Central Composers Alliance Works

Jabberwocky - Suite for Orchestra - Robert Ramskill

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This suite is in 6 short movements each inspired by Lewis Carroll´s poem - ´Twas Brillig; The Slithy Toves; The Jabberwock; The Tumtum Tree; The Vorpal Blade; O Frabjous Day.

It is to be given its first performance by the Coventry Youth Orchestra in the orchestra´s 50th anniversary concert on July 14th.

The attached recording is a MIDI version of ´O Frabjous Day´

String Quartet in A minor "Echoes" - Kerry Milan

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A single-movement quartet lasting about 15 minutes, the work was written in response to a request from Stafford Music Festival for a piece to evoke Shugborough Hall in Staffordshire. James "Athenian" Stuart worked here, and the estate was significant in the story of the Greek Revival. There are echoes of some of the famous, and not so famous, musicians who have visited Shugborough over the last 250 years, and a little humour mixed with a little more anguish in what is a challenging but rewarding piece to perform, and to listen to.

Kyrie - John Middleton

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I wrote several settings for Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus Dei for voice and guitar in 1994-6. This Kyrie is adapted from one I still sing regularly in church services. (3 mins)

Ivanhoe 2010 version (Opera) - John Middleton

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This is the performing version of the opera which had its premiere on 9.7.11 by the Ivanhoe Festival singers and orchestra, directed by Kate King. The libretto is based on the novel by Sir Walter Scott. I had the privilege of singing the part of Malvoisin in the performance.

It is a revised and abridged version of the score completed in 2000. The main changes involved removing three preludes and interludes which would have required a full orchestra and added considerably to its length.(2 hours)

´A particularly fine duet between Ivanhoe (Lyndon Gardner) and Rebecca (Clare Proctor)....the music itself created an effective mediaeval atmosphere..´ Leicester Mercury

´...a lovely interlude where one could almost imagine the scenery and the costumes of this historical epic. The capacity audience was warmly appreciative...´ Loughborough Echo

Highlights on a single CD with spoken commentary £4 (+ p&p £1.50)

Double CD containing whole opera, libretto and programme £7.50 (+ p&p £2)

Contact: john.brinks@talktalk.net

Link to audio clip: http://db.tt/FzS9uCPZ

Link to video clip: http://db.tt/ZAEhZqu9

Wistful Whimsies - Peter Witchell

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

1. A Jolly Jaunt : 2. Looking Back : 3. Fun with Felix

Two Pieces for String Trio - Peter Witchell

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

strictly physical (suite for saxophone quartet) - Peter Witchell

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Waiting World - Peter Witchell

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Also arranged for SA and piano

Broadcast on Rutland Radio - Christmas Eve 2010

Sleep, tiny child - Peter Witchell

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Symphonietta - Adrian Woolliscroft

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

First performance: 08/05/10 at the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire, by Birmingham Schools` Concert Orchestra, conducted by Bob Vivian. It is in three movements. The first movement is restless in mood, with contrasting lyrical sections in 7/8; the middle movement, entitled Nocturne, is dark and brooding, and the Symphonietta ends joyously, the opening horn figure influenced by the first movement of Mendelssohn`s Italian Symphony.

'Within Reflecring Echoes' piano concerto - Sonja Grossner

Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bird Symphony - John Middleton

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I wanted to write something abstract, that is without human voices and words. This piece uses abstractions of the songs of birds in different environments and seasons, which provide the basis for symphonic development.

The structure of the seasons and life cycle gave it a philosophical and spiritual dimension as the composition proceeded.

In April 2011, the music was used as a theme (Birdsong) for an exhibition of works by Artspace at Charnwood Museum. The MIDI audio file was played at the private view and was available during the duration of the exhibition (3rd movement Autumn in the saltmarsh is available on the link). The image of part of the score was painted on a distressed gilded background by Erica Middleton. (65 mins)

Sonata for Clarinet and Piano - Andrew Downes

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This Sonata in 4 movements was specially composed for Angus Meryon, clarinet, and Duncan Honeybourne, piano, who gave the first performance in the United Reformed Church, Salisbury, as part of the Salisbury Chamber Music Club series, on 2nd January 2010.

Christmas Orchestral Music (6) Away in a Manger arranged for Congregation/Audience and/or Children's Choir and Orchestra - Robert Ramskill

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This arrangement was written for BBC Songs of Praise´s Christmas Big Sing from the Albert Hall broadcast at Christmas 2008.

