List of Works
Opera
Scourge of Hyacinths [90’]
Full Opera (1999)
Chamber Opera (1994)
Libretto by León, based on a play by Wole Soyinka
M, 3T, 3Bar, B, 3 spkrs; 1(A fl, pic)-1(Eb, b cl)-A sax(T sax)-1(cbn); 1-1(cnt)-T tbn-0;3 perc-pf; solo str
Commissioned by the Munich Biennale for New Music Theater
ballet
Belé [with Geoffrey Holder] (1981) [15’]
Solo pf, perc, str
For the Dance Theatre of Harlem
The Beloved [with Judith Hamilton] (1972) [10’]
fl, ob, cl, bn, pf, vc, db
For the Dance Theatre of Harlem
Dougla [with Geoffrey Holder] (1974) [20’]
2 fl, perc
For the Dance Theatre of Harlem
Haiku (1973) [25’]
fl, bn, 5 perc
Commissioned by the Dance Theatre of Harlem
Inura (2009) [40’]
voices (SATB), strings, percussion
Commissioned by Brandon Fradd for Dance Brazil. Text drawn from prayers of the Yoruban Candomblé religion, passed down through generations (provided and translated by Carlos dos Santos); Originally choreographed by Carlos dos Santos
Spiritual Suite (1976)
narrator, 2 sopranos, chorus and amplified ensemble
Tones (1970) [18’]
2-2-1-0; 1-0-1-1; timp-2 perc-pf, str
Commissioned by the Dance Theatre of Harlem
mixed genre
Drummin' (1997) [60’]
fl (pic)-cl (b cl)- sax (sop/alto/tenor); bn (contra bn)-hn-2 tpt-tbn; 2 perc - trap set; pf (synth); vn-va-vc-db (b gtr); ethnic perc. ensembles
Co-commissioned by Miami Light Project; Miami-Dade Community College; Arizona State University; New World Symphony
Duende (2003) [18’]
Baritone; 3 bata drums; 4 percussionists; 1 Latin percussionist.
Commissioned by Fest der Kontinente, Berlin, Germany in honor of the 80th birthday of György Ligeti
Green Pastures (2018)
Voice, two string quartets, and contrabass
Text from Thornton Dial’s interviews
Commissioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Inaugural performance in the Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium on September 15, 2018 in conjunction with the exhibition History Refused to Die: Highlights from the Souls Grown Deep Foundation Gift (on view at the Met Fifth Avenue May 22-September 23, 2018)
Pa’lante (2016) [15’]
fl, bn, sx, tbn, wind band
Commissioned by International Contemporary Ensemble and The Los Angeles Philharmonic
Reflections (2006) [15’]
Text by Rita Dove
Sop., cl, tenor sax, pno, tpt, string quintet, 2 perc.
Commissioned for "WaterWorks," Aaron Davis Hall, NY with support from the Nathan Cummings Foundation
Samarkand (2005) [60’]
Text by Wole Soyinka
Speaker, SATB, Children's Chorus, alto fl/sax, 2 perc, 3 bata drums, pno, 2 vc.
Commissioned by Louisiana State University in celebration of the opening of the Shaw Center for the Arts
orchestra
Ácana (2008) [13’]
2(pic)-2-2(b cl)-2; 2-2-1; 2 perc, pf; str
Commissioned by the Research Foundation of State University of New York - Purchase College and Orpheus with support from the New York State Music Fund
Batá (1985, rev. 1988) [7’]
2(pic)-2(eh)-2(b cl)-2; 2-2-2-1; 2 perc, hp, pf, cel; str
Commissioned by the Bay Area Women's Philharmonic
Carabalí (1991) [17’]
2(pic)-2,eh-2,b cl-2,cbn; 4-3-3-1; timp-3 perc-hp-pf-cel; str
Commissioned by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Concerto Criollo (1980) [20’]
Solo timp-solo pf-, 2-2-2-2; 4-4-3-0; perc; str
Commissioned by the National Endowment for the Arts
Desde... (2001) [18’]
2(pic)-2(eh)-2(b cl)-2(cbn); 4-2-3-0; timp-2 perc; str
Commissioned by the American Composers Orchestra with support from the Koussevitsky Music Foundation, Inc.
Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel (arr. León) (2005) [3’]
Bar solo; 3-2-2-2; 2-2-3-0; timp; str
Commissioned by the Albany Symphony Orchestra with support from Paul Underwood.
Horizons (1999) [10’]
Commissioned by the NDR Sinfonie Orchester, Hamburg, and Hammoniale Festival der Frauen, Germany
Kabiosile (1988) [8’]
Solo pf; 2(pic)-2(eh)-2(b cl)-2(cbn); 4-2-3-0; timp-2 perc; str
Commissioned by the American Composers Orchestra
Para Viola y Orquesta (1994) [18’]
Va solo; 2(pic, A fl)-2-2(b cl)-2(cbn); 2-2-1-0; timp-2 perc-cel; str
Commissioned by Meet-the-Composer / Reader's Digest Commissioning Program
Pasajes (2022) [14’]
3(pic)-2-2,b cl -2, cbn; 4-3-2, b tbn-1; timp-3 perc-hp-pno; str
Commissioned by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and a consortium including the Auburn Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, and Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. First performance by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra on April 9 & 10, 2022. Dedicated to Amplifying Voices, and the consortium of orchestras who mad this piece possible, for their support of living composers
Ser (2017) [13’]
3(pic)-2-3(bcl)-2-1(c bn); 4-3-3(b tbn) tb;timp-3perc-pf-hp;str
Commissioned by The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association. Gustavo Dudamel, Artistic and Music Director. With support Margaret Morgan and Wesley Phoa, in honor of the Deborah Borda Women in the Arts Initiative
Seven Spirituals (arr. Ryan, orch. León) (1995) [20’]
Bar solo (or B Bar); 2(pic)-1-1-1; 2-2-1-1; 2 perc-pf, str
For the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra
Stride (2020) [15’ 1/2]
3(pic)-2-Eh-3-2-cbn; 4-3-2-btbn-1; timp-3perc-hp; str
Commissioned and premiered by New York Philharmonic, Jaap van Zweden, conductor, as part of Project 19, an initiative marking the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment; and the Oregon Symphony. Dedicated “In honor of Susan B. Anthony” and “to the visionaries Deborah Borda and Jaap van Zweden.”
instrumental ensemble
A La Par (1986) [13’ 30”]
pf, perc
Commissioned by the Whitney Museum
À Tres Voces (2012) [12’]
vn, va, vc
Commissioned by Clarion Concerts
Ajiaco (1992) [7’]
electric guitar and piano.
Commissioned by the Schanzer/Speach Duo
Alegre (2000) [3’]
wind Ensemble: 2 Fl (Ob may substitute for Fl 2), 2 Cl in Bb, Alto Sax, T Sax, 2 Tpt in Bb, Trbn, Bar, Tuba, Perc (4 players: 2 bongos, 4 Ttoms, Maracas, B Dr)
Commissioned by the American Composers Forum for New Band Horizons
Arenas d'un Tiempo (1992) [12’]
cl, vc, pf
Commissioned by the NY State Music Teachers Association
Ascend (1983) [3’]
4 hn, 4 tpt, 3 tbn, tba, 3 perc
Commissioned by the Queens Symphony
Caracol (2000) [7’ 30”]
vn, va, vc, perc, pno
Commissioned by the Manchester Music Festival
Crossings (1992) [1’]
hn, 4 tpt, 4 tbn, tuba
Commissioned by the City University of New York
Cuarteto No. 2 (2011) [20’]
str quartet
Commissioned by ASCAP Foundation and Sphinx Organization
Cumba Cumbakin ( 2011) [ 9’]
2 fl. ob, 3 cl, 1 b cl, bn, 4 sax, 2 hn, 3 tp, 2 tbn, 1 tba, timp, 3 perc, 1 cb
Commissioned by Harvard Band Foundation
De Color (1996-97) [15’]
vn, mar
Commissioned by Marimolin
De Memorias (2000) [9’]
fl, ob, cl, hn, bn
Commissioned by The Mexico City Woodwind Quintet with support from the Mexico/US Fund for Culture
del Caribe, Soy! (2014) [10’]
fl, pno
Commissioned by Concerts at St. Martha in the Shores
Elegia a Paul Robeson (1987) [4’]
violin, cello and piano
Entre nos (1998) [12’]
cl, bn, pno
Commissioned by Trio Neos
Esencia para cuarteto de cuerdas (2009) [18’]
vn 1, vn 2, va, vc
Commissioned by the Fromm Music Foundation for the Del Sol Quartet
Ethos (2014) [12’]
pno, str quartet
Commissioned by NYSCA for Symphony Space; dedicated to the memory of Isaiah Sheffer
Fanfarria (2000) [3’]
4 tpt, 2 tbn, bass tbn, 1 Perc (lg sus cym, tamburo ten, med bass dr, lg bass dr)
Commissioned by The Library of Congress for the Copland Centennial Celebration
Hechizos (1995) [15’]
fl/pic, ob, cl(A and B-flat), b cl/sop sax/ten sax; hn, tpt(B-flat), tbn; 2 perc, pf/cel/hpsd, gui; vn, va, vc, cb
Commissioned by Ensemble Modern
Indígena (1991) [8’]
fl, ob, cl, bn, hn, tpt, pf, perc, 2 vn, va, vc, cb
Commissioned by New York City's Town Hall
Lagrimas (2019) [5’]
String quartet
Commissioned by The Juilliard School for Juilliard415 – The Seven Last Words Project
Mosaicos (2022) [7’ 30”]
Bassoon and Piano
Commissioned by the International Double Reed Society “To Monica Ellis and the International Double Reed Society”
One Mo' Time (2016) [6’]
fl, cl, vln, vcl, pno
Composed for the members of the Da Capo Players
Origenes (2012) [12’ ]
For brass ensemble: 5 tpts, 4 hns, 3 tbnes, bass tbnes, euph, tuba, timp, 2 perc.
Commissioned by Monarch Brass for of the International Women's Brass Conference
Pa'lante (2016) [15’]
fl, bsn, sax, tbn, symphonic wind ensemble
Commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Music and Artistic Director and International Contemporary Ensemble; Premiered June 12, 2016 at the Ojai Festival with ICE and the YOLA at HOLA Symphonic Winds ensemble
Parajota Delaté (1988, 1990) [4’ 30]
fl, cl, vn, vc, pf OR fl, ob, cl, bn, pf
Commissioned by the Da Capo Chamber Players, Premiered Oct. 21, 1988, Merkin Concert Hall, NYC; For the Netherlands Wind Ensemble, 1990
Permutation Seven (1981) [15’]
fl, cl, tpt, perc, vn, vc
Commissioned by the Lincoln Center Institute
Pet's Suite (1980) [20’]
fl, pf
Commissioned by Composers' Forum
Pinceladas (2016) [10’]
bn, pno
Commissioned by the Vanderbilt University
Pregón-Es! (2021)
5 tpt, 4 perc (2 sn dr, quint set: tenor drums or toms, b dr, cymbal)
Commissioned by the Yale Bands, Yale Glee Club, and Yale Symphony Orchestra. “To Thomas Duffy and to the pregoneros of my childhood memories of the streets of La Habana”
Raices (Tabla Raza) (2007) [12’]
fl, vn, voice, pno, double bass, tabla solo, 2 perc.
Commissioned by Latin Fiesta with support from the Philadelphia Music Project, Pew Charitable Trust
Rítmicas (2019)
1-1-1-0-A sax; 1-0-0-0; 2 perc-hp-pno; str
Commissioned by the Center for Contemporary Composition at the University of Chicago
Saóko (1997) [9’]
brass qnt
Commissioned by the South Florida Composers Alliance/Center for Cultural Collaborations International for the Meridian Arts Ensemble
Satiné (2000) [7’]
2 pianos
Commissioned by Mirta Gomez and Gustavo Romero
sin normas ajenas (1994) [7’]
fl(pic), ob, cl; pf, 2 perc; 2 vn, va, vc
Commissioned by the U.S.-Mexico Fund for Culture
Son Sonora (1993) [15’]
fl, gui
Commissioned by Duologue
String Quartet No. 2 (2011) [ ]
Commissioned by Sphinx and the ASCAP Foundation
Tau (1995) [5’]
electric oboe, electric bass and electronic keyboards
Commissioned by First Avenue
Tiempo en Clave (2008) [6’]
vl, perc.
Commissioned by Ana Milosavljevic
Toque (2006) [8’]
cl, alto sax, pno, 2 perc., vn, db
Commissioned by Opus 21
instrumental solo
Abanico (2007) [12’]
violin and interactive computer
Commissioned by the University of Maryland for Airi Yoshioka
Alma (2007) [7’]
flute and piano
Commissioned through the generosity of the Bay Paul Foundation as part of the Flute Book for the Twenty-first Century developed through Meet the Composer's New Music, New Donors Initiative, and premiered by Marya Martin
Anima (2020) [4’]
Violin Solo
Commissioned by ARCO Collaborative for “Alone Together” and dedicated to Jennifer Koh
Axon (2002) [12’]
violin and interactive computer
Commissioned for ISCM, Hong Kong and premiered by Mari Kimura
Bailarín (1998) [4’]
guitar
Commissioned and premiered by David Starobin
Four Pieces for Cello Solo (1983) [12’]
going...gone (2012) [ 6’]
piano
Composed for Liaisons: Re-Imagining Sondheim from the Piano
Hebras d' Luz (2004) [8’]
electric viola
Commissioned and premiered by Martha Mooke
Homenatge (2011) [8’]
piano
Commissioned by the Iberia Foundation
La Tina (2004) [3’]
piano
Commissioned by the Lucy Moses School
Mistica (2003) [12’]
piano
Commissioned and premiered by Ursula Oppens
Momentum (1984) [8’]
piano
Commissioned by the Women Composers Congress (Mexico)
¡Paisanos Semos! (1984) [4’ 30”]
guitar
Para Noah (2006) [1’]
piano
written in honor of Noah Creshevsky's 60th Birthday
Poesy (2022) [2’ 30”]
Solo Clarinet in Bb
Dedicated to Susan Feder and written for Alex Laing
Rituál (1987) [7’ 30”]
piano
Commissioned by Affiliate Artists Inc.
Tumbao (2005) [3’]
piano
Commissioned by Elena Riu with funds from the 2004 Dartington International Summer School
Variación (2004) [10’]
piano
Commissioned by the Gilmore Festival
vocal ensemble
A Row of Buttons (2002) [4’]
Text by Fae Myenne Ng
SA Choir
Commissioned by the New York Treble Singers
Ancient (2008 ) [ ]
for 2 Sop., fl, cl, perc, va, vc.
Commissioned by Carolina Performing Arts for Terry Rhodes
Batéy [with Michel Camilo] (1989) [30’]
Text by T. León, M. Camilo
2 sopranos, countertenor, 2 tenors, Bass
Commissioned by The Western Wind Vocal Ensemble
De-Orishas (1982) [11’]
Text by Betty Neals
2 S, Ct, 2 T, B
Commissioned by The Western Wind Vocal Ensemble
Drume Negrita from Two Cuban Songs ( ) [3’]
Grenet, arr. León
12 solo voices (SSSAAATTTBBB)
Commissioned by Chanticleer
El Manisero from Two Cuban Songs ( ) [3’]
Simons, arr. León
12 solo voices (SSSAAATTTBBB)
Commissioned by Chanticleer
En el Sendero Ancho (2015) [6’]
Text by Iraida Iturralde
SATB chorus
Commissioned by Sigma Alpha Iota for the SAI National Convention
Estampas (2008) [6’]
Texts by Maya Islas, Iraida Iturralde and Alina Galiano
SATB Chorus
Commissioned and premiered by Chicago a cappella, April 13, 2008, Chicago, IL.
