I just learned that today is the birthday of my friend, composer Robert Moran. I first encountered Bob’s music while I was scouring the bins at the now-defunct Tower Records Classical Annex, at 6th and South Sts., in Philadelphia. At a point, the suite, “Arias, Interludes and Inventions,” from his opera “Desert of Roses,” came out over the speakers, and my heart broke a little bit. I added it to my collection immediately.

A number of years later, unbeknownst to me, Bob was browsing in my bookshop. I think he tried to pay with a credit card, which is the kiss of death when dealing with Classic Ross Amico. I inquired if he happened to be the composer, and we’ve been pals ever since. Naturally, I had my recording of “Desert of Roses” on hand, and Bob penned me a very nice inscription.

Happy birthday, Bob. Whether you’re writing for Houston Grand Opera, 39 autos, giant puppets, or electric popcorn popper, the music is always vital and worth getting to know.

An aria from “Desert of Roses”:

Selections from “Trinity Requiem”:

“Obrigado” for Iowa Percussion:

Bob, looking groovy in merry prankster mode, introducing his “Lunchbag Opera” for the BBC: