Official site of composer Andrea Clearfield. Biography, list of works with audio, score samples, reviews and program notes, photographs, upcoming performances.
Pull down works menu for categories or click here: opera,choral, chamber, vocal, orchestral, collaborative. For info, audio, reviews and publisher, click on titles. To order music or perusal scores, or to inquire about commissions and engagements, contact Trudy Chan, Black Tea Music at tc@blackteamusic.com To contact Andrea:
Long Live the Queen (a her-story of Drag) (in progress) hour-long multimedia cantata for drag artist soloist, chorus and chamber ensemble, libretto and costumes by Cookie Diorio.
Duo for Symphony & Stix(in progress), commissioned by Musicopia in celebration of their 30 Year Anniversary and featuring West Powelton Steppers & Drum Squad, Antoine Mapp, director (“Sixers Stixers”) and Main Line Symphony Orchestra, Don Liuzzi, conductor
If each day falls inside each night (after Neruda) (in progress), string quartet commissioned by the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society for premiere by the Erinys Quartet on May 11, 2025
Prelude and Fugue (in progress),commissioned by the Canadian Guitar Quartet, premiere and recording 2026.
New work for Euphonium and Piano (in progress), commissioned by Benjamin Pierce
New work for Saxophone and Piano (in progress), commissioned by Kenneth Tse
New work for SATB Chorus and chamber ensemble to poetry of Rumi (in progress), commissioned by Eugene Rogers for the University of Michigan Chamber Choir, premiere Fall 2026.
the rest between two notes (after Rilke) (2024) for alto flute solo, commissioned by Arcana New Music Ensemble
Rise for horn and piano (2023), commissioned by the Katie Johnson-Webb and the University of Tennessee
Smile Thy Shores for vocal octet and cello, commissioned by The Presser Foundation (2023), dedicated to Dr. Jeffrey Cornelius
Aria for Violin and Piano, for Stephen Macbeth (2023)
Beyond the Binary (a meditation on humans and machines),cantata for SATB, percussion, piano and keyboard sampler, commissioned by Mendelssohn Chorus, new arrangement for Ember Arts (2023)
Beyond the Binary (a meditation on humans and machines) (2022), 45 minute cantata for SATB chorus with multiple percussionists, custom built instruments by David Kontak and digital sound, libretto by Ellen Frankel, commissioned by the Mendelssohn Chorus. May 15, 2022 premiere at The Fillmore, Philadelphia. Read the WHYY feature article.
Reflections on the Dranyen (2022) for solo classical guitar, commissioned by William Kanengiser (Los Angeles Guitar Quartet), who premiered the work on May 14, 2022 in Shaker Heights, OH. Selected as the required piece for the 2022 GFA International Competition. Listen to the finalists here. Purchase the work here.
Standing at the Beam (2021), 11 minutes, for SATB chorus and string quintet to poetry by Anthony Silvestri for Michigan State Chorale, premiere MSU, April 2, 2022. Listen to the premiere here.
Singing into Presence (2022) to poetry by Kitty O’Meara, scored for soprano soloist, chorus and orchestra commissioned and premiered by the University of New Mexico Chorus and Orchestra, May 5, 2022 at Popejoy Hall, UNM. The work is on the theme of moving through, and emerging from, the pandemic. Listen to the work here. 16:10 Katherine O’Meara reads the poem. The piece begins at 20:20.
A Brush with our Time (2022) vocal quartet or choral cantata with flute, Shakuhachi flute, percussion and piano, libretto by Doreen Rao after “Painting Peace: Art in a Time of Global Crisis” by Kazuaki Tanahashi. Commissioned by Fourth Coast Ensemble. Choral cantata arrangement supported by the Women’s International Study Center and Acequia Madre House in Santa Fe.
Pan With Us (2006, arr. 2022) to poetry by Robert Frost (A Boy’s Will) for soprano and baritone soloist, SATB chorus and orchestra. Arrangement commissioned by University of New Mexico, originally commissioned by Handel Society of Dartmouth College. New Mexico premiere, May 5, 2022, Popejoy Hall, UNM. Listen here at 0:00.
Let Us Remember Spring, 2022, to poetry by Charlotte Mew (“Spring, 1915″), art song for soprano and piano commissioned by soprano Laura Strickling for her 40@40 project.
Where Everything is Music (2022) for treble chorus and piano to poetry by Rumi, commissioned by Sigma Alpha Iota. Premiere at the SAI National Convention, Greensboro, NC, July 29, 2022
Home in Me (I. Body, II. Speech, III. Heart/Mind) (2019-2022) to poetry by Sienna Craig for treble chorus, percussion (2), piano, commissioned by a consortium of treble choirs and National Concerts for premiere at Carnegie Hall, 2021
Stephen’s Song (2020) piano solo – 3 1/2 minutes
Rock Hill (2021) for soprano and piano to poetry by Manfred Fischbeck. Dedicated to Manfred Fischbeck. Premiere on March 13, 2021, Group Motion Celebration.
HERE I AM: I AM HERE (2020) for two narrators, tenor and soprano soloists, SATB chorus, string quartet and piano, commissioned by Coro Allegro for premiere at Old South Church, Boston on November 6, 2023
Ha-Galgal (The Wheel – 2019) for horn solo, commissioned by Julie Landsman
Transformed by Fire Choral Suite (2020) 40 min. cantata for baritone and soprano soloists, SATB chorus, and piano, to poetry by Ariana Kramer, commissioned by two NM residents, premiere by Florida State University Singers, Kevon Fenton, Director, April 12, 2022.
“It was a great pleasure having conducted the world premiere of Andrea Clearfield’s new concerto GLOW for electric guitar and chamber orchestra with the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. Andrea shows once again that she is a great composer, expressing herself in a very personal innovative musical language. Spectacular solo lines, inventive rhythms, powerful sound explosions, colorful orchestration, thrilling dialogues between soloist and orchestra and sensitive spiritual moments. It’s all there. No wonder she has a great international reputation…” –Dirk Brossé, Music Director, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, May 19, 2019
Earth Door/Sky Door (2018) for Music from Angelfire 2018 Festival, Ida Kavafian, Artistic Director
The Song of Hannah (2018) for SATB chorus and organ, commissioned by the Women’s Sacred Music Project. Text to 1 Samuel 2:1-9
a space between (2018) for marimba solo and string quartet with spoken word commissioned by Global Premiere Commissioning Project. Premiered by Lee Hinkle and 21st Century Consort. 14 minutes.
