List of Works
I regularly compose works for a variety of ensembles from works for Flute Alone to Flute Choir. I also compose a variety of works for mixed chamber ensembles, string ensembles, chamber and full orchestra. Some of these works have received full world premieres. If you're interested in premiering an original work or would like to commission a new work for your ensemble, please feel free to send me a message at artie.t.rodriguez@gmail.com
Works For Flute Alone, Flute Duos, Trios, and Quartets, and Flute Choir
These are works written for a variety of flute settings: Flute Alone, Flute Duos, Trios, and Quartets, and Flute Choir Works. They range from medium easy to difficult selections. Some may include accompaniment such as harp or piano.
This original work was written for the Melanin Rhapsody Flute Choir which premiered at the National Flute Association Convention in San Antonio in August 2024. The ensemble was conducted by Christian Lampkin. The work explores themes on overcoming struggle through songs and chants adapted for Flute Orchestra. I also incorporated excerpts from my third symphony, Lift E'vry Voice, and We Shall Overcome. Instrumentation: 2 Piccolo, 6 C Flute, 2 Alto Flute, Bass Flute, Contra-alto Flute, Contrabass Flute.
Florence Price completed Adoration for Organ in 1951. This version is written for Flute Choir/Flute Orchestra. The simple hymn-like melody is elegantly marked by bird-calls by the piccolo, first and second flutes. This was added by the arranger, Arturo Rodriguez, and was premiered at the 2024 National Flute Association Convention in San Antonio by the Melanin Rhapsody Flute Choir. Instrumentation: Piccolo, 3 C Flute, 2 Alto Flute, Bass Flute, Contrabass Flute.
Flute Duo No. 1
I wrote this duet for Etesian Duo, the flute ensemble I perform in. It was originally titled Sonatina for Two Flutes but I decided to rename it simply to Flute Duo No. 1. The first movement, Giocoso is a lively dance for the two flutes with call-and-response elements throughout the movement. The second movement is a lyrical statement mimicked by both flutes with motivic elements from the first movement. The final movement is a canonic duo for the two flutes with chromatic flurries and sharp statements.
I wrote this duet for Etesian Duo, the flute ensemble I perform in. It's a four-movement work for two flutes (2nd Flute doubles Alto Flute). The first movement is a jaunty shanty for the two flutes with plenty of interplay and sway. The second movement is a ballad with the initial statement reminiscent of the song My Friends from Sweeney Todd. It's shimmery and charming. The third movement is a short scherzo with motivic restatements from the 2nd movement. The final movement is a closing overture composed of the different motifs from the previous movements.
Three Images of Flight (Flute Trio)
This work is composed for a flute trio that doubles on piccolo and alto flute. 1st Flute doubles Piccolo, 2nd Flute doubles Piccolo, and Alto Flute. Each movement begins with a quasi cadenza to state the themes and sentiments of each movement. The first movement titled Nature's Flight gives a feeling of lightness and freedom with swift sixteenth-note flurries and quotes from Peter and the Wolf. The second movement, Synthetic Winds, gives a sense of mechanical and computerized flight and virtuosic articulated statements that are interrupted by lyrical lines. The third movement, Jet Streams, employs some extended techniques, chromatic lines, and clashing rhythms, and ends quietly like a light breeze.
Metamorphosis Suite for solo flute (doubling on piccolo and alto flute) by Arturo Rodriguez. In six movements: Birth (C Flute), Reflections (C Flute), Chrysalis (Piccolo), Flight (Piccolo), Resonance (C Flute), and Sleep (Alto Flute). The work explores the lifecycle of butterflies and their spiritual connection. The work is dedicated to the composer's late grandmother.
It is available for purchase through Alry Publishing.
This Iridescent Fanfare for flute choir by Arturo Rodriguez was written for the premiere of the LGBTQ+ Flute Choir at the 2022 National Flute Association Convention in Chicago, Illinois.
Commissioned by Flute Specialists, Inc. to premiere at the 2024 National Flute Association Convention. Written in two movements, the duet is for B-flat flute and E-flat flute but also includes a transcription for C flute and bassoon. The first movement, Interruptions, is a conversation of interruptions or one idea being presented for the other instrument to oppose it and show off a bit. The sections from C to E are the culmination of the argument while settling down to not agree on the statement. The second movement, Farces on Brahms’ Variations on Haydn’s Themes, is a play on Brahms’ Variations on a Theme by Haydn. I also wanted to put a little Artie spin by building the motif and creating variations on the motif that Brahms created. It’s a perpetual motion of motifs!
Flute Specialists also sells a version for Flute and Bassoon.
Nocturne for an Era of Rememberance
Premiered and performed by Dr. Alan Berquist and Dr. Vincent Pierce, the work was debuted at the 2022 National Flute Convention in Chicago. The work explores original themes and sentiments of people who were victims during the AIDS pandemic. It was premiered at the Remembrance Concert at the convention.
