Michael Notarangelo Project

• Sam Haines is the publisher and curator of Michael Notarangelo’s music since his passing in 2021. Sam wrote cello and orchestral accompaniment for Mike’s music and collaborated in performance for a decade. Sam continues his mission to make Michael’s music a legacy that lasts for generations to come.

The Michael Notarangelo Project is what I’m calling my ongoing efforts to transcribe the complete works of Michael Notarangelo, a unique and ingenious composer of instrumental works for the modern guitar.

Michael passed away in February 2021. I had the distinct honor to work with him for almost a decade writing cello and other accompaniments for his work. We performed as a guitar / cello duet at events ranging from local farmers markets, coffee houses, as well as, weddings, art exhibit, festivals, and a variety of corporate events.

My hope is to create a complete transcription of his works so his legacy can be shared with guitarists of this and future generations.

Phase 1 is to transcribe his collection in Bb.

      As of March 9th 2023, I have completed transcription of 6 songs in his Bb set:

• I Wish You Peace
• First Kiss
• Thanksgiving Snow
• Blue Venus
• On A Good Day
• Vena Amoris

There may be one or two more in the Bb set I will want to complete before moving over to the F set. There are some incredibly challenging pieces in the F set that I have been looking forward to with no small amount of anticipation and excitement. The challenge is before me and I am up to it!

Phase 2 is to transcribe his collection in F

     As of March 18th 2023, I have completed the transcription for one of my favorite of Michael’s songs.

• Blackberry Hill

Phase 3 is to transcribe his collection in D

At various points along the way, I will be recording the songs as solo guitar performances, as well as, bringing to life with ensembles and featured guests the full atmosphere of sound that we had envisioned for these works. These additional sound characters will include strings, flute, clarinet, bassoon, and even a full orchestra. 

We wrote a 3 movement symphonic work based on three songs: “Thanksgiving Snow”, “First Kiss”, and “I Wish You Peace”.

This project will likely take me the rest of my life and is a happy purpose I invest myself in. If you would like to contribute any amount of support to this project, please consider making a donation below. At this time, and for years to come, it will be a labor of love. 

Every donation given, you will receive a recording from the archive of the maestro himself performing his works – and, of course, my gratitude.