024)
- 3-5 octaves of bells
- theme from TV show “Cheers”
- available at Sheet Music Direct
Ducktales Theme (2024)
- 4-5 octaves of bells
- theme from the TV show
- available at Sheet Music Plus
Gilligan’s Island (2024)
- 3-6 octaves of bells
- theme from the TV show
- available at Sheet Music Plus
Happy Days (2024)
- 3-6 octaves of bells
- theme from the TV show
- available at Sheet Music Direct
The Jeffersons Theme (Movin’ On Up) (2024)
- 3-6 octaves of bells
- theme song from the TV show The Jeffersons
- available at Sheet Music Direct
Phineas & Ferb Theme (2024)
- 3-6 octaves of bells
- an arrangement of the theme song from the TV show Phineas & Ferb
- lots of chromatic bell changes for most of the ensemble
- available at Sheet Music Plus
Lookin’ Out My Back Door (2024)
- 3-6 octaves of bells
- an arrangement of the song by Creedence Clearwater Revival
- dedicated to the Circle City Ringers
- available at Sheet Music Plus
Down on the Corner (2024)
- 3-6 octaves of bells
- an arrangement of the song by Creedence Clearwater Revival
- dedicated to the Circle City Ringers
- available at Sheet Music Plus
Bells on the Sea (2024)
- 2-3 octaves of bells
- a medley of sea shanties and nautical songs
- includes Mingulay Boat Song (Lochaber), Lowlands Low, Old Maui, and Leave Her Johnny
- being published by Sonology Music
Veni Emmanuel (2018)
- 2-3 octaves of bells
- based on the 13th century plainchant
- very smooth and chantlike
Now Thank We All Our God (2018)
- 2-3 octaves of bells
- a gentle setting of Johann Crüger’s NUN DANKET from the 17th century
Guide Me (2018)
- 2 octaves of bells
- an interesting arrangement of John Hughes’ 1907 CWM RHONDDA, or Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
- being published by Sonology Music
Reki (Rivers) (2017)
- 3-6 octaves of bells
- a medley of Russian folk songs
- includes “Song of the Volga Boatmen,” “The Cossacks Ride over the Danube,” and “Kalinka”
Eternal Hope (2017)
- 3-5 octaves of bells
- based on PROSPECT, a hymn from Southern Harmony (1849)
Moonlight Sonata (2015)
- 4-7 octaves of bells
- was originally written by Ludwig van Beethoven
- commissioned by Lisa Vandertol in honor of her father
Golliwog’s Cakewalk (2012)
- 4-6 octaves of bells
- was originally written by Claude Debussy
Sweet Hour of Prayer (2012)
- 3-5 octaves of bells
- was originally written by William B. Bradbury
The Lily of the Valley (2012)
- 3-5 octaves of bells
- was originally written by William S. Hays
David’s Prayer (2012)
- Baritone soloist and 4-6 octaves of bells
- was originally written by Michael Costa
- commissioned by Eric J. Wickens
Evening Hymn (2011)
- Baritone soloist and 5 octaves of bells
- was originally written by Henry Purcell
- commissioned by Eric J. Wickens
Funeral March (2009)
- 4-6 octaves
- Chopin’s “Funeral March” (from his Piano Sonata Op.35)
- published by Tinnio Ergo Sum Press
Allegretto (from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7) (2008)
- 4-6 octaves
- the Second Movement from Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony
- available at Sheet Music Direct
Aubrey’s Waltz (2008)
- 4-6 octaves
- was originally written by Luigi Boccherini and called “I spagnoli si divertono per la strada”
- made popular in the movie “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World”
- published by From The Top Music
Larghetto (from Benda’s Sinfonia No. 11) (2008)
- 3-5 octaves
- from Georg Benda’s Sinfonia No. 11
- published by Tinnio Ergo Sum Press
- also available at Sonology Music
Minute Waltz (2008)
- 3-7 octaves
- Frederic Chopin’s Waltz, Opus 64, No. 1, marked molto vivace
- available at Sonology Music
The Chicken Dance (2007)
- 4-6 octaves
- the malleted bells sound surprisingly like chickens clucking
Ave Verum Corpus (2006)
- 3-5 octaves of handbells and chimes
- a short Eucharistic hymn by Mozart, originally for SATB choir, strings, and organ
- available at Sonology Music
2nd Suite in F (Holst) (2005)
- 3-7 octaves of handbells and 3-5 octaves of chimes
- all four movements of Gustav Holst’s Second Suite for Military Band
- March (arr. for 3-7 octaves of bells & 3 octaves of chimes)
- Song without Words (arr. for 3-5 octaves of bells and 3-5 octaves of chimes)
- Song of the Blacksmith (arr. for 4-5 octaves of bells)
- Fantasia on the ‘Dargason’ (arr. for 5-6 octaves of bells and 5 octaves of chimes)
- available at Sonology Music
William Bell’s Overture (2005/2009)
- 2-4 octaves
- Scott’s original transcription of the final part of Gioacchino Rossini’s overture (the “Lone Ranger” part)
- available at Sonology Music
- 4-7 octaves
- expanded and reworked
- performed at Pinnacle 2010 by the Circle City Ringers
- available at Sonology Music
- video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZtIa6S9lvU
Ravel’s Bolero (2004)
- 6 octaves of handbells and 3 octaves of chimes
- variations on Maurice Ravel’s famous piece
- written for Embellish Handbell Ensemble
- performed at Pinnacle 2004 by Embellish
- available at Sonology Music
Fantasia para un gentilhombre (2003)
- 5 octaves of bells, 5 octaves of chimes, and solo guitar
- from Joaquin Rodrigo’s original composition in 4 movements
- I. Villano y Ricercar
- II. Española y Fanfare de la Caballeria de Napoles
- III. Danza de las Hachas
- IV. Canario
Vivaldi Guitar Concerto in D Major (2003)
- 5-6 octaves of bells and solo guitar
- from Antonio Vivaldi’s original concerto in 3 movements
Snowflakes Are Dancing (2002)
- 5 octaves
- from Claude Debussy’s original
- lots of LVs and suspended malleting
Slavonic Dance #8 (2001)
- 5-6 octaves
- from Antonin Dvorak’s first set of Slavonic dances, Opus 46
Christmas
Wenceslas Variations (2018)
- 3-6 octaves
- variations include playing the theme against Chopsticks, Drunken Sailor, Great Gate of Kiev, and Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto #2
- available at Sheet Music Plus
Midnight Clear (2018)
- 3-5 octaves
Jingle Bellistic (2011)
- 3-7 octaves
- dedicated to Bellistic! of Grand Rapids, Michigan
- published by Tinnio Ergo Sum Press
Tannenbaum Variations (2007)
- 3-6 octaves
- written for the Circle City Ringers
- published by Tinnio Ergo Sum Press
Silver Bells (with Silent Night) (2005)
- 5 octaves of bells and 4 octaves of chimes (just lowest 1.5 octaves)
Rise up Shepherds and Swing (2004)
- 5 octaves
- jazzy arrangement of this Christmas song
- written for Embellish Handbell Ensemble
- available at Sheet Music Direct
Betlehem Városban (2003)
- 3-6 octaves
- traditional Hungarian carol
- available at Sheet Music Direct
Ein Kindlein in der Wiegen (2003)
- 3-6 octaves and SATB choir
- traditional Austrian carol
- available at Sheet Music Direct
Los Peces en el Rio (2002)
- 4-6 octaves
- traditional Mexican carol
- written for Embellish Handbell Ensemble
- available at Sonology Music
Once in Royal David’s City (2002)
- 3-6 octaves
- jazzy arrangement of this Christmas song
- available at Sonology Music
Wind Ensemble / Concert Band
The Memory of Persistence (2010)
- Scott’s Master’s Thesis Composition
- The piece is a combination of styles, philosophies, and techniques, all in balance with each other. Avant-garde and traditional techniques are used; tonality and atonality vie with each other, resulting in a combination of the two; specific musical directions are balanced by a degree of choice available to each participant.
- available for free through Butler University’s Digital Commons
A Russian Soldier (1990)
- Scott’s Bachelor’s Degree Final Composition
- incorporating several Russian folk tunes and blending them with original melodies