Score and parts available for hire for £25.00 and to purchase for £40.00

In Memoriam Herbert Howells - Andrew Downes

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Composed at the request of the Royal Forest of Dean Herbert Howells Society to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Howells´ death. The world premiere was given by Duncan Honeybourne at St Mary´s Church, Lydney, Gloucestershire, on July 11th 2008, as part of the 2008 Lydney Festival. Subsequent performances by Duncan include ones at All Saints Church, Newland, Gloucestershire (July 2008), St Mary’s Church, Weymouth (June 2009), St Michael’s Church, Lyme Regis (June 2009), and the Baptist Church, Lydney (November 2009).

Concerto for Piano and Symphony Orchestra - Andrew Downes

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Composed for pianist Duncan Honeybourne, the Central England Ensemble and Music Director Anthony Bradbury, and first performed by them at Birmingham Town Hall on 1st March 2009. The work was recorded for CD at the first performance, and copies are available by sending an email to Lynwood Music.

There was a great audience reaction to the premiere of the concerto, and written comments included:

´Andrew´s composition, Concerto for Piano and Symphony Orchestra was wonderful. I felt so uplifted after the performance.´

´We thought the second movement particularly wonderful.´

´So many people said wonderful things about the evening - we thought the music was superb - you really are a great composer Andrew. ... Have you begun the next one Andrew, because you now have a captive audience?´

´Congratulations on a wonderful composition. Keep them coming!´

´The piano concerto was real success!´

We loved the Piano Concerto - I´d love to hear it again!´

´It was a great privilege to be present at the premiere of your piano concerto. It was an unforgettable experience. Several people around us said it should be in the general repertoire. It is such an exciting work that it deserves many more performances. You seem to go from strength to strength! Do continue to excite and entertain your friends and supporters with your music.´

´Wow, what can I say?! We all thoroughly enjoyed the concert last night, especially the piano concerto.´

´The piano concerto was fantastic ---- hearing the concerto at the first performance is something that I will remember for a long time.´

The concerto was given its second performance, by the same artists, on Saturday June 26th 2010, in Coventry Cathedral.

Sonata for Contrabass Flute and Piano - Andrew Downes

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by the American flutist Peter Sheridan, this sonata was given its world premiere by Peter Sheridan accompanied by Claire Cooper on Thursday April 22nd 2009 at Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Ragawag (Suite for String Quartet) - Peter Witchell

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

1. Ragout : 2. Ragalude : 3. Ragagain

Without words, without silence - Rosemary Duxbury

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Without words, without silence' is an 8 minute piano solo composed in 2008. It was written in memory of the composer's father. Premieres were given by Swiss pianist Patricia Siffert in Leicestershire and in London in November 2008.

Rosemary writes "There are many occasions when we may experience a communication happening on another level, where we can discover that which is beyond words, beyond even the silence, and we are touched by a deeper language that of the heart where we can find our own truth. The intention of this piece is to invite the listener to enter into a still place within, where ones own unique understanding may be realised, in a place without words, without silence. The title is from a zen koan, chosen after the music was composed."

REVIEWS

" 'Without Words, Without Silence' is one of those too rare moments when truth and beauty unite in artistic expression. In our increasingly mechanical world, people need music of the heart to breathe spiritually. 'Without Words, Without Silence' opens the silence of eternity and touches the soul with sound" Stephen Gamble, music critic.

SCORE/FURTHER INFO for more information or to obtain a score please visit

www.rosemaryduxbury.com

To be in touch on facebook, please visit
Rosemary Duxbury composer

Sonata for Violin, Horn and Piano - Andrew Downes

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

This work was commissioned by the Brahms Trio Prague (Ondrej Vrabec, solo and principal horn, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra; Monika Vrabcova, violin; and Daniel Wiesner, piano), who gave the world premiere on February 5, 2008 in the Suk Hall of the Rudolfinum, Prague, with subsequent performances at the Villa Bertramka Mozart Museum, Prague (September 2008), the Martinu Hall, Prague (February 2009) and at the Town Theatre, Jablonec, Czech Republic (March 2009). The Australian premiere was given by Bridget Graham, violin, Andrew Young, horn, and Lauren Simpkins, piano, at the Melba Hall, Melbourne, Australia on May 29th 2009.

The Brahms Trio Prague have recorded the work for CD, on the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Artesmon Label.