Tides of Breath (2018) for low flute choir commissioned by Sue Blessing Foundation for the International Low Flute Festival (2018). 14 minutes.
Now Close the Windows for treble choir (SSAA) and piano (2011, arr. 2018), commissioned by Lyric Fest, choral arrangement dedicated to Sandra Snow. Published by Boosey & Hawkes.
Rabsong Shar – The Eastern Room of the Palace – (2016) commissioned by University of Arkansas New Music Ensemble for soprano and chamber orchestra, 12:23
Round for Three Muses (2017) for percussion solo, percussion ensemble and electronics commissioned by Yun Ju Pan and the MSU Percussion Ensemble
Khandroma Khandroma (Sky Dancer- 2017) , commissioned by the Esoterics, Eric Banks, Artistic Director, poetry by Sienna Craig
Transformed by Fire (2017) for baritone, chorus and piano , composed as part of the Leopold Writing Program, Ariana Kramer, poet
Widening Circles for solo piano (2018) Commissioned by Network for New Music in honor of Linda Reichert’s 34 year tenure as Artistic Director
Hvati (2016) for tuba and piano, commissioned for Oystein Baadsvik by Froydis Ree Wekre, 12 min.
A Dream of Trees (2016) for violin and bass commissioned by Martha Walvoord and Jack Unzicker, 15 min.
love is a place (2016) for flute and piano commissioned by Toby Rotman, Lisa Giannone and Lucille Seeley, 5 min.
River Melos (2016) arranged for trombone and piano for Ava Ordman.
That Summer: A Fantasia on Family (2016) for men’s chorus, piano and 2 percussion, commissioned by the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus to libretto by Tom Gualtieri, 17 min.
Alleluia (2016) for SATB chorus, commissioned by the Mendelssohn Club in honor of Alan Harler, published by Boosey & Hawkes
Tse Go La Chamber Suite (2016) for vocal soloist, flute, piano, percussion and string quintet commissioned by the Taos Chamber Music Group, Nancy Laupheimer, Artistic Director, published by Seeadot
White Lotus (2015) for SATB chorus, electronics and film commissioned by Schola on Hudson, Deborah King, Artistic Director
Losing Everyone (2015) for alto flute and guitar. For Duo Sequenza
River Melos (2014) for horn and piano commissioned by Denise Tryon (4th Horn, The Philadelphia Orchestra). Published by Brass Arts Unlimited
AfterBach (2014) for two flutes for Mimi Stillman and the 10 Year Anniversary of her Dolce Suono Ensemble. Premiered with Mimi Stillman and Jeffrey Khaner, Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Flute, 1/18/2015 in Philadelphia.
The Kiss (2013) for women’s chorus, cello and piano commissioned by the Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus. Published by Boosey & Hawkes, recorded by mirabai women’s choir, 7 minutes
When I am Woman (2013) for treble choir and piano, commissioned by the Pennsylvania Girlchoir for their 10 Year Anniversary to poetry by Sonia Sanchez. Published by Boosey & Hawkes
Daughter of the Sea (2014) for Oboe Duo Agosto: Ling-Fei Kang and Charles Huang, commissioned by the Women Composers Festival of Hartford, 20 minutes
Just as mist on a mirror fades (2014) for mezzo soprano or countertenor, piano and electronics
Just as Mist on a Mirror Fades (2013) electronic score for visual artist Martha Boyden in collaboration with dhrupad vocalist Amelia Cuni
Taos: Ceremony and Celebration (2014) electronic score for poet Devreaux Baker and photographer Lenny Foster
Sagitta (2014) for flute and guitar commissioned by the Diller-Quaile School of Music
Califia and the Trespassers (2013) electroacoustic score for installation performance work with Quintan Ana Wikso, filmmaker/poet and Manfred Fischbeck, choreographer.
This Arc Toward Justice (2013) for soprano, alto saxophone and piano to poetry by Angelique Nixon. Commissioned by Susquehanna University
Romanza (2013) for alto saxophone and piano, arrangement commissioned by Joseph Abad
Civitella Gateway (2013), electronic composition for the Civitella Ranieri Foundation
The Drift of Things; Winter Songs (2012), 9 movement song cycle for mezzo-soprano, baritone and piano, commissioned by Lyric Fest for their 10 year anniversary, 45 minutes
Tse Go La – At the threshold of this life (2012) for double chorus (SATB and SSA), chamber orchestra and electronics. Co-commissioned by the Mendelssohn Club and the Pennsylvania Girl Choir (32 minutes)
Les Fenêtres (2011) cantata for soprano and mezzo soprano soloists, chorus and orchestra to poetry by Rainer Maria Rilke. Commissioned by Singing City, Jeffrey Brillhart, artistic director, for the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts with the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia (15 min.)
Poet of the Body and the Soul (2012) for The College of New Jersey Chorale to poetry from “Song of Myself” by Walt Whitman, John Leonard, artistic director, premiere March 17, 2012
Three Tenses of Light (2012) for SATB chorus and string quartet.Commissioned by The Newburyport Chamber Music Festival, Rhina P. Espaillat, poet, David Yang, artistic director, premiere August, 2012
Melisma from The Long Bright (arr. 2012) for soprano, flute, violin, cello, guitar and piano. Commissioned by the Philmore Ensemble
Amok from The Golem Psalms (2006, rev. 2011) for baritone and piano. Commissioned by The Mendelssohn Club, Alan Harler, artistic director
Chinnamasta (2011), electronic score. Commissioned and premiered by Group Motion Dance Company, Mandell Theater, Philadelphia
Schwarzer Tod (2011), electronic score. Commissioned by Group Motion Dance Company in collaboration with visual artist Quintan Ana Wikswo, premiere November, 2011, Community Education Center, Philadelphia, NYC premiere, Jewish Museum, 1/12
Hagar (2011) for soprano and mezzo soloists, violin, percussion, piano and narrator, to new text by Ellen Frankel. Commissioned by The Women’s Sacred Music Project, Premiered at Daylesford Abbey and Germantown Jewish Center, 2011
Women of Valor Suite (2011) for soprano and mezzo soloists, violin, percussion, piano and narrator, to 11 texts by contemporary women poets. Arranged from Clearfield’s hour-long cantata, Women of Valor
Canyon (2011), arrangement from The Rim of Love cantata, for soprano, flute, strings, piano, guitar and percussion. Commissioned by The Philadelphia School (5 minutes).
