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R. Christopher Teichler

Composer / Newton, KS
Member since November 2018
Premiere Circle
Chris has completed 5 projects with Consortio
Hello! I write music that I hope will engage with a broad range of listeners. I've written works for everything ranging from middle school band through professional symphony. I've written more choral music than for any other genre, for church choirs as well as college/university ensembles. My music is mostly self-published, but I also have works available from Alfred, Kjos, Lorenz, BRS Music and Pelican Music. Something I pride myself on is that while I am a musical artist, I'm also a regular guy. I will happily discuss classical music one minute and baseball/football the next! For more info on me and my music, you can visit my website: christeichler (dot) com. Thanks!

My Style

People hear several influences on my work: Stravinsky, Debussy, Copland, Hindemith, Bartok, Vaughan Williams , John Adams, John Williams and Thomas Newman. I want my music to be artistic and approachable, and I find my greatest inspiration in composers that do the same.

Featured Compositions

Listen to works by R. Christopher Teichler

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Love's Philosophy

SATB, Piano
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Reading the text suggested so many musical ideas, especially in terms of harmony and texture. The duple vs. triple piano accompaniment helps set a nebulous rhythmic feel without taking away a clear sense of pulse, suggesting the idea of being swept up in the feelings of love. The harmonies are rich and lush, which follows the rich imagery of the poetry. From the beginning of the piece, there is a continual move towards harmonic resolution, which never really arrives until the final measures of the piece, and then, only briefly.
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The Star-Spangled Banner

SATB
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Commissioned by the MidCities Chamber Singers, an ensemble out of Dallas-Fort Worth.
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The First Noel

SATB, Symphonic Band, Organ
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A dramatic setting highlighting the narrative of the text. I composed a new tune for the first 4 verses, and use the original tune in the final 2 verses. The piece has been used with staging for church and school performances. Side note: This is my most acclaimed work by performers and listeners.
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If I Can Stop One Heart From Breaking

SATB
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Text by Emily Dickinson. Commissioned by the MidCities Chamber Singers (D/FW, Texas)
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Gateway Overture

Concert Band
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Grade 2. Commissioned by Blackhawk Middle School (Bensenville, IL ), Mr. William Winters, director.

Testimonials

Christopher O'Hara
Jun 14, 2020
Over the years, I have commissioned several works from Christopher Teichler. His music is brilliantly written with beautiful, memorable melodies and interesting harmonies. He is a master of writing music that is both exciting for the performer and engaging for the audience. I can't recommend his works enough. More so, if you have the opportunity to work with him, take it. You'll rarely work with a finer musician or a kinder human being.
Charles King
Jun 13, 2019
I am listening again to Chris's setting of the traditional carol, "The First Noel," which we have twice used at Trinity International University. Scored for SATB choir, symphonic band, organ, and audience, it is a leisurely, thoughtful, colorful build-up to a final stanza sung by the audience with full band and a brilliant choral accompaniment. On the way to the climactic ending the audience is drawn to the mystery and wonder inherent in the text (but too often bellowed through by drunken carolers!). The choral part is just challenging enough for a university choir--or a fine church choir--and always rewarding to sing. A joy every time I hear it.
Robert Pendergraft
Nov 11, 2018
I have had the privilege of working with Chris on two commissioned works. Chris brings creative musical ideas to rich texts allowing us to see the the texts in a new way. My choirs have enjoyed singing these imaginative pieces, and I look forward to what future collaborations may produce. Chris is a gifted composer and a pleasure to work with, I highly recommend his work to you as music of the finest quality.
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