Composer(s): Lewis, Peter Scott
Artist(s): McMillen, Blair
Label: Sono Luminus
Genre: Instrumental
Period: 20th Century
Catalogue No: SLE-70040
Barcode: 053479704009
Release Date: 07/2025

LEWIS, P.S.: Pacific Triptych / 7 Nuggets / An American Travelogue (McMillen)

Pacific Triptych for piano was completed in August of 2019. It is based on an earlier unperformed version for full orchestra completed in 2006. So, the piano version recorded here acts as a premiere. As implied by the title, it’s a three-movement score based on contrasting sections that reflect the majesty of the Pacific Coast, especially the drama of the ocean and the endless sky above. Seven Nuggets was completed on April 25, 2023. It was inspired by a group of uncut, yet brilliant gemstones. Each “nugget” or movement ends with a low bass note. Those same notes are then played in sequence – at mid-range – at the end of the seventh nugget before being resolved into a sixth chord in the final nine bars. An American Travelogue (Book 1) was completed on May 3, 2023. This four-movement piano suite was inspired by various American locations in the western, southwestern, and Gulf Coast of the United States. (Book 2 continues this exploration in locations in the rest of the country.) – P S L Peter Scott Lewis is a San Francisco based, yet internationally active composer of modern classical music. His music has been published by Lapis Island Press and Theodore Presser Company and includes an extensive catalog of solo, chamber, vocal, and orchestral music. His numerous recordings have been released by Sono Luminus, Naxos – American Classics, New Albion, and Lapis Island Records. He also plays the piano and has recorded as both a conductor and guitar soloist. Blair McMillen is a prominent soloist, recording artist, new music specialist, ensemble leader, music festival director, and educator. He is known for his passionate advocacy of living composers and contemporary music, as well as championing very early keyboard music and more recent neglected masterpieces. McMillen has toured and recorded with, among others, The Knights, International Contemporary Ensemble, the New York Philharmonic, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Albany Symphony. Blair McMillen, piano Peter Scott Lewis, composer Recorded at Oktaven Audio, Mount Vernon, NY May 19–20, 2024 Producer: Peter Scott Lewis Recording, Mixing, & Editing Engineer: Ryan Streber Mastering Engineer: Daniel Shores Piano Technician: Brigitte Sims Cover Art & Design: Collin J Rae & Joshua Frey Photo of PSL: Thomas Heinser © 2023 Instrument: 1987 Hamburg Steinway D 9’ concert grand. Rebuilt by Klavierhaus and Arlan Harris in 2009. Published by Lapis Island Press (Subito Distribution)

Tracklist

Lewis, Peter Scott
McMillen, Blair (piano)
1 I. Following the Sunrise 08:16
McMillen, Blair (piano)
2 II. Travelling Music 06:16
McMillen, Blair (piano)
3 III. Toccata 06:52
McMillen, Blair (piano)
McMillen, Blair (piano)
4 No. 1. Fire Opal 02:48
McMillen, Blair (piano)
5 No. 2. Carved Jade 02:27
McMillen, Blair (piano)
6 No. 3. Gleaming Chrysocolla 02:41
McMillen, Blair (piano)
7 No. 4. Rough Diamond 03:05
McMillen, Blair (piano)
8 No. 5. Raw Sapphire 03:16
McMillen, Blair (piano)
9 No. 6. Emerald, Uncut 02:58
McMillen, Blair (piano)
10 No. 7. Lapis, With Gold Crystals 03:36
McMillen, Blair (piano)
McMillen, Blair (piano)
11 I. Chief Seattle Walks the Pike Place Market 06:13
McMillen, Blair (piano)
12 II. Dancing in New Orleans 02:11
McMillen, Blair (piano)
13 III. Austin Sun 02:44
McMillen, Blair (piano)
14 IV. Beyond the Golden Gate 02:51
McMillen, Blair (piano)

Total Playing Time: 56:14