ABOUT BRENT
New York-based musician Brent A. Morden has written for, performed with, and led ensembles of various shapes and styles.
After working actively in the Columbia per-forming arts community, Brent continues to champion his creative voice as a composer, music director, vocalist, teacher, and more.
NEWS/EVENTS
October 15-17, 2021
Infernal the Musical, composed & music directed by Brent, plays four shows at The Flea Theater in NYC.
July 17, 2021
The world premiere of Magical Moves, a new educational musical work about chess composed by Brent.
March 18, 2020
Danzón for Wind Ensemble (2018) has been published by Murphy Music Press, LLC. Check it out here.
IN THE PRESS
April 17, 2021: Making Music by Magical Moves (HerMoveNext)
"With Magical Moves’ unique combination of the auditory and visual senses, you’ve never seen chess played out quite like this. [...]
Magical Moves was conceived by UCLA psychologist Don MacKay and composed by Brent Morden. Founded on the belief that there is an appreciation and an admiration that comes with learning something new, Magical Moves portrays a chess game through an unlikely medium: music." Follow-up article: Her News Notes Magical Moves World Premiere.
"The activities of Every Voice Choirs have been strengthened by the addition of Brent Morden '15 as their Choir Manager and one of the Assistant Directors of the Concert Choir. [...] A singer himself, Morden resonated with EVC's mission to provide children with accessible choral education."
See adjacent image for the full article.
April 24, 2020: Take Five with Brent Morden '19 (Columbia College Today)
"So, when I finally arrived [at Columbia], it felt magical. I savored both the comfort of being close to home and the excitement of entering a new chapter of life. The College looked to me like a vast ocean of opportunity — fresh, blue and ready to be explored!"
May 4, 2019: The 125th Annual Varsity Show Bursts The Bubble
"Composers Yael Cohen (CC '21) and Brent Morden (CC '19) teamed up with the two writers to produce 12 songs which didn't fail to entertain, nor to show off the cast's terrific voices. They improved upon last year's score with a healthy balance of small and full-ensemble numbers."
November 12, 2018: The Pale Blue merges noir fiction, music, and comedy in ‘Once Upon a Fortnight’
"The Pale Blue definitely achieved Morden’s aims. Nearly every scene presented the audience with a new complex adventure, successfully pairing the comedic and the compelling."
"CUWE president Brent Morden, CC '19, took the podium to conduct the world premiere of his composition "Fell Swoop." Underscored by an exhilarating drumline, the piece built ominously before descending into whimsical chaos. Swinging melodies evoked the motion of flight while the rhythms pulsed relentlessly, closing with an abrupt and thrilling ending that suggested a sharp intake of breath before a fall."
Pictured: Brent A. Morden following the premiere of Fell Swoop (2019). Credits to MCP.
November 2, 2018: ArtistHop: Brent Morden, Heir Of Bernstein
"Your advice to aspiring artists in your field? Don’t just seek out opportunities: create them for yourself. Form concrete plans to fulfill your ambitions. Work hard. Learn how to communicate well with others. Speak your mind: let the world hear what you have to say. Champion yourself. Enjoy yourself."
“A number of exaggerated personalities support the story of Nevada’s adventures. Brent Morden, CC ’19, stands out as the omnipresent barkeep who always has an eye on the action—just as long as it stays outside of his bar."
May 3, 2017: Columbia Undergraduate Composers Shine in Lerner C555
"Highlights from the first half include Jasper’s vibrant combination of siren and bells (such a visceral sound), Gabe’s interesting use of the alto flute’s lowest register (he paired it with the soprano’s melody, creating an earthy sound), and the slips and slurps of the flute and clarinet in Brent’s Primordial Utterances."
"Through the mural, the artists respond to this question in different ways. Exhibit contributor Brent Morden, CC ’19, whose original music composition was displayed in paper form as part of the mural, has one version of the answer."
OTHER LINKS
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