J. A. Devor: PlayScenes, clarinet in Bb and double bass

About the Composition

PlayScenes is a collection of seven short pieces meant to take the style of an Americanized Gebrauchsmusik. The work was initially composed for Aimless Duo, with each movement being written in only a matter of days. The general aesthetic of the early Wisconsin summer is referenced throughout many of the pieces.

PlayScenes was premiered by Aimless Duo at the 2026 Wisconsin Alliance for Composers Festival, UW-Whitewater, Light Recital Hall on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

1. Colorfully
2. Tango
3. Bricks & Blocks
4. Morris Dance
5. Cottonwood Puffs
6. Foisted Timbers
7. Broken Song

Total Duration: 12 minutes

About the Composer

James A. Devor (b. 1998) is an American composer and double bassist who genuinely believes classical music needs to be made available for everyone. His music draws on a wide-ranging stylistic background inspired by growing up in central Pennsylvania. Always blending ‘high’ and ‘low’ music, James pushes to view all genres as equally valid and is tired of the prevailing elitism in the contemporary classical music scene. His work responds to the struggles facing neurodivergent individuals and conflicts between social classes.

His works have received awards from NACUSA, the Festival of New American Music, the American Prize, ASCAP, and the Red Jasper Award. James completed graduate work at The Hartt School – University of Hartford and received his Artist Diploma from OAcademy as a 2024 cohort member of the Gabriela Ortiz Composing Studio.