Unimagined Bridges (2010) for Native American and transverse flutes (17 minutes). Commissioned by Lisamarie McGrath.
Kawa Ma Gyur (2010) for oboe, bassoon, percussion, vln, vla, vlc, electronics (11:25 minutes) inspired by indigenous Tibetan music that Andrea documented on her recent trek to Lo Monthang, Nepal. Commissioned by Network for New Music, Linda Reichert, artistic director.
Remembrance (2010) electronic score (12 minutes)
Commissioned by Group Motion Dance Company, Manfred Fischbeck, artistic director
Where there lies dreaming (2010) for electronic score. Commissioned by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in celebration of the life and work of Mary Hallock Greenewalt.
A reminiscence sing (2009) for soprano, oboe and string quintet or for soprano (or tenor) clarinet and piano, soprano (or tenor) and piano. Dedicated to Maestro James Freeman in celebration of his 70th birthday (8 minutes)
Cal-3 (2009) piano solo, for choreographer/dancer Debby Kajiyama with José Navarrete and painter Heiner Riepl (7 minutes)
Scherzo after a theme by Diabelli (2009) piccolo, cello and piano, for Network for New Music (celebrating their 25th Anniversary)
Lung-Ta (2009) — for fl, ob, cl, bsn, perc., vln, vla, vlc, digital recordings (25 minutes)
Commissioned by Network for New Music
Our Better Angels (2009) — for men’s chorus (TTBB), brass, harp, percussion and organ (40 minutes)
Commissioned by the Turtle Creek Chorale
“Simply Love Them” from Our Better Angels (2009) — for tenor and baritone duet, and piano (5 minutes)
Kabo Omowale (Welcome Home Child), (2008) — choral cantata for SATB chorus (suitable for inter—generational chorus), narrator and orchestra (18 minutes)
Commissioned by The Philadelphia Orchestra
Into The Blue (2008) — for SATB chorus, flute, vibraphone and piano (8 minutes), also available for SATB, flute, piano and SATB and piano.
Commissioned by The Rainbow Chorale of Delaware
Convergence (2008) — for viola and piano (10 minutes)
Commissioned by Barbara Westphal
Farlorn Alemen (2008) — song cycle for soprano and piano (15 minutes). Upcoming arrangement for SATB chorus and piano
Song cycle commissioned by Raya Gonen. Choral arrangement commissioned by Nashirah: The Jewish Chorale of Greater Philadelphia
Dream Variations (2007) – for SATB chorus, flute, viola, harp and organ (22 minutes)
Commissioned by The Debussy Trio
Romanza (2007) — for Violin and Orchestra or Violin and Chamber Orchestra (20 minutes)
Commissioned by Orchestra 2001
Sonic Circuits (2007) — for cello and film (with interactive technology)
Commissioned by Chamber Music Now (10 minutes)
Fire and Ice (2007) — choral cantata for soprano and baritone soloists, SATB chorus and orchestra, (46 minutes)
Commissioned by The Handel Society of Dartmouth College on the occasion of its bicentennial anniversary
“Fragmentary Blue” from Fire and Ice, (2007) — for soprano and piano (4 minutes)
“The Demiurge’s Laugh” from Fire and Ice (2007) — for baritone and piano (5 minutes)
The Golem Psalms (2006) — choral cantata for baritone soloist, SATB chorus and orchestra (30 minutes)
Commissioned by The Mendelssohn Club
“Amok” from The Golem Psalms (2006) — for baritone and piano (4 minutes)
The Shape of My Soul (2005) — SSAA chorus and string quartet (or piano) (7:35)
Commissioned by the Anna Crusis Women’s Choir in celebration of their 30 Year Anniversary
The Rim of Love (2005) — for soprano, harp, percussion and string orchestra (20 minutes)
Commissioned by Astral. Also available for soprano and piano.
“Canyon” from The Rim of Love (2005) — for sop. and piano (5 minutes)
L is for Laughter (2005) for soprano, flute (or oboe), cello and piano, or soprano and piano
Commissioned by Jane Foster (5 minutes)
The Long Bright (2004) — soprano solo, treble chorus and orchestra (one hour)
Commissioned by David Wolman
“The Bridge” from The Long Bright (2004) — for soprano and piano (6 minutes)
“Melisma” from The Long Bright (2004) — for soprano and piano (5 minutes)
River Melos (2004) — for tuba and piano
The River of God (2003) — for SATB chorus and organ (7 minutes)
Commissioned by the American Guild of Organists
Into the Falcon’s Eye (2003) — 2 horns and piano, also arranged for clarinet, horn and piano; clarinet, cello and piano; 2 celli and piano (11:07)
Commissioned by Froydis Ree Wekre.
Sarah (arr. 2003) from Women of Valor, SSA chorus, flute, percussion, piano (7:07 minutes)
Commissioned by the Women’s Sacred Music Project
always (light) — fragments (love) (2000)> — soprano, flute, cello, piano (11 minutes)
Commissioned by Network for New Music
Women of Valor (2000) — soprano, mezzo soprano soloists, narrator, orchestra (1 hour, 5 minutes)
Women of Valor Chamber Version (2000, arr. 2009) — sop. 1 or 2 mezzo sop., narr., vln., perc., pno. (1 hour)
Leah, Ruth, Rachel, soprano set from Women of Valor (2000) — for soprano and piano (15 minutes)
The Song of Ruth” from Women of Valo (2000) — for soprano and piano (5 minutes)
Leah’s Aria from Women of Valor (2000) — for mz. solo, harp, piano, strings, narrator (6 minutes). Also available for mezzo and piano.
