Featured Works
Heroes and Villains | reed quintet
A sharply theatrical reed quintet that moves between satire, menace, and exuberance. (25')
Sonata for Tenor Saxophone and Electronics
A dramatic three-movement work moving between lyricism and tension, with an immersive fixed-media backdrop designed for straightforward performance. (17')
Iwwerrescht | orchestra
A large-scale orchestral work tracing beauty, freedom, temptation, and loss. Commissioned by the Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra, premiere March 7, 2027. (24')
Lake Pontchartrain | string sextet
A warm, expansive string sextet where luminous lyricism gradually gives way to longing and unease. (9')
About Elliott Grabill
Elliott Grabill’s music moves freely between post-romantic lyricism, experimental sound, and psychological unease. His work spans chamber, orchestral, and electroacoustic music. Grabill holds degrees from the Peabody Conservatory and the University of Virginia, and his music has been performed at venues including the Kennedy Center. Recent projects include the album Heroes and Villains, recorded by the Civitasolis Reed Quintet, and Iwwerrescht, an orchestral work commissioned by the Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra and scheduled to premiere in 2027. He is also the founder and artistic director of the Hargrove in Baltimore and has taught high school mathematics for many years.
Commission a new work
I welcome commissions from soloists, ensembles, and conductors. I’m especially drawn to substantial, multi-movement projects that allow musical ideas to develop over time, though I welcome commissions of many lengths and formats. I’m happy to shape a piece around a performer’s strengths or a specific program.
What Others Say
Heroes and Villains is "a debut of contrasting themes, the sordid nature of politics versus the sprawling beauty of Maryland are met with a charming neo-classical vision that embraces sonata-allegro form, post-romantic nods and much creativity and sincerity."
Tom Haugen, Take Effect Reviews
"A brief dramatic masterpiece."
Bill Vollinger, about "A Delicate Dance"
"His Pennsylvania Dutch choral music, with its odd phonemes, is the fitting soundtrack of Amish country: an imaginary looking in on a life that is possible but not quite real."
Caleb King, about "Liewe eier Feinde"
