“Across the Valley” is a piece that reveals something new and something old for the Southern California native and composer Brandon Walker. 

In 1989, Brandon composed the Chopin-esque piece for piano while attending University of Southern California’s prestigious music program. The short ABA composition became more than just an exercise, however, with its poetic grace, serene melodious lines and gracefully flowing accompaniment in 3/4 waltz time. The piece captured much of Brandon’s early musical development influences and classical piano style. 

The piece, while finely composed, was not given much thought until some 30 years later with the circumstances of the Covid lockdown. With the hiatus from live performances, Brandon had time to focus on his favorite pastime: orchestration! In looking for piano music to transcribe and orchestrate, Brandon came upon his piece from university days by chance and good fortune. The piece transcribed relatively easily for a chamber or small orchestra. The nature of the composition in its orchestrated state, however, called for something more with the additional instrumental colors. With an added A and B section, including some minor thematic development, the piece bloomed into something beautiful and elegant that Brandon had never expected. Further, in the theme of human kind overcoming obstacles as being experienced today, the title “Across the Valley” was given to complete this piece as a symbol of hope, peace, and prosperity. 

Photograph is by Ricardo Frantz.

The music was produced using StaffPad for iOS and Spitfire Audio Chamber String and Symphonic Libraries.

You can find another recent original orchestration by Brandon Walker here.