ForteTwo

ForteTwo is an arranger, transcriber, orchestrator and composer influenced heavily by the Romantic Era composers, most especially Chopin. He was a US Army Band musician for over 13 years, playing trombone and/or piano in various ensembles such as Brass Quintet, Dixieland Band, and Jazz Combo. Upon the conclusion of his enlistment, he decided to settle down with his wife and two children in Japan.

He may have been a certain military genius-turned ruler-turned exile in a previous life. One may dispute this, but the likeness in appearance, save for different eye color and a taller stature in present form, cannot easily be dismissed. Most certainly, he chose a far better military career this time around.

ForteTwo is not averse to a bit of musical mischief. He enjoys pilfering quotes from various composers in his works, or even arranging standard repertoire in completely different modes or styles, such as in his “Apologies to [composer]” series.

The pen-name “ForteTwo” is a play on words based on the composer’s musically inclined (perhaps obsessed) mind, and his favorite number, 42.