“Jocheved” from Women of Valor(2000) — for soprano and mezzo duet and piano (5 minutes)
Rachel’s Aria from Women of Valor (2000) — for sop. solo, harp, piano, strings, (5 minutes). Also available for soprano and piano.
Miriam’s Dance from Women of Valor (2000) — for sop. and mz. solos, harp, piano, strings, narrator (5:30 minutes)
Commissioned by The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony
Hannah’s Prayer from Women of Valor (2000) — for sop. solo, harp, strings, narrator. (7 minutes)
Fanfare for the Millenium (2000) — symphony orchestra, for the Tacoma Symphony (2 1/2 minutes)
Timecycle (2000) — for soprano and clarinet
Commissioned by the Pennsylvania and Delaware Music Teachers National Association (16 minutes)
Awake at Dawn (2000) — for soprano solo, SATB chorus, strings, harp and percussion
Commissioned by The Music Group of Philadelphia, Sean Deibler, artistic director (20 minutes)
Trax (2000) — marimba quartet for Battery 4 Percussion Group (6:22 minutes)
Jocheved (2000, arr. 2001) — SSA chorus, flute, percussion, piano
Commissioned by The Women’s Sacred Music Project and The Lady Chapel Singers (5:25 minutes)
Double Play (1999) — piano, percussion (11 minutes)
Commissioned by the Hoffmann/Goldstein Duo.
Millennium Fanfare (1999) — 2 horns, 4 trpts, 3 trbns (1 1/2 minutes)
Commissioned by Concerto Soloists of Philadelphia
Only The Wind (1995, rev. 1998) — for soprano, clarinet, piano (14 minutes)
Commissioned by Melissa Perry
Drip to Me Only (1998) — electronic tape (5 minutes)
Angelfire (1998) — fl, vla, ob, cl, bsn, bass, perc, pno, for the Relâche Ensemble (16:26 minutes)
Legacy (1997) — soprano, flute, piano (10 minutes)
Reminiscence (1997) — English Horn and piano (also for English Horn and string quartet or string orchestra)
Commissioned by George Corbett (8 minutes). Published by International Opus
Under the Sleeping Tree (1990) — soprano, oboe, piano (5:30 minutes)
Into the Distance (1990) — soprano, baritone, oboe, cello, piano (10 minutes)
Time and Space (1989)— soprano, oboe, piano (5 minutes)
In Memoriam (1989) — soprano, 2 flutes, piano (6 minutes)
Diary of Justyna (1988) — collaborative work dance, theater and music with Manfred Fischbeck — for chorus, chamber chorus, sop solo, sax, 2 synthesizers, perc. (30 minutes)
Sea Trilogy (1988) — soprano, 2 flutes, piano (8 minutes)
Photo by Joanna Eldredge Morrissey
Audio Excerpts
Romanza (2007)
For violin and chamber orchestra
Commissioned by Orchestra 2001
The Long Bright (2004)
For soprano, children’s chorus and orchestra
Commissioned by David Wolman
The Golem Psalms (2006)
For baritone, SATB chorus and orchestra
Commissioned by The Mendelssohn Club
Three Songs for Violin and Double Bass
after poems by Pablo Neruda (1998)
For Heide Sibley and Edgar Meyer
Hannah’s Prayer from Women of Valor (2000)
For soprano, mezzo-soprano, narrator and orchestra
List of Works
Pull down works menu for categories or click here: opera, choral, chamber, vocal, orchestral, collaborative. For info, audio, reviews and publisher, click on titles. To order music or perusal scores, or to inquire about commissions and engagements, contact Trudy Chan, Black Tea Music at tc@blackteamusic.com To contact Andrea:
Long Live the Queen (a her-story of Drag) (in progress) hour-long multimedia cantata for drag artist soloist, chorus and chamber ensemble, libretto and costumes by Cookie Diorio.
Duo for Symphony & Stix (in progress), commissioned by Musicopia in celebration of their 30 Year Anniversary and featuring West Powelton Steppers & Drum Squad, Antoine Mapp, director (“Sixers Stixers”) and Main Line Symphony Orchestra, Don Liuzzi, conductor
If each day falls inside each night (after Neruda) (in progress), string quartet commissioned by the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society for premiere by the Erinys Quartet on May 11, 2025
Prelude and Fugue (in progress),commissioned by the Canadian Guitar Quartet, premiere and recording 2026.
New work for Euphonium and Piano (in progress), commissioned by Benjamin Pierce
New work for Saxophone and Piano (in progress), commissioned by Kenneth Tse
New work for SATB Chorus and chamber ensemble to poetry of Rumi (in progress), commissioned by Eugene Rogers for the University of Michigan Chamber Choir, premiere Fall 2026.
the rest between two notes (after Rilke) (2024) for alto flute solo, commissioned by Arcana New Music Ensemble
Rise for horn and piano (2023), commissioned by the Katie Johnson-Webb and the University of Tennessee
When We Listen (2022) for SATB chorus, commissioned by Singing City to poetry by Susan Windle.
Smile Thy Shores for vocal octet and cello, commissioned by The Presser Foundation (2023), dedicated to Dr. Jeffrey Cornelius
Aria for Violin and Piano, for Stephen Macbeth (2023)
Beyond the Binary (a meditation on humans and machines),cantata for SATB, percussion, piano and keyboard sampler, commissioned by Mendelssohn Chorus, new arrangement for Ember Arts (2023)
Beyond the Binary (a meditation on humans and machines) (2022), 45 minute cantata for SATB chorus with multiple percussionists, custom built instruments by David Kontak and digital sound, libretto by Ellen Frankel, commissioned by the Mendelssohn Chorus. May 15, 2022 premiere at The Fillmore, Philadelphia. Read the WHYY feature article.
