The Past is With Us (2013)

Justin Henry Rubin (b. 1971) — The Past is With Us (2013) for organ [in mean-tone temperament]

"The Past is With Us" (2013) is an evocative work exploring an austere and mystical atmosphere and is intended for an organ tuned in mean-tone temperament. A flowing pattern is first heard on its own, then repeated, harmonized, and extended many times; it moves between modes (which sometimes collide), yet always returns to the foundation of an ever-present low G drone.

American composer Justin Henry Rubin (b. 1971) was educated at the Manhattan School of Music, SUNY Purchase, and the University of Arizona. He has been a member of the faculty of the University of Minnesota, Duluth since 1998. Rubin is a prolific composer in all forms, though with a special affinity for chamber and solo music. Rubin is also an active organist and pianist with a repertoire that spans the entire keyboard literature.