Instrumentation: Solo Flute and Harp
Pan et Les Oiseaux
I arranged a version of the iconic solo work for two flutes and harp. The flutes share the solo but also get to be soloists themselves. I incorporated solos and moments from the orchestral version to both parts. This version is truly a duo for two flutes and harp. There is another version for two flutes and two harps that I have available. The original version was premiered by the Etesian Duo in 2016.
Colloquial Inflections
I composed this work for two flutes (doubling alto and piccolo respectively) and piano. The trio is written in three movements: 1. Mysterioso; 2. Interjections; 3. Dreamscapes. The music explores themes based on the titles. The first movement is a mysterious dance between the three instrumentalists. The second movement employs rhythms and improvisatory-like melodies on music heard in Salsa. The final movement is called Dreamscapes and is to evoke dream sequences and finishes with the listener awakening from their dream or nightmare.
This is written for Dr. Brittany Trotter and Anthony Trionfo and the Sacramento Flute Club's 2025 Summer Flute Festival and I get to be their composer-in-residence.
Works for Full & Chamber Orchestra
These are works for full symphonic and chamber orchestras. They range from multi-movement symphonies, and suites, to stand-alone overtures and tone poems. These works are all available in my store. For more information, feel free to send me an email.
This is my magnum opus completed in early 2022. This wordless requiem follows the liturgical names of the same title. 9 movements complete this work and are dedicated to the lives affected by Oakland's Ghost Ship Warehouse Fire. It's also dedicated to their families and communities affected by this tragic event. It also serves as a call to action on protecting and creating safe spaces for artists. It's available for purchase at my store.
Instrumentation: 3 Flutes (3rd dbls Piccolo), 2 Oboes, English Horn, 2 Clarinets, 2 Bassoons, 4 French Horns, 3 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, Tuba, Percussion, Timpani, 2 Harps, Strings
Symphony No. 1 in C Major "The Great"
My first symphony titled The Great was composed for my love of Haydn's and Beethoven's music. The symphony features many influences from both composers from the regalness of the first movement, a pastoral 2nd movement, a short but sweet Scherzo, and a fiery finale. This symphony is dedicated to my mother, Leticia Tirrez-Gorshen, because of her love of Beethoven.
Instrumentation: 2 Flutes (2nd dbls Piccolo), 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets, 2 Bassoons, 2 French Horns, 2 Trumpets, Timpani, and Strings
Symphony No. 2 "Ocean Dreams"
The second symphony takes a different approach to my creative expression. I start to explore a wider variety of colors, textures, and harmonic structures. There are influences of Rautavaara, Sibelius, and even Shostakovich present in this symphony. Each movement plays on different motifs and visions of the ocean.
Instrumentation: Piccolo, 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, English Horn, E-flat Clarinet, 2 Clarinets, Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons, Contrabassoon, 4 French Horns, 2 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, Tuba, Percussion, Timpani, Harp, Celeste, Piano, and Strings.
Symphony No. 3 "Poemas y Canciones"
This work is still in progress as of November 2024. The work is unique to my social and cultural upbringing. It's based on sounds, music, traditions, and sentiments I was surrounded by during my childhood. The first movement is a prayer and is reminiscent of my early days of being part of the Catholic Church - it represents congregations of people praying together. The second movement is an introduction and waltz - segues from first movement in the prayer theme and moves into a flowing waltz. The third movement is a love song for myself, my innocence, and seeing people love authentically. The final movement is a celebration with mariachi like motifs scattered throughout the movement.
I. Oracion
II. Introduction & Waltz
III. Poema de Amor
IV. Celebracion
Divertimento for Chamber Orchestra No. 1
This work was originally conceived as a composition project. When I was attending CCSF many moons ago, they had a hodge-podge orchestra consisting of a mixed bag of woodwinds, brass, piano, and strings. Sometimes they had a percussionist. Many resident composers and arrangers frequently composed for the ensemble and I was one of those composers. This work didn't get to be read by this chamber orchestra. It's a four-movement divertimento/chamber symphony.
It features different moods and is through-composed in nature. The first movement is stately with flourishes by all of the instruments in the orchestra. The second movement is a sort of original composed "hymn" that features a solo viola. The third movement is a quick interlude featuring the "Tetris Theme" for solo cello mixed in with some originally composed music. The final movement is processional and march which is grand and meditative.
Instrumentation: 2 Flutes (2nd dbls Piccolo), 1 Oboe (dbls EH), 1 Clarinet, 1 Bassoon, 1 French Horn, 1 Trumpet, Celeste/Piano, and Strings (Solo Viola and Solo Cello)
Works For Mixed Ensemble
These works feature mixed ensembles - wind quintets, quartets, trios, duos with any combination of instrument.
This work is my first attempt at writing for a string quintet. There is a version for two violins, viola, and two cellos and another that omits the second cello for string bass. It explores motifs and themes that I came up with. It's very much through-composed with an introduction statement and a bright allegro movement with moody colors.
This wind quintet was originally written for a wind quintet I had called The Deep Tones Ensemble. It contains four movements and all explore original themes. The first movement was read and premiered by members of the International Pride Orchestra in the Summer of 2023.
I. Intrada
II. Song
III. Scherzo
Iv. Finale