Reflections on the Dranyen (2022) for solo classical guitar, commissioned by William Kanengiser (Los Angeles Guitar Quartet), who premiered the work on May 14, 2022 in Shaker Heights, OH. Selected as the required piece for the 2022 GFA International Competition. Listen to the finalists here. Purchase the work here.
Standing at the Beam (2021), 11 minutes, for SATB chorus and string quintet to poetry by Anthony Silvestri for Michigan State Chorale, premiere MSU, April 2, 2022. Listen to the premiere here.
Singing into Presence (2022) to poetry by Kitty O’Meara, scored for soprano soloist, chorus and orchestra commissioned and premiered by the University of New Mexico Chorus and Orchestra, May 5, 2022 at Popejoy Hall, UNM. The work is on the theme of moving through, and emerging from, the pandemic. Listen to the work here. 16:10 Katherine O’Meara reads the poem. The piece begins at 20:20.
A Brush with our Time (2022) vocal quartet or choral cantata with flute, Shakuhachi flute, percussion and piano, libretto by Doreen Rao after “Painting Peace: Art in a Time of Global Crisis” by Kazuaki Tanahashi. Commissioned by Fourth Coast Ensemble. Choral cantata arrangement supported by the Women’s International Study Center and Acequia Madre House in Santa Fe.
Pan With Us (2006, arr. 2022) to poetry by Robert Frost (A Boy’s Will) for soprano and baritone soloist, SATB chorus and orchestra. Arrangement commissioned by University of New Mexico, originally commissioned by Handel Society of Dartmouth College. New Mexico premiere, May 5, 2022, Popejoy Hall, UNM. Listen here at 0:00.
Let Us Remember Spring, 2022, to poetry by Charlotte Mew (“Spring, 1915″), art song for soprano and piano commissioned by soprano Laura Strickling for her 40@40 project.
Where Everything is Music (2022) for treble chorus and piano to poetry by Rumi, commissioned by Sigma Alpha Iota. Premiere at the SAI National Convention, Greensboro, NC, July 29, 2022
Home in Me (I. Body, II. Speech, III. Heart/Mind) (2019-2022) to poetry by Sienna Craig for treble chorus, percussion (2), piano, commissioned by a consortium of treble choirs and National Concerts for premiere at Carnegie Hall, 2021
Stephen’s Song (2020) piano solo – 3 1/2 minutes
Rock Hill (2021) for soprano and piano to poetry by Manfred Fischbeck. Dedicated to Manfred Fischbeck. Premiere on March 13, 2021, Group Motion Celebration.
HERE I AM: I AM HERE (2020) for two narrators, tenor and soprano soloists, SATB chorus, string quartet and piano, commissioned by Coro Allegro for premiere at Old South Church, Boston on November 6, 2023
Prayer to the Shechinah (2019) for SATB chorus and instrumental ensemble, commissioned by Conspirare Chorus, Craig Hella Johnson, director. Listen on youtube here.
Ha-Galgal (The Wheel – 2019) for horn solo, commissioned by Julie Landsman
Transformed by Fire Choral Suite (2020) 40 min. cantata for baritone and soprano soloists, SATB chorus, and piano, to poetry by Ariana Kramer, commissioned by two NM residents, premiere by Florida State University Singers, Kevon Fenton, Director, April 12, 2022.
Danse Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah (2019) by Camille Saint-Saens, arr. Andrea Clearfield, for chamber orchestra, commissioned by the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. Watch on Youtube – Radio Philharmonic Orchestra in the Netherlands.
MILA, great sorcerer (2018) with libretto by Jean- Claude van Itallie and Lois Walden, commissioned by Gene Kaufman and Terry Eder. Premiered at PROTOTYPE in NYC Jan. 12, 13, 2019. Review: MILA, Great Sorcerer: A Fabulous Surprise
GLOW for electric guitar and chamber orchestra (2019), commissioned by the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Maestro Dirk Brossé, Music Director, Jordan Dodson, soloist. Premiered March 31 and April 1, 2019 , Kimmel Center, Philadelphia
“It was a great pleasure having conducted the world premiere of Andrea Clearfield’s new concerto GLOW for electric guitar and chamber orchestra with the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. Andrea shows once again that she is a great composer, expressing herself in a very personal innovative musical language. Spectacular solo lines, inventive rhythms, powerful sound explosions, colorful orchestration, thrilling dialogues between soloist and orchestra and sensitive spiritual moments. It’s all there. No wonder she has a great international reputation…” –Dirk Brossé, Music Director, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, May 19, 2019
Earth Door/Sky Door (2018) for Music from Angelfire 2018 Festival, Ida Kavafian, Artistic Director
The Song of Hannah (2018) for SATB chorus and organ, commissioned by the Women’s Sacred Music Project. Text to 1 Samuel 2:1-9
a space between (2018) for marimba solo and string quartet with spoken word commissioned by Global Premiere Commissioning Project. Premiered by Lee Hinkle and 21st Century Consort. 14 minutes.
Tides of Breath (2018) for low flute choir commissioned by Sue Blessing Foundation for the International Low Flute Festival (2018). 14 minutes.
Now Close the Windows for treble choir (SSAA) and piano (2011, arr. 2018), commissioned by Lyric Fest, choral arrangement dedicated to Sandra Snow. Published by Boosey & Hawkes.
Rabsong Shar – The Eastern Room of the Palace – (2016) commissioned by University of Arkansas New Music Ensemble for soprano and chamber orchestra, 12:23
Round for Three Muses (2017) for percussion solo, percussion ensemble and electronics commissioned by Yun Ju Pan and the MSU Percussion Ensemble
Khandroma Khandroma (Sky Dancer- 2017) , commissioned by the Esoterics, Eric Banks, Artistic Director, poetry by Sienna Craig
Transformed by Fire (2017) for baritone, chorus and piano , composed as part of the Leopold Writing Program, Ariana Kramer, poet
Widening Circles for solo piano (2018) Commissioned by Network for New Music in honor of Linda Reichert’s 34 year tenure as Artistic Director
Hvati (2016) for tuba and piano, commissioned for Oystein Baadsvik by Froydis Ree Wekre, 12 min.
