The music was written between 1995-1998.  Recording occured April - November, 1999 and mixing and mastering November, 1999 - February 2000.  The CD was originally released on April 20, 2000.  Although Opus 1 contains 12 pieces of music, there were many other pieces composed at the same time which did not fit into the character of Opus 1.  Many of those pieces were acoustic guitar instrumentals, classical compositions for solo piano, a string trio and a piece for string orchestra.  There was one more HESS track that was originally going to be on Opus 1, but became the final track of Opus 2, called: Waves of Far Reaching.  Below is a list of each Opus 1 piece and the dates in which they were composed.   

Golden Colloseum - May, 1995 (revised in 1998)

Through Space and Time - January / February, 1996

Lydian Speaks - August, 1995 / February, 1996

Phoenix Rising - May, 1996

Modes of Expression - August / September, 1996 (revised 1998)

Exploration - January, 1997 (revised in 1998)

Homage - February / March 1997

On The Brink - May / June, 1997

Empire - May, 1997 / January, 1998

Imperial - January / February, 1998

Palette of Shades - January, 1998

Queen of Me - April 7, 1998 (Harmony and rhythm composed in 20 minutes, all of the guitar parts were improvised and recorded the same day, usually in 1 or 2 takes.)

     This music was not intended for your entertainment.  Many people who will hear this recording will not be able to appreciate it.  Our primary intent was that of artistic self expression.  For those of you who do know and love Opus 1, through this music we have met.

~Tom Hess~

    Itemized solo credits click here