The Quest
Opera · Two Acts · 1966
Written during doctoral studies at Florida State University, this opera was premiered in 1966 and remained unavailable to the public for half a century before being released on YouTube, renewing interest in Vollrath's music.
Six Symphonies for Band
Wind Symphony
A major contribution to the wind band repertoire, these symphonies showcase Vollrath's mastery of orchestration and his understanding of wind instruments.
Three Pastels for Piano & Orchestra
Piano & Orchestra · 2012-2015
Three piano concerti written in a neo-impressionistic style, influenced by Stravinsky's Rite of Spring, Bartók's piano concerti, Eastern classical scales and folk music, and jazz piano. Vollrath regards these as "pastels" with a functional intention, evoking imagery in an abstract way.
Warrior Monks
Concerti for Clarinet & Trumpet · 2017
Two clarinet concerti and a trumpet concerto inspired by Vollrath's trip with the Troy University Confucius Institute to China. "And Bugles Sang" explores the many ways the trumpet is used as a symbol throughout human history, drawing inspiration from Benjamin Britten's "War Requiem."
The Unfolding Flute
Chamber Works for Flute & Piano · 2020
A collection of contemporary chamber works showcasing Vollrath's experience writing for flute, including Absolution, Concert Piece, Flute Sonata No. 1, and The Glass of Absinthe.
Transit Voices
Works for Clarinet · 2021
Inspired by Andrew Robinson's book "Lost Languages: The Enigma of the World's Undeciphered Scripts," these clarinet pieces are imagined as found archaeological objects, voices from long ago exploring existential questions about prehistory and human existence.
Old & New Poetry (Volumes I & II)
Song Cycles · 2021-2022
Musical settings of works by William Blake, Sara Teasdale, and contemporary writer John Gracen Brown. These pieces reflect Vollrath's belief in the interdependency of all life on earth, employing piano, clarinet, saxophone, and various vocal ranges.
Souls in Transitions
Piano Trios · 2019
Beginning with just the spark to write three trios, Vollrath created an intense yet reflective collection including "Buddha of the Future," "The Secrets of the Magdalenian Caves," and "Tombs of Ancient Times," moving through waves of contemplation on life, history, and spirituality.
Past Recollections & Lingering Longings
Works for Clarinet & Piano · 2015-2016
Two volumes celebrating past events through musical narratives. Includes references to composers like Copland, Poulenc, Prokofiev, and Delius, as well as personal stories about Troy, Alabama, Christmas parties, and inspiring musicians. Praised by American Record Guide as approaching "his pieces with respect and care."
Jack's Fat Cat
Clarinet Works · 2008
A two-disc album of clarinet works recorded by renowned clarinetist Richard Stoltzman, showcasing Vollrath's innovative techniques including his signature method of creating unique tones by wiggling keys while playing natural fingerings.