A Dream of Trees (2016) for violin and bass commissioned by Martha Walvoord and Jack Unzicker, 15 min.
love is a place (2016) for flute and piano commissioned by Toby Rotman, Lisa Giannone and Lucille Seeley, 5 min.
River Melos (2016) arranged for trombone and piano for Ava Ordman.
That Summer: A Fantasia on Family (2016) for men’s chorus, piano and 2 percussion, commissioned by the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus to libretto by Tom Gualtieri, 17 min.
Alleluia (2016) for SATB chorus, commissioned by the Mendelssohn Club in honor of Alan Harler, published by Boosey & Hawkes
Tse Go La Chamber Suite (2016) for vocal soloist, flute, piano, percussion and string quintet commissioned by the Taos Chamber Music Group, Nancy Laupheimer, Artistic Director, published by Seeadot
White Lotus (2015) for SATB chorus, electronics and film commissioned by Schola on Hudson, Deborah King, Artistic Director
Compass Kaleidoscope (2015) 5 movement woodwind quintet commissioned by The Pennsylvania Quintet in celebration of their 30 Year Anniversary
Losing Everyone (2015) for alto flute and guitar. For Duo Sequenza
River Melos (2014) for horn and piano commissioned by Denise Tryon (4th Horn, The Philadelphia Orchestra). Published by Brass Arts Unlimited
AfterBach (2014) for two flutes for Mimi Stillman and the 10 Year Anniversary of her Dolce Suono Ensemble. Premiered with Mimi Stillman and Jeffrey Khaner, Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Flute, 1/18/2015 in Philadelphia.
The Kiss (2013) for women’s chorus, cello and piano commissioned by the Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus. Published by Boosey & Hawkes, recorded by mirabai women’s choir, 7 minutes
When I am Woman (2013) for treble choir and piano, commissioned by the Pennsylvania Girlchoir for their 10 Year Anniversary to poetry by Sonia Sanchez. Published by Boosey & Hawkes
Daughter of the Sea (2014) for Oboe Duo Agosto: Ling-Fei Kang and Charles Huang, commissioned by the Women Composers Festival of Hartford, 20 minutes
Just as mist on a mirror fades (2014) for mezzo soprano or countertenor, piano and electronics
Just as Mist on a Mirror Fades (2013) electronic score for visual artist Martha Boyden in collaboration with dhrupad vocalist Amelia Cuni
Taos: Ceremony and Celebration (2014) electronic score for poet Devreaux Baker and photographer Lenny Foster
Sagitta (2014) for flute and guitar commissioned by the Diller-Quaile School of Music
You Bring Out the Doctor in Me (2013) for tenor and piano, commissioned for the AIDS Quilt Songbook
Califia and the Trespassers (2013) electroacoustic score for installation performance work with Quintan Ana Wikso, filmmaker/poet and Manfred Fischbeck, choreographer.
This Arc Toward Justice (2013) for soprano, alto saxophone and piano to poetry by Angelique Nixon. Commissioned by Susquehanna University
Romanza (2013) for alto saxophone and piano, arrangement commissioned by Joseph Abad
Civitella Gateway (2013), electronic composition for the Civitella Ranieri Foundation
The Drift of Things; Winter Songs (2012), 9 movement song cycle for mezzo-soprano, baritone and piano, commissioned by Lyric Fest for their 10 year anniversary, 45 minutes
Tse Go La – At the threshold of this life (2012) for double chorus (SATB and SSA), chamber orchestra and electronics. Co-commissioned by the Mendelssohn Club and the Pennsylvania Girl Choir (32 minutes)
Shar Ki Ri (Mountain in the East) from Tse Go La cantata (2012) for treble chorus and piano, or piano and percussion. Co-commissioned by the Mendelssohn Club and the Pennsylvania Girl Choir (4 minutes)
…and low to the lake falls home (A Memoriam for Margaret and Joseph Wincenc),(2010) for Carol Wincenc and Trio “Les Amies”, Carol Wincenc, flute, Cynthia Phelps, viola, Nancy Allen, harp (25 minutes). Also available for flute and piano.
Commissioned by Carol Wincenc
Les Fenêtres (2011) cantata for soprano and mezzo soprano soloists, chorus and orchestra to poetry by Rainer Maria Rilke. Commissioned by Singing City, Jeffrey Brillhart, artistic director, for the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts with the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia (15 min.)
Poet of the Body and the Soul (2012) for The College of New Jersey Chorale to poetry from “Song of Myself” by Walt Whitman, John Leonard, artistic director, premiere March 17, 2012
Three Tenses of Light (2012) for SATB chorus and string quartet.Commissioned by The Newburyport Chamber Music Festival, Rhina P. Espaillat, poet, David Yang, artistic director, premiere August, 2012
Melisma from The Long Bright (arr. 2012) for soprano, flute, violin, cello, guitar and piano. Commissioned by the Philmore Ensemble
Amok from The Golem Psalms (2006, rev. 2011) for baritone and piano. Commissioned by The Mendelssohn Club, Alan Harler, artistic director
Chinnamasta (2011), electronic score. Commissioned and premiered by Group Motion Dance Company, Mandell Theater, Philadelphia
Schwarzer Tod (2011), electronic score. Commissioned by Group Motion Dance Company in collaboration with visual artist Quintan Ana Wikswo, premiere November, 2011, Community Education Center, Philadelphia, NYC premiere, Jewish Museum, 1/12
Hagar (2011) for soprano and mezzo soloists, violin, percussion, piano and narrator, to new text by Ellen Frankel. Commissioned by The Women’s Sacred Music Project, Premiered at Daylesford Abbey and Germantown Jewish Center, 2011
Women of Valor Suite (2011) for soprano and mezzo soloists, violin, percussion, piano and narrator, to 11 texts by contemporary women poets. Arranged from Clearfield’s hour-long cantata, Women of Valor
Canyon (2011), arrangement from The Rim of Love cantata, for soprano, flute, strings, piano, guitar and percussion. Commissioned by The Philadelphia School (5 minutes).
Unimagined Bridges (2010) for Native American and transverse flutes (17 minutes). Commissioned by Lisamarie McGrath.
Kawa Ma Gyur (2010) for oboe, bassoon, percussion, vln, vla, vlc, electronics (11:25 minutes) inspired by indigenous Tibetan music that Andrea documented on her recent trek to Lo Monthang, Nepal. Commissioned by Network for New Music, Linda Reichert, artistic director.
Remembrance (2010) electronic score (12 minutes)
Commissioned by Group Motion Dance Company, Manfred Fischbeck, artistic director
Where there lies dreaming (2010) for electronic score. Commissioned by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in celebration of the life and work of Mary Hallock Greenewalt.
A reminiscence sing (2009) for soprano, oboe and string quintet or for soprano (or tenor) clarinet and piano, soprano (or tenor) and piano. Dedicated to Maestro James Freeman in celebration of his 70th birthday (8 minutes)
Cal-3 (2009) piano solo, for choreographer/dancer Debby Kajiyama with José Navarrete and painter Heiner Riepl (7 minutes)
Scherzo after a theme by Diabelli (2009) piccolo, cello and piano, for Network for New Music (celebrating their 25th Anniversary)
Lung-Ta (2009) — for fl, ob, cl, bsn, perc., vln, vla, vlc, digital recordings (25 minutes)
Commissioned by Network for New Music
Our Better Angels (2009) — for men’s chorus (TTBB), brass, harp, percussion and organ (40 minutes)
Commissioned by the Turtle Creek Chorale
“Simply Love Them” from Our Better Angels (2009) — for tenor and baritone duet, and piano (5 minutes)
Rhapsodie for flute, harp and string trio (2008) — (17 minutes)
Commissioned by William A. Loeb for Mimi Stillman and the Dolce Suono Ensemble
Kabo Omowale (Welcome Home Child), (2008) — choral cantata for SATB chorus (suitable for inter—generational chorus), narrator and orchestra (18 minutes)
Commissioned by The Philadelphia Orchestra
Into The Blue (2008) — for SATB chorus, flute, vibraphone and piano (8 minutes), also available for SATB, flute, piano and SATB and piano.
Commissioned by The Rainbow Chorale of Delaware
Convergence (2008) — for viola and piano (10 minutes)
Commissioned by Barbara Westphal
Farlorn Alemen (2008) — song cycle for soprano and piano (15 minutes). Upcoming arrangement for SATB chorus and piano
Song cycle commissioned by Raya Gonen. Choral arrangement commissioned by Nashirah: The Jewish Chorale of Greater Philadelphia
Dream Variations (2007) – for SATB chorus, flute, viola, harp and organ (22 minutes)
Commissioned by The Debussy Trio
Romanza (2007) — for Violin and Orchestra or Violin and Chamber Orchestra (20 minutes)
Commissioned by Orchestra 2001
Sonic Circuits (2007) — for cello and film (with interactive technology)
Commissioned by Chamber Music Now (10 minutes)
Fire and Ice (2007) — choral cantata for soprano and baritone soloists, SATB chorus and orchestra, (46 minutes)
Commissioned by The Handel Society of Dartmouth College on the occasion of its bicentennial anniversary
“Fragmentary Blue” from Fire and Ice, (2007) — for soprano and piano (4 minutes)
“The Demiurge’s Laugh” from Fire and Ice (2007) — for baritone and piano (5 minutes)
The Golem Psalms (2006) — choral cantata for baritone soloist, SATB chorus and orchestra (30 minutes)
Commissioned by The Mendelssohn Club
“Amok” from The Golem Psalms (2006) — for baritone and piano (4 minutes)
The Shape of My Soul (2005) — SSAA chorus and string quartet (or piano) (7:35)
Commissioned by the Anna Crusis Women’s Choir in celebration of their 30 Year Anniversary
The Rim of Love (2005) — for soprano, harp, percussion and string orchestra (20 minutes)
Commissioned by Astral. Also available for soprano and piano.
“Canyon” from The Rim of Love (2005) — for sop. and piano (5 minutes)
L is for Laughter (2005) for soprano, flute (or oboe), cello and piano, or soprano and piano
Commissioned by Jane Foster (5 minutes)
Concertino for Marimba and String Orchestra (2004) (11:39)
Commissioned by the Philadelphia Classical Symphony
The Long Bright (2004) — soprano solo, treble chorus and orchestra (one hour)
Commissioned by David Wolman
“The Bridge” from The Long Bright (2004) — for soprano and piano (6 minutes)
“Melisma” from The Long Bright (2004) — for soprano and piano (5 minutes)
River Melos (2004) — for tuba and piano
The River of God (2003) — for SATB chorus and organ (7 minutes)
Commissioned by the American Guild of Organists
Into the Falcon’s Eye (2003) — 2 horns and piano, also arranged for clarinet, horn and piano; clarinet, cello and piano; 2 celli and piano (11:07)
Commissioned by Froydis Ree Wekre.
Sarah (arr. 2003) from Women of Valor, SSA chorus, flute, percussion, piano (7:07 minutes)
Commissioned by the Women’s Sacred Music Project
Women of Cyprus (2002) — string quintet (7 minutes)
Women of Cyprus (2001) — piano, synth, female voice for the Mersinio Arts Centre, Cyprus (15 minutes)
Re—Turn (2001) — violin, piano, bass, drum set and synthesizer (5:49)
Commissioned by Group Motion Dance Company
Unremembered Wings (2001) — oboe (or soprano sax) and piano (11:12)
Commissioned by Andrea Gullickson.