´ ... a recording that deserves an international gramophone award... The three-movement work is thematically very tightly conceived... and has great emotional pull... his sonata has a distinct creative poetry... ´ HARMONIE MAGAZINE, PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC (January 2008)

´ This is modern tonal chamber music at its finest. THE HORN CALL (journal of the International Horn Society, USA) (May 2008)

´... everyone who listens to this record will surely confirm that he (Downes) writes interesting music, which... alternates interestingly meditative sections with playful sections and is narrating something constantly and relaxedly, which gives a great space for the imagination of the interpreters.´ HUDEBNI ROZHLEDY MUSIC MAGAZINE (Czech Republic) (May 2008)

´...the music is crisp, transparent, well composed for the musicians, and moves between cantabile, tranquillo passages and contrasting rhythmical gymnastics.´ WWW.MUNDOCLASICO.COM (Spain) (May 2008)

Introduction and Allegro for Solo Organ - Andrew Downes

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by American organist Carson Cooman, who premiered the work at the Memorial Church, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA on 22nd June 2008, and has given subsequent performances at Christ Episcopal Church, Portola Valley, California, (July 2008); at First Unitarian Society, Newton, Massachusetts (July 2008); at Christ United Church, Worcester, Massachusetts (August 2008); and at Salem Hills Parish, Nantucket, Massachusetts (August 2008).

Finished Fields - Andrew Downes

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

A cycle of 4 songs to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the death of Wilfred Owen. The songs are settings of poems by this great World War 1 poet: 1914; Futility; Asleep; Happiness. The songs were composed for Jonathan Pugsley (baritone) and Duncan Honeybourne (piano), who gave the first performance at St Mary’s Church, Weymouth, Dorset, on Wednesday November 12th 2008, in a concert entitled Finished Fields, marking the 90th anniversary of both the death of Wilfred Owen and the end of World War 1. The concert was repeated on Friday November 14th at Holy Trinity Church, Eccleshall, Staffordshire. The USA premiere was given by Paula Downes (soprano) and David Trippett (piano) at the Memorial Church, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts on March 27th 2009.

Sacred Mass for Solo Voice - Andrew Downes

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

This work was composed for Paula Downes (soprano), who gave the first performance in a recital at the Chapel of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, USA on March 6th 2008.

Heuristic Knowledge - Tarot Conway

Fri, 20 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Lyrics by Robert Stewart

He likes to walk around in circles on the grass, his hands tied behind his back, pondering the circumference his movement creates.

And as he does so, he notices that at the centre of this hypothetical circle, there lies a worm coiled up like an elaborate curlicue, around a small golden stone.

Struck by the peculiarity of the occurrence, he continues walking in a circle for fear that a pause would break the circle and, in some mysterious and elliptical way, the disposition of both the snail and the golden stone.

This thought comes to him, at first, only intuitively and, deep down at a practical level, he realises that this is actually very foolish of him; for how could his failure to shape a circle around the worm affect the worm and, in turn, the golden stone?

But as he continues walking, he realises that this is not quite as foolish as he at first imagined and that, in spite of the self-evident reservations of common sense, at a more abstracted and esoteric level, at an imperceptible level, there is some reason in his structured perambulations, some fragment of logic to his imprecise steps.

It is for this reason that, if you are so inclined, you will still find him treading out the circle on the grass.

Sukothai Songkran - Tarot Conway

Fri, 10 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Sukhothai is a city in northern Thailand in which the oldest parts of the city date back to the 12th century and have been made into a park. This park is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen with Khymer temples, Thai style temples and Buddhas placed among lakes full of lotus flowers and water lilies.

I happened to get stranded here during Songkran (Thai new year) festival against my plans. Upon my 2nd morning here I was slightly annoyed to be woken at 5am by gamelan and traditional music. However as I listened to the music floating over the beautiful surroundings I realised I was in a truly wonderful place.

Elegy and Toccata - Robert Ramskill

Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by the Warwick University Brass Band and first performed by them under the direction of Simon Hogg.

The expressive harmonies and strong lyrical qualities of the Elegy provide an effective prelude to the power, energy and rhythmic invention of the Toccata.

Score and full set of parts available for £50 from the composer.

Moto Perpetuo - Robert Ramskill

Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by Coventry University to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the formation of a Performing Arts Department within the University and also to mark my completion of 30 years of service as a music lecturer in the city of Coventry.

An entertaining and witty reflection on the non-stop nature of working life today for an unusual and timbrally intriguing combination of instruments. The attached recording is a MIDI simulation of the score.

Score and full set of parts available for £18 from the composer.

