Valentin Silvestrov: Hymn Context Composed in 2001, Valentin Silvestrov’s heart-wrenching Hymn is scored for string orchestra. Described as a ‘noble song of praise’, Hymn works with textures and atmospheres to create a cohesive piece of music. Silvestrov writes this at the front of the score: “My Hymn is enveloped Read more…
Heroic Handel: A Virtual Concert Saturday 18th July 2020, 7pm Baroque music ensemble Eboracum Baroque and award-winning York Gin are teaming up to present ‘Heroic Handel’, a lockdown concert celebrating Handel’s music and the gin craze of his time. Recorded and filmed in isolation, Eboracum Baroque’s musicians from across the Read more…
Interview with Gavin Bryars Although now living in the Midlands, Gavin has strong ties to both Sheffield and Yorkshire. While studying philosophy at the University of Sheffield he began experimenting as a jazz bassist, and played with a variety of musicians before forming the Gavin Bryars Ensemble. “When I started Read more…
Florence Price: The Deserted Garden Context Born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1887, Florence Beatrice Smith Price received early musical training from her mother. Price went to study at the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music, graduating in 1906 with a Soloist’s Diploma in Organ Performance, and a Teacher’s Diploma Read more…
Gabriel Fauré: Dolly Suite Context Gabriel Fauré’s set of piano duets, also known as the Dolly Suite, were composed between 1893-96. Each duet marks the birthdays, anniversaries and other occasions in the life of the daughter of Fauré’s mistress, Emma Bardac. The daughter, Régina-Hélène Bardac, was known as Dolly to Read more…
Ernest Moeran: Lonely Waters Context Published in a set of two piece for small orchestra, Ernest Moeran’s Lonely Waters was published in 1935. However, Moeran completed the work sometime in 1931, with the premiere taking place a year later in January 1932 at The Queen’s Hall. Lonely Waters is dedicated Read more…
Interview with Hannah Fiddy Hannah Fiddy is a creative consultant and events producer, developing new audiences for classical music. She is the Director of Alternative Classical, which creates and promotes new approaches to classical music. Some her other projects include: Concert Roulette (classical jukebox) London Flashmob (pop-up events producer). Her Read more…
Elmer Bernstein: The Magnificent Seven Main Title Context Elmer Bernstein is fondly remembered as being one of the leading film composers of the 20th Century. His music is some of the most recognisable, with his scores for The Magnificent Seven (1960), The Great Escape (1963) and Ghostbusters (1984) being particular Read more…
Thomas Doss: REM-Scapes Context Composed in 2014, Thomas Doss’ REM-Scapes for brass band is an eclectic mix of sonorous playing and extended techniques. The name of the piece refers to “Rapid Eye Movement” – which is a unique state of sleep seen only in mammals and birds. This phase is Read more…
Florence Price: Moon Bridge Context Born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1887, Florence Beatrice Smith Price received early musical training from her mother. Price went to study at the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music, graduating in 1906 with a Soloist’s Diploma in Organ Performance, and a Teacher’s Diploma in Read more…