TRAX Octet (2001) — fl, ob, cl (sax), bsn, vla, bass, mba, pno, for Relâche (6:55)
always (light) — fragments (love) (2000)> — soprano, flute, cello, piano (11 minutes)
Commissioned by Network for New Music
Women of Valor (2000) — soprano, mezzo soprano soloists, narrator, orchestra (1 hour, 5 minutes)
Women of Valor Chamber Version (2000, arr. 2009) — sop. 1 or 2 mezzo sop., narr., vln., perc., pno. (1 hour)
Leah, Ruth, Rachel, soprano set from Women of Valor (2000) — for soprano and piano (15 minutes)
The Song of Ruth” from Women of Valo (2000) — for soprano and piano (5 minutes)
Leah’s Aria from Women of Valor (2000) — for mz. solo, harp, piano, strings, narrator (6 minutes). Also available for mezzo and piano.
“Jocheved” from Women of Valor(2000) — for soprano and mezzo duet and piano (5 minutes)
Rachel’s Aria from Women of Valor (2000) — for sop. solo, harp, piano, strings, (5 minutes). Also available for soprano and piano.
Miriam’s Dance from Women of Valor (2000) — for sop. and mz. solos, harp, piano, strings, narrator (5:30 minutes)
Commissioned by The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony
Hannah’s Prayer from Women of Valor (2000) — for sop. solo, harp, strings, narrator. (7 minutes)
Fanfare for the Millenium (2000) — symphony orchestra, for the Tacoma Symphony (2 1/2 minutes)
Timecycle (2000) — for soprano and clarinet
Commissioned by the Pennsylvania and Delaware Music Teachers National Association (16 minutes)
Awake at Dawn (2000) — for soprano solo, SATB chorus, strings, harp and percussion
Commissioned by The Music Group of Philadelphia, Sean Deibler, artistic director (20 minutes)
Trax (2000) — marimba quartet for Battery 4 Percussion Group (6:22 minutes)
Jocheved (2000, arr. 2001) — SSA chorus, flute, percussion, piano
Commissioned by The Women’s Sacred Music Project and The Lady Chapel Singers (5:25 minutes)
Double Play (1999) — piano, percussion (11 minutes)
Commissioned by the Hoffmann/Goldstein Duo.
Millennium Fanfare (1999) — 2 horns, 4 trpts, 3 trbns (1 1/2 minutes)
Commissioned by Concerto Soloists of Philadelphia
Only The Wind (1995, rev. 1998) — for soprano, clarinet, piano (14 minutes)
Commissioned by Melissa Perry
Drip to Me Only (1998) — electronic tape (5 minutes)
Angelfire (1998) — fl, vla, ob, cl, bsn, bass, perc, pno, for the Relâche Ensemble (16:26 minutes)
Cascade (1998) — tenor sax and piano (6 minutes)
Three Songs for Violin and Double Bass after poems by Pablo Neruda (1998) — (7 min.)
Published by International Opus
Three Songs for Oboe and Double Bass after poems by Pablo Neruda (1997) — International Opus (7 min.)
Also available for Bassoon and Bass.
Body, Dream Sequence (1997) — electronics (5 minutes)
Legacy (1997) — soprano, flute, piano (10 minutes)
Reminiscence (1997) — English Horn and piano (also for English Horn and string quartet or string orchestra)
Commissioned by George Corbett (8 minutes). Published by International Opus
Sax Trax (1997) — saxophone quartet (6 minutes)
Fantasy for Sax Quartet (1997) — saxophone quartet (5 1/2 minutes)
City, Urban Tracks (1996) — electronics (5 minutes)
Spirit Island (1996) — flute, cello, piano (15 minutes) Also available for flute, double bass and piano
Love Song (1995) — soprano, oboe or flute and piano (6 minutes)
Published by International Opus
Weeping into Green (1995) — soprano, clarinet, piano (6 minutes)
On the Pulse of Morning (1994—5) —SATB Chorus, soloists, orchestra (30 minutes)
Songs of the Wolf (1994) — horn and piano (14 minutes)
Commissioned by Froydis Ree Wekre.
Luna (1994) — English Horn, marimba, piano (6 minutes)
Labyrinth (1994) — soprano, oboe, (EH) — marimba, percussion, piano (15 minutes)
Commissioned by Group Motion Dance Company
Winter Spirits (1993) — SATB chorus, sop solo, fl, cl, marimba, perc, synth., pno. (15 minutes)
Fantasy (1993) — string orchestra (7 minutes)
The Crying Queen (1993) — piano solo (5 minutes)
Gaia (1993) — soprano, oboe or flute and piano (10 minutes)
Published by International Opus
Winter Universe (1992) — soprano, fl, cl, synthesizer, pno., perc, digital sound (25 min.)
Nes Gadol Hayah Sham (1992) — SATB chorus, sop solo, vlc, pno (7 minutes)
From the Heart (1991) — flute, cello, piano (6 minutes)
Red Clay (1991) — soprano, oboe, piano (5 minutes)
Earth Circle (1991) — soprano, flute, cello, double bass, piano (8 minutes)
Redstone String quartet (1991) — string quartet (25 minutes)
Under the Sleeping Tree (1990) — soprano, oboe, piano (5:30 minutes)
Into the Distance (1990) — soprano, baritone, oboe, cello, piano (10 minutes)
Time and Space (1989)— soprano, oboe, piano (5 minutes)
In Memoriam (1989) — soprano, 2 flutes, piano (6 minutes)
Diary of Justyna (1988) — collaborative work dance, theater and music with Manfred Fischbeck — for chorus, chamber chorus, sop solo, sax, 2 synthesizers, perc. (30 minutes)
Sea Trilogy (1988) — soprano, 2 flutes, piano (8 minutes)
Photo by Joanna Eldredge Morrissey
Audio Excerpts
Romanza (2007)
For violin and chamber orchestra
Commissioned by Orchestra 2001
The Long Bright (2004)
For soprano, children’s chorus and orchestra
Commissioned by David Wolman
The Golem Psalms (2006)
For baritone, SATB chorus and orchestra
Commissioned by The Mendelssohn Club
Three Songs for Violin and Double Bass
after poems by Pablo Neruda (1998)
For Heide Sibley and Edgar Meyer
Hannah’s Prayer from Women of Valor (2000)
For soprano, mezzo-soprano, narrator and orchestra