Sonata for Double Bass and Piano - Andrew Downes

Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT

This sonata was composed for David Daly (Principal Double Bass, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra) and his accompanist, Duncan Honeybourne, who gave the first performance at Christchurch Priory on June 14th 2007 as part of the Christchurch Music Festival. Subsequent performances have taken place at Montpellier Hall, United Reformed Church, Cheltenham, in August 2007; at Marlborough College (second movement) in May 2008; and at Sarum College, Salisbury, in November 2008.

Songs of Love - Andrew Downes

Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Settings of 4 poems for high soprano and piano. The poems are: How do I Love Thee? by Elizabeth Barrett Browning; To My Dear and Loving Husband by Anne Bradstreet; One Blessing Had I by Emily Dickinson; and I Love Thee by Eliza Acton. The songs were composed for Paula Downes (soprano) and David Trippett (piano), who gave the first performance at University Hall, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA on Thursday February 1st 2007. The UK premiere was given by Jenny Saunders (soprano) and Julian Hellaby (piano) at the Ellen Terry Building, Coventry University, on February 28th 2009.

An arrangement for soprano soloist with 10 solo stringed instruments (6 violins, 2 violas and 2 cellos) by Lee Armstrong of these songs was premiered on May 1st 2010, at St George’s Church, Edgbaston, Birmingham, by Paula Downes (soprano) and the Central England Ensemble, directed by Lee Armstrong.

Sonata for Organ - Andrew Downes

Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by Robert Green. World premiere given at St Davids Cathedral, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK, on Wednesday 22nd August 2007.

Fanfare Thirty One - Tarot Conway

Thu, 03 Mar 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Fanfare Thirty One began life when I was writing another piece for solo cello. I kept thinking of ways that I wanted to develop the piece for more than one instrument but as I was writing for solo cello it wasn’t possible. I decided to save the ideas for a later date and now they have now been used in this piece.

First performed by New York at the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York during March 2005

Conductor: James Else
Guitar: George Christofi
Guitar: Harry Evans
Bass Guitar: Ed forth

Duration: 7mins 30secs

Far from the Madding Crowd - Andrew Downes

Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Opera in 5 Acts with libretto by Cynthia Downes based on the novel by Thomas Hardy

List of roles:

Bathsheba Everdene - soprano; Gabriel Oak - baritone; Frank Troy - tenor; Mr Boldwood - bass; Bathsheba´s Aunt - mezzo-soprano/contralto; Maryann Money - soprano; Fanny Robin - soprano
Small parts and chorus
Dancers
Orchestral Ensemble - minimum 19 players including piano and percussion (no timps)

The world première performances of Andrew’s new full – scale opera, Far from the Madding Crowd, commissioned by the Thomas Hardy Society for the 2006 Hardy Festival in Dorchester, Dorset, were given to audience and critical acclaim on July 26th, 27th and 28th at St Mary’s Church, Dorchester. A DVD recording was made of this performance, and is available from Lynwood Music. Excerpts can be viewed at www.andrewdownes.com and on YouTube.

Far from the Madding Crowd was given a second run of performances on August 29th, 30th and 31st 2007 at the Church of St James the Great, Wednesbury. Funding was provided by the Wednesbury Music Club in celebration of it´s 60th anniversary.

REVIEWS OF THE OPERA:-

On July 27th, in the Dorset Echo, Marion Cox wrote of “this milestone musical work: composer Andrew Downes’ score injects all the emotional ups and downs, the passion and the poetry of Thomas Hardy’s great novel upon which the opera is based, and in doing so, he has created a rich and lyrical musical feast”

´Of the libretto by Cynthia Downes, Marion Cox wrote: “she has tackled the stern task of transforming one art form into another with sensitivity and skill, leaving the core of Hardy’s plot intact.”

The part of Bathsheba Everdene was taken by Paula Downes, described as possessing a voice of “appealing lilting quality”, whilst Jonathan Pugsley (who took over the major role of Gabriel Oak at two weeks notice) was described as possessing “an exceptional talent”. Other roles were taken by Daniel Sumner (Mr Boldwood), Simon Walton (Frank Troy), Emma Rothman (Bathsheba’s Aunt), Ali Hill (Maryann Money), and Kate Hopkins (Fanny Robin). The orchestra was the Central England Ensemble (led by Anna Downes), and the Musical Director was David Trippett, who “interprets the lush score with robust grace” (Marion Cox).´ (from the Music Journal of the Incorporated Society of Musicians, September 2006, including quotations from the review by Marion Cox in the Dorset Echo, July 27th 2006)

´The English composer Andrew Downes is appreciated worldwide for the warmth and integrity of his music, and his strongly individual artistic personality renders his work instantly recognisable. A contemplation of Downes cardinal qualities – touching lyricism, a pungent harmonic gift and a strong rhythmic bite – promised good things for this new opera, based upon one of Hardy’s more optimistic novels. Downes’ Hardy settings to date have contained some of his most satisfying writing, and there was every reason to suspect that “Far From the Madding Crowd” would be something rather special.

