Quincy Hilliard's 'Coty' on 'But Not Forgotten': 'The piece is named after my favorite Uncle Coty.'

Dr. Quincy Hilliard

Marcus Eley: But Not Forgotten, Music by African-American Composers for Clarinet & Piano; Marcus Eley, clarinet; Lucerne DeSa, piano; Sono Luminus DSL-92156 (2012)

On June 17, 2012 AfriClassical posted: “Composers.com: 'Clarinetist Marcus Eley – CD release features a stunning performance of Night Fantasy by Dorothy Rudd Moore.'” We have previously written about Quincy C. Hilliard (b. 1954), composer of the recording's work Coty. Here is an excerpt from his Biography:

“Quincy C. Hilliard’s compositions for wind band are published by a variety of well known publishers. He is frequently commissioned to compose works, including one for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and a score for a documentary film, The Texas Rangers. For many years, the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) has recognized him with annual awards for the unusually frequent performance of his compositions. Hilliard is regularly invited to conduct, demonstrate effective techniques, and adjudicate festivals throughout the world.”

“Hilliard is Composer in Residence and the Heymann Endowed Professor of Music at the University of Louisiana, Lafayette. Previous teaching positions were at Nicholls State University, Florida International University, North Marion High School (Sparr, Florida) and White Station Junior and Senior High School (Memphis, Tennessee).

He holds the Ph.D. in music theory and composition from the University of Florida where, in 1999, he was recognized as the Outstanding Alumnus of the School of Music. He holds the Masters of Music Education from Arkansas State University and the Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Mississippi State University where he was designated College of Education 1998 Alumnus of the Year.”

We invited Quincy to briefly explain his composition Coty, and he promptly replied:

“Bill,

Thanks for contacting me. The piece is named after my favorite Uncle Coty. He was a great inspiration to me. The piece is written to describe a day.

Daybreak - with spirit and enthusiasm for awakening to a new adventure.

Sunset - depicts a beautiful country sunset. Very peaceful, quiet, and calm.

Dance - depicts the excitement of night life. The mysteriousness, the magic, and the unknown.”