by Instrument – Reena Esmail

new toccata for solo piano*

This toccata in Raag Megh is part of Keval Shah’s program of my solo piano work, which will be released on an album soon. Please check back. Program Notes Recording Premiere/Performances Press/Reviews

new work for solo piano*

This short new work for solo piano is commissioned by the Bellosguardo International Piano Competition in Santa Barbara, CA. It will be a required work for all competitors. Check back for more information. Program Notes Recording Premiere/Performances Press/Reviews

surfacing (from Double Concerto)*

Program Notes This tiny encore piece is from the Double Concerto I wrote for Gil Shaham and Orli Shaham. It comes from the moment in the second movement where the soloists are playing alone, and completely exposed in the texture for the first time. from the full program note:When I began writing this concerto, the … Read more

Curiosity (from Earth Speaks) for SATB chorus and harp

Program Notes Curiosity was one of my earliest works to grapple with humanity’s relationship to the natural world. In late 2011, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), based in my hometown, sent the rover Curiosity to Mars, from where it continues to send precious information back to Earth. That act of curiosity – of hope – … Read more

Wir*

*this work is not yet completed This new 30 minute work for Hilary Hahn and Matthias Goerne weaves together the German poetry of Paul Celan with new interstitial verse by Rebecca Gayle Howell, and explores the fervent search for silence in our modern world. (program notes will be available after the premiere) Program Notes Recording … Read more

Sandhiprakash (version for violin)

Program Notes Sandhiprakash(p/d), meaning ‘the joining of light’, is the term for a particular set of Hindustani raags that are performed at the moments of sunrise and sunset. In this piece for unaccompanied cello, the focus is on morning sandhiprakash raags Bhairav, Ahir Bhairav and Vibhas. I’m so struck by how differently the concept of … Read more

Sandhiprakash (version for violin and harp)

*this version will be available in Spring 2026 Program Notes Sandhiprakash(p/d), meaning ‘the joining of light’, is the term for a particular set of Hindustani raags that are performed at the moments of sunrise and sunset. In this piece for unaccompanied cello, the focus is on morning sandhiprakash raags Bhairav, Ahir Bhairav and Vibhas. I’m … Read more

Song of the Swan

Program Notes This piece is in a Hindustani raag called Hamsadhwani (‘hamsa’ means swan in Hindi, hence the title). I love the warmth and intimacy of this raag, and I love being able to introduce it into a western classical setting. NOTE: This piece was written specifically for the ABRSM syllabus, so it was written … Read more

unravelation

*this work has not yet been premiered Program Notes One of the hardest lessons for me to learn in this practice of composing has been that the greatest creativity comes from learning how to hit every mark perfectly — and then letting that tightly wound control begin to slowly unravel. The title (a portmanteau of … Read more

Sun Sundar Sargam (version for SATB + sitar)

Program Notes Sun Sundar Sargam sets a beautiful, bespoke text by lyricist Reena Bhansali, about the power of listening through the metaphor of music. The piece was commissioned by BBC Singers specifically for the BBC Ten Pieces, a group of ten pieces that is taught in the UK music curriculum each year. The lyrics are … Read more

Sun Sundar Sargam (version for treble chorus)

*all info forthcoming Program Notes (forthcoming) Recording (will post when available) Texts Special Performance Requirements Audio Guide These are not available publicly yet, but can be made available to your ensemble if you are programming this work. Additional Information Premiere/Performances Sun Sundar Sargam was commissioned by the BBC Singers, and was premiered by The BBC … Read more

Presence Suite (for guitar orchestra)

Program Notes (*for the program note for the entire large work please visit the Presence catalog page) Presence was the culminating work of a yearlong collaboration with Austin Classical Guitar — the title of the piece was the theme of ACG’s season. What does it mean to be present with one another? Guitar was my … Read more