Nocella... has provided an excellent programmatic score for the ballet.
Anna Kisselgoff, N.Y. Times

The romantic score enhanced the feeling of mystery...
Daniel Webster, Philadelphia Inquirer

...commissioned music by Peter Nocella cast an allegorical spell. Nocella’s
spare pastoral score is orchestrated with deft coloring; a trumpet floats over
strings, horn solos contrast with scurrying pizzicatos, and lyrical effects
with flute, vibes, and harp abound... mellow and very effective.
Tom DiNardo, Philadelphia Bulletin

More in Peter Nocella’s score to commend it than in the choreography
James Felton, Philadelphia Bulletin

The world premier of Dr. Peter Nocella’s Eight Candles in the Darkness
Nils’ Musical Guide to Our Swedish Heritage, was one of the more
spectacular episodes created by the American Swedish Historical
Museum in this 75th anniversary year.
John Lane, Center City Weekly Press

... Effectively orchestrated and arranged by Peter Nocella.
Norma McClain Stoop, Dance Magazine

It successfully combined elements of popular and classical music,
based on a modern rhythmic structure... an interesting, richly
dramatic performance... the highlight of the concert.
John Bull, Philadelphia Inquirer

"Nocella writes skillfully for strings, and the group projected the
shifting moods and characteristic colors of the instruments well...
themes are woven into a rich, jazz-inspired harmonic texture."
Katherine Watt, Philadelphia Evening Bulletin

The work succeeds in being a breath of
fresh air from the standard recital fare.
Keith Benjamin, International Trumpet Guild Journal.

Nocella... received enthusiastic applause for his work. It is a rhythmic composition of beautiful andantes and many melodic moments for the viola...
William McMahon, Atlantic City Press

Nocella’s score sounded melodic, lush... has made a very danceable score...
The orchestration is better than the piano medium to my taste.
James Felton, Philadelphia Bulletin