Biography
Peter's music is an accessible and engaging blend of classical music forms with the emotional power and directness of film music. Thus, much of his concert music has a distinctly dramatic and even cinematic flair to it. Peter enjoys combining a wide variety of musical influences, from Bach to Broadway, and from Romantic to modern, often fusing multiple styles within one piece.
Peter composes in a variety of music genres:
Holiday Pops Music: Peter received in-depth training in pops arranging from some of the greatest arrangers in Hollywood, including Joe Harnell, Angela Morley, and Irwin Kostal (arranger for “The Sound of Music” and “Mary Poppins”). Peter's holiday music has been performed by major symphonies and symphonic choirs across the country.
Choral Music: Peter learned the art of choral writing from a young age by being surrounded by a wealth of choral literature and exceptional choral performances — his father, Richard Bloesch, is a superb choral conductor and a respected authority on choral literature, having contributed frequently to ACDA's Choral Journal. Peter's choral music has been praised by conductors and choirs for being inventive, compelling, and a delight to sing. One of his choral works was premiered by the Grammy award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer on their Christmas concert series.
Concert Music: Peter has composed many orchestral pieces, including a number of cinema-inspired pieces, some of which you can explore here. (This part of the Listen & Watch page includes samples of both film and concert music.) He is currently working on a number of tone poems for orchestra. He also writes string orchestra music, including “Remembrances” and a newly commissioned piece called “Serenade for String Orchestra and Piano,” which is being composed to honor the 50th anniversary of the Preucil School of Music in 2025.
Peter is actively involved in the world of chamber and vocal music, and as you can see from the photo below, he's been a lifelong devotee not only of writing chamber music, but performing it as well. His new oboe piece “Sketches of Scotland for Oboe and Piano” will soon be premiered by oboist Dr. David Cyzak. This 4-movement, 16-minute work was inspired by the gorgeous and varied landscapes of Scotland.
Peter recently wrote a violin/piano piece for world-renowned pianist Dr. Ksenia Nosikova and violinist Katya Moeller, called “Five Pieces for Violin and Piano.” He will soon be collaborating with bassoonist Benjamin Coelho on a 5-movement bassoon sonata. Peter has recently begun work on arranging a large number of holiday pieces for violin and piano, which will be released on CD in the summer of 2025. Also, he's finishing up a large set of art songs, with versions written for soprano or mezzo soprano.
Peter has received many commissions from innovative chamber groups, such as Red Cedar Chamber Music, a critically acclaimed ensemble. He was recently commissioned by Red Cedar to write a Scottish Folk Song Suite for violin and cello duo. Also, his commissioned work for Red Cedar called A Christmas Suite for Flute, Viola, and Guitar was recently published and is available from ALRY Publications.
Film Music: While living in Los Angeles, Peter worked with many legendary film composers, including Bruce Broughton, Jerry Goldsmith, and Henry Mancini. He was especially honored to work with celebrated television composer Mike Post on the TV hits “L.A. Law” and “Law & Order.” During this time, he won the competitive “Pete Carpenter Fellowship” award from BMI, an honor given once a year to the most promising young film composer.
Peter wrote the music for the documentary film “A Friend Indeed: The Bill Sackter Story,” a moving story about a disabled man's struggle for acceptance. This award-winning film has received multiple nationwide airings on PBS.
Peter was asked by renowned screenwriter and film producer Barry Morrow to write the featured song for Morrow's newest film. It's a romantic comedy called “All You Ever Wished For” (starring Darren Criss, of “Glee”), and it's now been released on DVD. (Morrow won a screenwriting Oscar for “Rain Man” in 1988.)
Peter's music has been described as “fresh,” “inspirational,” and having “haunting melodies.” You can hear his music by visiting the Videos and Listen pages, and by exploring his Vimeo videos. Also, visit him on Facebook.
Music has been a lifelong passion of mine. In this photo from 1973,
I'm enjoying some intense but fun chamber music with my brother, David.
(I'm on the right, playing cello.) David has become a wonderful violinist,
whereas I have channeled my musical energies into composition.
