CURTIS BRYANT MUSIC – Original Music for Concert, Drama, and Film
Atlanta composer, Curtis Bryant, has composed music in virtually all media from chamber music to choral, orchestral and operatic, and a variety of ethnic and folk styles; the latter due to his work in television. Despite his diversity, Bryant has maintained a unique style in his compositions. Bryant’s music is solidly tonal in style, often employing modal harmonies which display influences from blues and jazz. He has also managed to bring American ideals into his classical, European form. This blend is also reflected in Bryant’s sense of melody, creating dual purposes in vocal accompaniment and instrumentals alike.
Critical Acclaim…
Since 1983 Bryant’s music has received wide critical acclaim. His work has been praised for being:
“…immediately attractive and accessible, with an emphasis on beauty of sound, simplicity of means, and expression of feeling.” (Atlanta Journal and Constitution, 1985)
“…beautifully handled [gospel arrangements for Turner Broadcasting’s Trumpet of Conscience].” (St. Petersburg Evening Independent, 1985)
“…one of the loveliest [violin] sonatas I’ve heard since Bartók’s.” (Southline, 1985)
“…skillfully written for the resources at hand, atmospheric and true to the…text, wide ranging in mood and style, cumulative in impact.” (Atlanta Journal and Constitution, 1986)
“Rather than try to invent a new language, Mr. Bryant has concentrated on really saying something in a familiar idiom. His considerable success can be measured by the tension, release, surprise, affirmation and other refined feelings he is able to convey.” (Atlanta Journal and Constitution, 1988)
“His highly melodic [cello] sonata is a shimmering, three-movement work displaying a pleasant American impressionism, evocative of what we think of as Indian melodies.” (Fanfare, 1990)
“It is colorful, accessible, well-crafted music that regales the ear with luscious melodic lines.” (Atlanta Journal and Constitution, 1991)
“The strength of [his] work lies…in its sensuous lyricism.” (Focus, 1992)
“Nationally recognized composer Curtis Bryant has succeeded in doing something that many composers have attempted with minimal success: he has created a fresh, exciting and vibrant work using folk tunes….Bryant’s ability to score effectively for this ensemble creates a depth of sound that is impressive to both the musicians and audience members.” (Band and Orchestra Product News, 2000)
“Bryant’s poignant ‘portrait aria’ from his opera Zabette and his three biblical songs aim at recapturing some of the melodious tonality ‘contemporary’ classical music of the twentieth century rebelled against.” (Words UnLtd., 2003)
Who is Curtis Bryant?
Welcome to the website home of Curtis Bryant, composer of classical music and seven- time Emmy-nominated composer of music for film and television. It’s amazing how many of us Curtis Bryants there are out here, though. If you are searching for Curtis Bryant the competitive bodybuilder, Curtis Bryant the Jesuit priest and psychological counselor, Curtis Bryant the insurance agent and former president of the Georgia Grand Jurors Association, or Curtis Bryant the barber and Mississippi civil rights activist, then please continue your search. If, on the other hand you are looking for a composer to commission original music for your performing ensemble or to score your new film or video game, this is the place. This Curtis Bryant was also a teacher of computer applications and choral arranging at Georgia State University School of Music, as well as an award-winning sommelier (Atlanta International Wine Festival 1985) and amateur game designer. Please have a look around my website, play some streaming audio or video, and contact me if you are interested in ordering any scores or have any other questions. Thanks for stopping by.