Instrumental Works

Gabriel Novak is a composer and multi-instrumentalist whose instrumental works range from orchestral to contemporary chamber music to solo pieces, often inspired by jazz, blues, American vernacular, and experimental improvisation. His compositions are known for blending structure with spontaneity, providing musicians with space for personal expression within intricate, thought-provoking frameworks.

One of Novak's recent collaborations, Calapitter, was written for 13 musicians and premiered by The Grossman Ensemble in Chicago. The work exemplifies his unique approach to composition, transforming familiar ideas through playful "spoonerisms" that subvert traditional expectations while maintaining a sense of nostalgia. Novak’s instrumental pieces often merge his deep understanding of American musical traditions—especially jazz and blues—with more experimental techniques. His work invites musicians to explore improvisational elements, allowing for a dynamic interplay between the composed and the unexpected.

Novak’s experience teaching composition and improvisation, combined with his commitment to diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, further enhances his compositional style. His works are designed to be engaging both intellectually and emotionally, resonating with audiences from a wide range of musical backgrounds. Through his compositions, Novak pushes boundaries while remaining rooted in the traditions and sounds that have shaped his musical voice.

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Instrumental Works

Calapitter

for 13 virtuosi, premiered by the Grossman Ensemble

persual score

Spur

for brass quintet, premiered by Axiom Brass

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languor | topor

for string quartet, premiered by Quatuor Diotima

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Echoes of Blue Notes

for 11 musicians and tape, premiered at the Cleveland Institute of Music

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Theloniousphere

for solo flute, performed by Diondré McKinney

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Arts

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