*This short clip is part of my Slew of Snippets series.

*This short clip is part of my Slew of Snippets series.

*This short clip is part of my Slew of Snippets series.

*This clip is part of my Slew of Snippets series.

Strange and marvelous creatures materialize from spice jars in this Indian-orchestral hybrid. Violins, strings, and bongos attempt to sizzle up the perfect curry while colorful jewelry and clinky metal objects jangle and clank about. A Turkish lute eventually joins this fanciful fray!

*This short clip is part of my Slew of Snippets series.

*This short clip is part of my Slew of Snippets series.

Here's my chamber-noir interpretation of a minor-chord sonata written by Carol Burleson. A plucky pizzicato bass attempts to cheer up a very mournful violin. After some toil and even moments of despair, the pair eventually embrace the starlight, giving way to a sunrise.

*This short clip is part of my Slew of Snippets series.

Here's a charming one I came up with on a visit to Arizona's Saguaro Forest some years ago. Tambourines, flutes, lutes, and calfskins create tension as more and more strange animals emerge from the woods to alarm neighborhood pets. Watch out! This elf-based piece features pizzicato cello, percussion, and recorders in a strange, dancing, skipping rhythm reminiscent of Fantasia or Rumpelstiltskin. Great choice for animation or general mischief.