Heart of Ours - A Piece (1988) [8’]
Texts by R. Sandecki; American Indians
t solo, Men's cho; fl, 4 tpt, 2 perc
Commissioned by the Vietnam Veterans' Theater Company
May the Road Be Free (1999) [4’]
Text by John Marsden
Children's chorus & perc.
Commissioned by Lincoln Center for the Tree Lighting Ceremony, NYC
Metisse (2006) [ ]
SATB chorus, perc.
Commissioned by The Commissioning Project
Namiac Poems (1975) [ ]
voices and mixed ensemble
Written for NYU Contemporary Ensemble
Rezos (2001) [12’]
text by Jamaica Kincaid
SATB choir
Commissioned Terry Knowles and Marshall Rutter to honor Grant Gershon, Music Director, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Rimas Tropicales (2011) [9’]
Poetry by Carlos Pintado
Girls Chorus of San Francisco
Commissioned by Classical Movements, Inc, as part of the Eric Helms New Music Program
Sol de Doce (1997) [7’]
Text by Pedro Mir
12 Solo voices (SSSAAATTTBBB)
Commissioned by Chamber Music America
Spiritual Suite (1976)
narrator, 2 sopranos, chorus and amplified ensemble
vocal solo
At the Fountain of Mpindelela (2000) [14’]
Poetry by Mazisi Kunene, Oswald Mtshali, and Magoleng wa Selepe
Commissioned and Premiered by the National Musical Arts program "Africa Spirit Ascending," in honor of Nelson Mandela, Kennedy Center, Washington, DC
Atwood Songs (2007) [8’]
Poetry by Margaret Atwood
Soprano and piano
Commissioned with support from the Hanson Institute for American Music at the Eastman School of Music and College of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse University
Canto (2001) [15’]
song cycle for Bar, cl (Bb/Bass), mar, vc and pno
Commissioned by Mutable Music for Thomas Buckner
Ivo, Ivo (2000) [5’]
text by Manuel Martin
sop, cl, b cl, va, vc, db
Commissioned and Premiered by Sequitur, Joe's Pub at the Public Theater, NY
Journey (1990) [6’]
High vo, fl, hp
Commissioned by the Jubal Trio
Love After Love (2002) [9’]
Text by Derek Walcott
Soprano and marimba
Commissioned by Mary Sharp Cronson, Guggenheim Museum’s Works and Process
Mi amor Es (2015) [4’ 30”]
Poetry by Carlos Pintado
Baritone and piano
Commissioned by Luigi Terruso, in memory of Emory W. Harper
“Or like a...” (1994) [15’]
Text by John Ashbery
bar, vc, perc
Commissioned by WNYC
Pueblo Mulato (1987) [12’]
Three Songs on Poems by Nicolás Guillén
S solo, ob, gui, db, perc, pf
Commissioned by the Cornucopia Chamber Ensemble
Reflections (2006) [ 10’]
Text by Rita Dove
Sop., pno, cl, alto sax, tpt, 2 perc, str. qnt.
Commissioned and developed by Harlem Stage for WaterWorks at The Gatehouse
Singin' Sepia (1996) [12’]
Five Songs on Poems by Rita Dove
s, cl, vn, pn four hands
Commissioned by the Continuum Ensemble
To and Fro (1990) [8’ 30”]
Four Songs on poems by Alison Knowles
med vo, pf
Commissioned by the International Society for Contemporary Music
Turning (2000) [13’]
Song cycle
sop, pno, vc
Commissioned for the Ann and Richard Barshinger Center for Musical Arts in Hensel Hall, Franklin and Marshall College
Zero plus Anything (2014) [3’30”]
Poetry by Jane Hirsfield
Baritone and piano
Commissioned by Project AIDS Memorial Quilt and released by GPR Records November 18, 2014. GPR CD 12014
works for theatre
Maggie Magalita (1980) [25’]
Incidental music to Wendy Kesselman’s play
fl, cl, vc, 2 perc, pf, gui
Commissioned by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The Golden Windows (1982) [30’]
A Play in 3 Acts
Text by Robert Wilson
fl(pic, alto fl), ob(Eh); tpt; perc-hpsd-pf; str
Commissioned by Byrd Hoffman Foundation