Merrill Leroy Ellis

Merrill Leroy Ellis (9 December 1916 Cleburne, Texas – 12 July 1981 Denton, Texas) was an American composer, performer, and experimental music researcher. He is most known for his work with electronic (analog) and intermedia compositions, new compositional techniques, development of new instruments, and exploration of new notation techniques for scoring and performance. (CEMI) at North Texas is an outgrowth of his accomplishments. When the College of Music designed and erected a new music complex in the late 1970s, a "new music" theater was designed and named "The Merrill Ellis Intermedia Theater" or "MEIT."

Selected compositions Instrumental works

"And Ruth Said," sacred songs (medium voice) with piano (Aug. 15, 1947); "Brass Quartet," for 2 trumpets, tenor trombone, bass trombone (manuscript dated 1951) "Bridge Game," for string quartet; "Cape "G" Melody," for oboe, viola, cello, with optional part for double bass (manuscript dated 1951) "Classical Combo," a septet + one; Dizzy Kate Piano Suite, (Sept. 19, 1947); "Introducing Kate" "Kate Was Very Modal" "She Sas Long and Slim and Loved to Dance" "Kate Lived at the Corner of 4th and 5th" "My, My, Dizzy Kate" "A Dream Fantasy," an intermedia piece; may use dancers if desired; for clarinet (some passages may be performed on saxophone), percussion, tape, and 2 reels of 16 mm. film; 35 mm. slides optional, C. Fischer (1976); "Duets," for flute & piano (1969) "Ecce homo," for cello & piano (1970); "Einyah [Festival]," for piano, trumpet, and percussion;