´Two weeks in Dorset acting as repetiteur and orchestral pianist gave me a clear perspective of the new work, which was given to large audiences in Dorchester’s St. Mary’s Church on three consecutive nights. It is a generously and powerfully conceived work, characterised by high spirits and opulent communicative power. Intimate moments of sublime beauty give way to passages of relentless percussive drive which capture the crueller elements of Hardy’s rustic vision. The harshnesses and despondencies of the human soul are faithfully mirrored, yet optimism and joie de vivre are here in plenty, captured in music of endlessly fertile invention and with plenty of good tunes. The variety of characterisation in Downes’ rich score matches the complex layering of plot and texture which makes the book itself so gripping.

´The performance was commendably faithful and atmospheric, especially so given the unyielding acoustic of the venue. Of particular interest was the mixture of professional and amateur singers, which had the entirely satisfying and altogether appropriate effect of replicating the very nineteenth century rural gatherings with which Hardy would have been so familiar. Not only was this a charming touch in performance, but it reminded us what such projects as this should be about: throbbing with team spirit and verve.

´All the leading roles were in safe professional hands: Paula Downes brought a delightful purity and coquettishness to her role as the flirtatious Bathsheba Everdene, whilst Jonathan Pugsley, a late substitution as the faithful shepherd Gabriel Oak, projected a warm tone with admirable sincerity and strength. Other fine singers included the bubbly Alison Hill as a bewitching Maryann and the splendid Emma Rothman, whose Aunt was richly and hilariously characterised. Simon Walton was a marvellously declamatory and forthright Sergeant Troy and one admired Daniel Sumner’s richness of tone and security of delivery as the ultimately tragic Mr Boldwood. Soprano Kate Hopkins was a perfect choice for the role of Fanny Robin, whose character and poignancy she brought to life with immense sympathy.

´David Trippett directed the Central England Ensemble, an orchestra of much personality. Orchestral playing was strongly projected and muscular, the music itself deeply emotional and richly idiomatic. Ann Nation’s costumes were fabulously colourful and the dancing captured the spirit of Victorian Dorset with charming felicity. The libretto, by the producer Cynthia Downes, was economical whilst preserving all the verve and nuance of Hardy’s masterpiece.´ (Review by Duncan Honeybourne for Musicweb and other websites)

After attending a performance of the opera, Roderick Dunnett of Church Times wrote that the opera “deserved the highest accolades. Andrew Downes’ music seems to me apt and inventive at every turn. Much of the lyrical writing is quite splendid…Downes marries an instinctive feeling for a good tune with real substance in the orchestral argument and texturing.”

Richard Bratby of the Birmingham Post wrote: “...hugely appealing...magical episodes abound…poetry and surging lyricism…a magnificent romantic opera.”

Helen Guy of the Sandwell Chronicle wrote: "This adventurous adaptation of Thomas Hardy´s classic novel kept its audience spellbound from beginning to end."

Michael Jones for the British Music Society Journal wrote: "Downes´ music is very accessible - drawing upon folk-dance on occasion while in general using much leitmotivic thematic development. Some of his style reminded me of RVW (Andrew studied with Herbert Howells at the RCM in the 70s), but Downes´ personal voice did full duty in responding to a demanding range of circumstances - from farm fires and storms to a murder... I was particularly impressed by Downes´ orchestration - lots of solo work for the woodwind in particular, which included cor anglais, bass clarinet and contrabassoon - often in dialogue with the singers on stage. There was also an important part for orchestral piano, which took thematic leads and had a role on its own as a sort of continuo... Act 4 reveals the consequences of Troy´s neglect of Fanny when her coffin is opened - this scene was especially musically powerful... Overall a very fine performance, well appreciated by the large local audience present - and all for £5 a ticket - not Covent Garden prices but much better value!"

Roderick Dunnet of Opera News (January 2008) wrote: "Conversion of a novel into an opera sometimes works (as in Of Mice and Men, or Verdi´s success with Dumas and Victor Hugo); sometimes, however, it proves dramatically defeating. Conrad´s Under Western Eyes (John Joubert), Bronte´s Jane Eyre (set by Joubert and Michael Berkeley) and Hardy´s The Trumpet-Major (Myfanwy Piper´s libretto for Alun Hoddinott) are all modern British operas on the cusp between triumph and failure.

