Poems of Love and the Seasons
“Nocella… has provided an excellent programmatic score for the ballet.”
—Anna Kisselgoff, N.Y. Times
“The romantic score enhanced the feeling of mystery…”
—Daniel Webster, Philadelphia Inquirer
“…commissioned music by Peter Nocella cast an allegorical spell. Nocella’s spare pastoral score is orchestrated with deft coloring; a trumpet floats over strings, horn solos contrast with scurrying pizzicatos, and lyrical effects with flute, vibes, and harp abound… mellow and very effective.”
—Tom DiNardo, Philadelphia Bulletin
“More in Peter Nocella’s score to commend it than in the choreography.”
—James Felton, Philadelphia Bulletin
Eight Candles in the Darkness
“The world premier of Dr. Peter Nocella’s Eight Candles in the Darkness Nils’ Musical Guide to Our Swedish Heritage, was one of the more spectacular episodes created by the American Swedish Historical Museum in this 75th anniversary year.”
—John Lane, Center City Weekly Press
Time Passed Summer
“… Effectively orchestrated and arranged by Peter Nocella.”
—Norma McClain Stoop, Dance Magazine
Olympiad XII, Two Pieces for String Orchestra
“It successfully combined elements of popular and classical music, based on a modern rhythmic structure… an interesting, richly dramatic performance… the highlight of the concert.”
—John Bull, Philadelphia Inquirer
“Nocella writes skillfully for strings, and the group projected the shifting moods and characteristic colors of the instruments well… themes are woven into a rich, jazz-inspired harmonic texture.”
—Katherine Watt, Philadelphia Evening Bulletin
Morning Caprice
“The work succeeds in being a breath of fresh air from the standard recital fare.”
—Keith Benjamin, International Trumpet Guild Journal.
Rhapsody For Piano Quartet
“Nocella… received enthusiastic applause for his work. It is a rhythmic composition of beautiful andantes and many melodic moments for the viola…”
—William McMahon, Atlantic City Press
Zig Zag
“Nocella’s score sounded melodic, lush… has made a very danceable score… The orchestration is better than the piano medium to my taste.”
—James Felton, Philadelphia Bulletin
