Emmy-winning composer Jeff Beal is well known for his work in film and television, but has also written many works for the concert hall. He's recently released "The Paper Lined Shack," comprised of two works. The album's namesake is a song cycle for soprano and orchestra, utilizing texts from his great-grandmother's memoir. The piece was commissioned to celebrate Leonard Slatkin's 50 years with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. The other work on the recording is "Things Unseen" for string quartet.
You've probably heard Jeff's music at some point. His original score for the Netflix series House of Cards received five prime time Emmy nominations, with two wins. He's written for the films Pollock (2000), Appaloosa (2008), Salome (2011) and Blackfish (2013), and for television, including the shows Monk, Rome, Carnivale and The Company.
I recently had the chance to sit down with Jeff and discuss his storied career and this new release. Enjoy our chat!
Yours in good music,
Mike Goldberg Classical Host, VPM Music