Far from the Madding Crowd, a new two-hour opera by Andrew Downes, may be one that succeeds. It was staged in a church setting, at Wednesbury, near Birmingham — highly apt for the funeral scenes, though the action was thus restricted to a slightly limited acting area. One missed any sense of Hardy´s rolling Devon countryside: the focus was more on the domestic.

Easily the evening´s best features were the caliber of Downes´s score and the quality of his youthful performers. A former professor at the Birmingham Conservatoire, Downes has an impressive command of his art — of sustaining an extended structure by use of linking motifs; of judging what works dramatically; of orchestration (several of Downes´s works have been introduced by the Czech Philharmonic); and of deploying his best ideas without overusing them.

The orchestra for this performance, the Central England Ensemble, is a striking young group formed from players fresh out of college. The strings were impressive, as were the sly bassoon for hapless Fanny Robin (Kate Hopkins), the jettisoned lover of caddish Sergeant Troy (Simon Walton), characterized with a single trombone and strings; a piccolo-led repeating phrase like a roll-call from Billy Budd; effective use of a solo horn; and a well-judged piano part (played by Duncan Honeybourne) embedded within the orchestra.

Downes sometimes uses traditional melodies, with a haunting medieval underlay. Vocally, the most rewarding performance came from Manchester-trained baritone Jonathan Pugsley as Gabriel Oak, who managed a bit of folk-like piping on a recorder. A distinct feel of Ralph Vaughan Williams (Mr. Valiant-for-Truth, The Pilgrim´s Progress) and Britten in places (The Turn of the Screw, Rejoice in the Lamb) added to the intensity and atmosphere of this opera.

In Ann Nation´s beautifully costumed, attractively blocked staging, Paula Downes, the composer´s daughter, brought a fine upper register and cold authority to the marriage-resistant Bathsheba Everdene. Alison Hill scored with her lively characterization and appetizing mezzo quality as the far-from-pliable soubrette, Maryann Money. Downes´s present five acts might usefully be compressed into three, but this was an impressive undertaking that deserves to be performed elsewhere, and a patent triumph for young Midland talent."

RODERIC DUNNETT

Songs of the Skies - Andrew Downes

Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Celebrating British Airways in Europe -for young voices with chamber orchestra or CD

Poetry by schoolchildren coached by Julie Boden

Commissioned by Symphony Hall, Birmingham, with financial assistance from British Airways, for first performance on 3rd October 2005, by over a thousand children from Birmingham schools, with the Central England Ensemble, conducted by the composer. Subsequent performances have taken place in the UK Midlands and the USA.

6 songs:-

1. Lift your Eyes up to the Skies

2. We are Flying Out to Elmdon

3. Ghazal of Italy: Milan and Rome

4. In Barcelona

5. Où est Lyon?

6. Questioning the Clouds

CD with synthesised sounds and vocal parts added by Paula Downes, soprano, available for use by schools

7 Preludes for Piano - Andrew Downes

Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Specially composed for Duncan Honeybourne who gave the first performance on the 2nd March 2006 in the Chapel of the Ascension at Chichester University. Subsequent performances by Duncan at the Dorset Rural Music School in Blandford Forum (April 2006), the Parish Church of St Francis of Assisi, Bourneville, Birmingham (June 2006) Birmingham Conservatoire (November 2006 and November 2010; Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery (October 2007) and Prelude 3 (Winter Lanes) at the Royal Northern College of Music (December 2006). Three of the preludes were played by Michael Jones at Kidderminster Art Gallery (October 2007)

A CD of the preludes has been made by Duncan Honeybourne, and the individual pieces can be heard on YouTube.

Trio St. Clement - Peter Witchell

Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Windology - Adrian Woolliscroft

Wed, 01 Sep 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Written for three Birmingham Schools` Wind Bands and performed at the NIA under Clark Rundell in 2004.

My message - Tarot Conway

Sun, 04 Apr 2004 00:00:00 GMT

This piece had a troubled beginning, I started it many times and at each attempt I became either dissatisfied or encountered a problem with the text. It was very frustrating and I believe a common problem with composers writing for voice. Elements of the music had taken shape but the selection of a text was holding up progress on the piece. I discussed the matter of the text with many people and suddenly it occurred to me that these conversations I had with people were an ideal text for the piece. The text I eventually choose for this piece is one of these conversations; it sums up my thoughts and reservations about choosing a text for the piece.

