Choirs share the stage in glorious program
“The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers varied the musical texture with the world premiere of "Another Spring" by Tom Nazziola. In its depictions of the glories of the season, as well as its transience, the work is of delicate transparency that the small group performed with pristine simplicity. Commissioned by VocalEssence, it is chromatically complex, but haunting and evocative.”
- William Randall Beard, Special to the Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN)

Room for 4
"Room for 4 is an exciting new composition, especially if you are interested in having more world music influence in your ensemble's programming. It requires mature players with excellent technique and ensemble skills. They will grab on to the drum corps influence, but within a rhythmic language that is culturally diverse. My students have proactively taken it upon themselves to rehearse this work outside of our regularly scheduled rehearsal times, because they enjoy it so much."
- Gordon Stout, Professor of Percussion, Ithaca College

The Golem
(Silent Film)
"The connection between music and movies is crucial. But I never realized how crucial until I heard Tom Nazziola' s thrilling score for The Golem. Paul Wegener' s 1920 German silent film classic is a source of the Frankenstein legend. It tells how the chief rabbi of Prague created a huge, hulking creature out of clay to protect the ghetto from anti-Semitic attacks. Now Nazziola' s enveloping music draws on Jewish musical influences (oh those Middle Eastern drums!) to blow the dust off of film scholarship to make the film live and breathe for a new generation. I sat spellbound watching Nazziola conduct the musicians of his BQE project in a live performance of score and film. And I later listened to the score on its own, its power even deeper and more resonant. Nazziola is doing astonishing compositional work with silent films, from the drama of The Golem to the comedies of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. His talent is rare. His contribution indispensable."
- Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

From Here to There
(Percussion quintet)
“Musical, creative, challenging and rewarding describe ‘From Here to There.’ This excellent composition by Tom Nazziola will sustain your interest……from here to there.”
- John H. Beck
Professor Emeritus of Percussion
Eastman School of Music

"How often does one find a piece for percussion that is musically interesting and intelligently written, with a challenging drum set part, and yet totally accessible for the audience. Let's not let them know how serious and well organized it is."
- Morris Lang
Former percussionist - New York Philharmonic /
Professor of Percussion - Lehman College

Royal Irish Academy of Music Percussion Ensemble Concert
“There are very few drum set concertos in the repertoire, so it was refreshing to hear Tom Nazziola’s From Here to There, which while not a concerto per se, featured drum set prominently. The work began as a trio with set, marimba, and vibes, as each performer presented non-rhythmic colorful ideas. The set functioned as a multiple percussion set-up at first, then funk and jazz licks began to punctuate the texture. At times the trio played music reminiscent of Frank Zappa, with unison mallet percussion and drum set melodies. Additional players entered later in the first movement and in the second movement, expanding the sonorities. The drum set had several short cadenzas, though it mostly stayed in close conversation with the other instruments. Overall, it proved to be a fascinating work, and a welcomed addition to our repertoire.
- Dwayne Corbin, Irish National Events Centre