Chris Frye

Chris Frye (Christopher B. Frye) is an American composer, pianist, and professor emeritus of music theory and composition at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Known for his extensive chamber and ensemble works, his piano music spans a wide stylistic range from traditional tonal lyricism to experimental, electroacoustic styles.

Notable Classical & Chamber Works for Piano

As a member of the Wisconsin Alliance for Composers, Frye has written a broad library of commissioned chamber music featuring the piano, often paired with woodwinds or strings:

• "Astoria" (2022) — A Latin-Tango composition written for piano and jazz orchestra, premiered to mark his retirement from the UW-La Crosse Music Department.

• "Three Pieces for Alto Saxophone and Piano" (1999) — A major 15-minute modern chamber duet.

• "Symbiosis I" (1993) — Written for bassoon and piano, which premiered at the International Double Reed Conference.

• "Touch, Feel, Believe" (1991) — A 16-minute experimental trio written for clarinet, bassoon, and piano.

• "Rondo for Violin and Piano" (1991) & "Monody" (1980) — Distinct melodic pieces emphasizing traditional string and piano counterpoint.

Choral Music with Piano Accolades

Beyond purely instrumental pieces, Frye is widely known in the Midwest for his choral arrangements featuring prominent, intricate piano accompaniment:

• "Of Brothers, Frisbees and Such" (1993) — A unique narrative piece written for solo voice and piano.

• "Little Piggys" (1991) & "Magnificat" (1988) — High-energy pieces composed specifically for SATB/women's choruses backed by piano.

• "Night Haiku" (1983) — An avant-garde piece written for high voice accompanied by both standard acoustic piano and electric piano.