The Tiffany Anthem - David Fisher

Thu, 01 Jan 2004 00:00:00 GMT

THE TIFFANY ANTHEM was commissioned by Jonathan Gregory and the Leicester Old Choristers’ Association with help of a grant from the Arts Council England and first performed in Leicester Cathedral on Saturday 18th September 2004 by the Cathedral Girls’ Choirs of Coventry, Derby & Leicester on the occasion of the 74th Festival of The Federation of Cathedral Old Choristers’ Associations. The anthem was performed at St Paul’s Cathedral, London, in May 2007 and was also performed to the Archbishop of Canterbury in June 2009.

Peter Gould [Master of the Music], Tom Corfield [Organist] and the Girl Choristers of Derby Cathedral Choir released the world première recording of THE TIFFANY ANTHEM on Regent Records [REGCD333] in 2009

David Fisher writes: “I set the words which can be found on the chapel designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. It is an amazing interior which has all the words set in the mosaics around the chapel. The inspiration for me, when I knew I was writing for young voices, was the line on one of the steps of the chapel: “I will go to the altar of God, to God who gave joy to my youth.” I set the anthem macaronically [English and Latin texts alternating and overlapping] with a stirring tune and all the harmonies are designed to be melodies in their own right for ease of singing. The piece is in ternary form with an introduction and coda and the accompaniment is designed to test the organ in terms of virtuosity and its timbres. The huge volume of the opening with four notes being played at once on the pedals is matched by the sheer volume of organo pleno at the end in which the tuba [a noted stop of the Leicester organ] comes to the fore.”

Duration: 5:50

The photograph is of The Tiffany Chapel at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, 445 North Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789-3212, United States and the score shows pages 2 & 3 of The Tiffany Anthem.

Augsburg Elegy - David Fisher

Thu, 01 Jan 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Augsburg Elegy or A Tallis Triptych

Dedicated to Joachim Diessner von Isensee. Commissioned for Baroque orchestra [A=415] by the Augsburg Early Music Festival for the Festkonzert zum Augsburger Hohen Friedenfest 2004 and performed in the Kirche St Anna by the Batzdorfer Hofkapelle [Konzertmeister Daniel Deuter] conducted by the composer on 8th August 2004.

The photographs show David Fisher in rehearsal with the Batzdorfer Hofkapelle - the one on the right in the Kirche St Anna, Augsburg. The central image is from the brochure for the whole Augsburger Hohen Friedenfest 2004.

Three Bagatelles - Robert Ramskill

Thu, 01 Jan 2004 00:00:00 GMT

The individual bagatelles are entitled: 1) Below Freezing 2) La Mezquita de Cordoba 3) O Frabjous Day

Diploma standard.

Scores available for £15 from the composer.

Follow the youtube link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBSaII-Zvhc&feature=related to hear a performance of the 3 Bagatelles given in March 2010 in Hong Kong.

Visions from the Past - Martin Watson

Thu, 01 Jan 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Piano Concerto - Colin Touchin

Sat, 01 Nov 2003 00:00:00 GMT

November 2003, Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick

University of Warwick Symphony Orchestra

Christmas Orchestral Music (5) - Unto Us Is Born A Son arranged for Audience/Congregation and/or choir accompanied by full orchestra - Robert Ramskill

Fri, 01 Aug 2003 00:00:00 GMT

This arrangement was written for a BBC Songs of Praise Christmas programme from the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester in December 2003.

Score and parts available for hire for £25.00 or to purchase for £40.00.

New work for massed recorders - Colin Touchin

Sat, 26 Apr 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by the Manchester Branch of the Society of Recorder Players

3 Songs of William Blake - Robert Ramskill

Tue, 01 Apr 2003 00:00:00 GMT

The 3 poems set to music here are Memory; Tiger, Tiger; Sleep (A Cradle Song).

The attached score shows the first page of each song.

To hire or purchase the score and parts please contact the composer.

Laudate Dominum [complete cantata] - David Fisher

Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Cantata for solo soprano, choir & orchestra.

