Joseph Dangerfield (1977-present)

Introduction
Dangerfield was born in 1977. He began studying composition at Marshall University completing his BFA in 1999. We went on to continue his education at Bowling Green State University in Ohio where he completed his Master's. In 2005 he earned his doctorate from the University of Iowa. He was a pianist to start but is now a composer, performer active in the United States.

Works
His piece Aegir was performed by Transient Canvas at the Alba Music Festival on May 29, 2017. The piece has an abrupt and loud start. The theme is stated early in the piece in the bass clarinet voice and is returned to and built upon throughout the piece. There is a lot of call and answer between the bass clarinet and the marimba. There are some very funky chords and the piece comes to a soft ending.

Comparisons
His unique modern style reminds me of other composers in his generation such as Lowell Liebermann. They both play with interesting abrupt sounds and how those effect listeners.

Observations
He has a very unique and modern sound to his compositions. Many of his pieces are not a wall of sound but sections of quiet sound that are then interrupted by a loud climax. Many of his pieces sound like adventure to me like someone is walking and coming across things in their path.