As a guitarist and a vocalist Chris has explored very different styles. These are reflected in Chris’s composing style, which, in general, is a synthesis of classical, jazz and world music. He focuses on music for guitar and chamber music that includes his beloved instrument. He mainly composes and arranges for the ensembles he is playing in and pieces with educational purposes. In some of his compositions he is relying on the improvisation skills of the performers, a musical skill that, although quite unusual for a classically trained musician, Chris has a high interest for.
AWARDS
The album “The Yellow Duck” (Chris Ruebens Ensemble), for which Chris wrote all compositions was rewarded a first prize at the international 13th Independent Music Awards Vox Pop in the category instrumental music in 2014. In 2015 an international jury of composers of the 3rd Acerra Guitar Composition competition has awarded his “Fantasy No. 1” for solo guitar with a first prize!
PIECES FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
Belgian publishing house Auurk Ed. has used several of Chris’s pieces in her guitar methods “Gitaar horizon 2” and “Gitaar horizon 3” and the renewed versions “De Nieuwe Gitaar Horizon 3” and “De Nieuwe Gitaar Horizon 4” and has published several seperate pieces and collections for the young guitar students. A full list of Chris’s works published by Auurk you’ll find here.
PUBLISHED COMPOSITIONS
Published compositions are written for classical guitar solo, guitar duo, guitar trio, guitar quartet, guitar and string orchestra, guitar and violin, guitar, flute and violin, three guitars and ukulele. His fantasy suite for guitar quartet and string orchestra “Stories of a Common Man” hasn’t been published yet.
“Paisaje rumbero con percussión” (2025)
four guitars/ensemble
This Spanish rumba immediately sweeps you away, transporting you to the heart of flamenco music in Andalusia in southern Spain. With its rasgueados, summery melodies, and vibrant percussion, this piece offers an exhilarating experience for both performer and audience alike. This piece is crafted for young guitar players, offering a delightful introduction to the rhythms and textures of Spanish flamenco music.
To be published soon
“Untitled. Oil on Cardboard” (2024)
two guitars
As the title already suggests this composition can be experienced much like a painting. Each musical phrase unfolds like a brushstroke, leading ultimately to a space of complete improvisation. The piece was premiered in 2024 by Chris Ruebens together with Lithuanian jazz guitarist and composer Mindaugas Stumbras, and recorded on their album “Strung Out”.
Score
To be published soon
“The Panda Wears Prada” (2024)
two guitars
A playful composition that encourages a touch of improvisation. The composer dedicated this piece to his youngest daughter, Ana. In collaboration with Lithuanian jazz guitarist and composer Mindaugas Stumbras, Chris Ruebens premiered the piece in 2024 and recorded it for their album “Strung Out”.
To be published soon
“Sabia” (2024)
two guitars
Inspired by the collaboration between John Zorn and Marc Ribot, Chris originally wrote “Sabia” as a straightforward melody intended for improvisation. He later recomposed it into a structured work for two guitars. The piece was premiered in 2024 by Chris Ruebens together with Lithuanian jazz guitarist and composer Mindaugas Stumbras, and recorded on their album “Strung Out”.
To be published soon
“Convivencia” (2024)
two guitars
“Convivencia” refers to a period in medieval Spain when Muslims, Christians, and Jews in Al=Andaluz are believed to have lived together peacefully, fostering a flourishing of science and the arts. The piece was premiered in 2024 by Chris Ruebens together with Lithuanian jazz guitarist and composer Mindaugas Stumbras, and recorded on their album “Strung Out”.
Score
Published by Auurk ed.
“A Little Prayer” (2024)
two guitars
“A Little Prayer” is a particularly introspective piece from a series of new compositions for two guitars, which the composer premiered in 2024 together with Lithuanian jazz guitarist and composer Mindaugas Stumbras, and recorded on their album “Strung Out”.
Score
Published by Auurk ed.
“Three Ukulele Dances” (2024)
three guitars and ukulele
Three dances “Slow Dance”, “In the Meantime” and “Richt inta ma barra / Right on Target” were written for the Baltic Guitar Quartet and released on the quartet’s album “Through the Meadows” (2024).
To be published soon
“8 Pieces for Guitar Trio” (2023)
three guitars
Score and audio
Published by Auurk ed.
“Save It for a Rainy Day” (2021)
guitar
This lighthearted piece for guitar was based on a little riff developed on the ukulele and was premiered on May 8th, 2021 during a TV show on Lithuanian national television. The piece is suited for both classical and steel-string guitar.
Score
Youtube
Published by Les Productions d’Oz
“10 Etudes Concertantes” (2021)
guitar
Score and audio
Published by Auurk ed.
“Land of Hope” (2021)
flute, violin, guitar
Score and audio
Published by Auurk ed.
“Down in the Valley” (2021)
three guitars
Score and audio
Published by Auurk ed.
“King Arthur Suite” (2021)
guitar; two guitars
Score and audio
Published by Auurk ed.
“Fantasy No. 2” (2018)
guitar and violin
Fantasy No. 2 originated in spontaneous improvisation, with improvisation serving as a key element in its development as well. This approach infuses the piece with rich emotions, romantic nuances, and flowing, expressive melodies.
Score and audio
Published by Les Productions d’Oz
“Fantasy No.1” (2016)
guitar
This piece was composed using motives that were taken from free improvisation recordings. This piece was awarded with a first prize by international jury of composers of the 3rd Acerra Guitar Composition competition.
Score
Youtube
Published by Edizioni Esarmonia
“I Guess I’ll Sleep on It” (2013)
four guitars, trumpet (optional) and double bass (optional)
Minimalistic piece with jazz influences.
Score
Youtube
Published by Les Productions d’Oz
“Jolie folie” (2011)
four guitars
Balkan music meets gypsy jazz, with a small theatrical joke in the middle.
Score
Audio
Published by Les Productions d’Oz
“Fenestrae” (2010)
four guitars
The starting point for this composition was a short a capella choral for four voices inspired by the Flemish polyphony of the 16th century and that can be heard at the end of the piece. “Fenestrae” was recorded on the Baltic Guitar Quartet album “Tradicion Nuevo” (2013).
Score
Youtube
Published by Les Productions d’Oz
“Gitana linda” (2009)
four guitars
In “Gitana linda” echoe sounds of modern flamenco. This composition includes an effective percussive middle part and leaves space for improvisation. “Gitana linda” was recorded on the Baltic Guitar Quartet album “Tradicion Nuevo” (2013).
Score and audio
Published by Les Productions d’Oz
“Summer Dance“ (2008)
four guitars
Chris’s first piece for the Baltic Guitar Quartet and one of the quartet’s all time favorites. It appeared on the BGQ album Dancing with guitar (2008) and later again on “Tradicion nuevo” (2013) in an arrangement for four guitars, double bass and bansuri flute.
Score and audio
Youtube
Published by Auurk ed.
“Amigo” (1997)
guitar
A dedication to the flamenco guitarist Vicente Amigo.
Score and audio
Youtube
Published by Auurk ed.