The first movement of Laudate Dominum was written in 1996 as a commission for Dame Emma Kirkby, Derby Choral Union and an authentic Classical orchestra at A=430 with funds made available by East Midlands’ Arts. The Alleluia (now movement 3) was added for Emma Kirkby’s second concert with DCU in 1999. Later in 1999, the earlier movement was performed by the Leicester Bach Choir with Alison Smart in a new accompaniment for organ. Leicester Bach Choir, again conducted by Giles Turner, performed the entire work at that time in 2002 as part of the Leicestershire Composer’s concert accompanied by a modern orchestra (with soprano Kate Tansy) rather than for the authentic Classical orchestra for which it is written. It was always intended that these two movements should have an aria inserted between them to form a complete cantata with its first performance on 5th April 2003. Each of the three movements is linked by the theme for the ‘Angel Aria’ which is central to the first movement. Dedicated to Dame Emma Kirkby and Derby Choral Union

Laudate Dominum – choir & soprano soloist (1996)

Laudate Dominum omnes gentes,laudate eum omnes populi. Quoniam confirmata est super nos misericordia ejus et veritas Domini manet in aeternam. [Psalm 117]

Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden; preiset ihn, all Völker! Denn seine Gnade und Wahrheit waltet über uns in Ewigkeit.

O praise the Lord all ye nations: praise him all ye people. For him merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever.

Louez l’Éternal, vous toutes les nations, célébrez-le, vous tous les peoples! Car sa bonté pour nous est grande, et sa fidélité dure à toujours.

[N.B. to emphasise the universality of the text ALL four languages are used.]

Duration 9:30

Laudate Dominum de caelis – soprano soloist (2003)

Laudate Dominum de caelis, Laudate eum in excelsis Laudate eum omnes angeli eius Laudate eum omnes exercitus eius Laudate eum omnes stellae luminis Laudate nomen Domini [ from: Psalm 148]

Duration 4:00

Alleluia – choir and soprano soloist (1999)

Alleluia!

Duration 3:50

Note from the composer on the genesis and development of the work:

“I was pleased to be asked by Derby Choral Union to choose a patron for the choir when I started my tenure with them in 1992. Sir Charles Groves [the Patron at the time] had recently died. I wanted, instead of a famous conductor, one of the world’s most distinctive voices as Patron and was delighted when she accepted. It was, therefore, a great honour to be asked to compose a work for my choir at the time and its Patron. I was very aware of the history of the choir [which dated back to 1793] so I thought it would be appropriate to write in Classical pitch [A=430] to accommodate Emma and reflect the history of the choir too. This meant that I had re-learn some of my composing skills to write for the original instruments of the late 18th century. I had a great deal of help from some of the players in the orchestra, notably the brilliant and world-renowned pair of brass players: Tony Halstead and David Blackadder on natural horn and natural trumpet respectively. I also greatly appreciated the superb advice, bowing skills and orchestral nous of Diane Terry who led her orchestra [Midland Baroque] for each of the three Emma concerts. The commission, with funds made available from East Midlands’ Arts, allowed me to compose freely for what I considered the choir’s and Emma Kirkby’s strengths. The SSATBB scoring reflects the choir’s numbers although the texture was increased to add sonority to the last movement.

From the outset it was clear that the composition could grow in size with the choir in a series of concerts planned with Dame Emma [as she has deservedly become] and this presented me with a huge challenge. I needed to compose pieces that would, eventually, form a complete cantata but also allow each section to be independent as required. This also allowed me as composer/conductor to experiment over a long period to such a degree that, when I decided that the orchestration of the virtuoso aria needed clarinets, I revisited the entire work and added clarinets to the texture. This has, strangely, made Laudate Dominum much more useable for performers who can choose the movements to suit concert circumstances. In fact, even the ‘Angel’ aria in the first movement can be (and has been used) as a separate anthem in church services.”

Laudate Dominum de caelis - David Fisher

Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Laudate Dominum de caelis – soprano soloist (2003) - see complete cantata for more details.

Duration 4:35

This second movement [which can be performed as a separate concert aria] begins with a jaunty chord sequence on the flutes and clarinets in the relative minor key of A minor. In fact, all the keys: A minor & major and A flat minor & major take the initial letter of the Angel. This movement is very loosely based on concerto grosso form in which the themes are treated equally and appear as melody lines, middle harmonies and bass parts in turn. The use of words from Psalm 148 allows for more word-painting than in Psalm 117 and the soloist is treated in a more virtuoso manner and increasing the range from top C to bottom A. At the end of this movement the Angel Aria theme is heard once more from the soloist and strings before reaching a climax on the last chord.

Laudate Dominum de caelis, Laudate eum in excelsis Laudate eum omnes angeli eius Laudate eum omnes exercitus eius Laudate eum omnes stellae luminis Laudate nomen Domini [from Psalm 148]

Angel Whisper - Rosemary Duxbury

Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT

The setting of 'Angel Whisper' is for unaccompanied choir SSATB with a solo soprano. The words are from an improvised poem by the contemporary English poet Jay Ramsay. From these words, Rosemary has made 3 sections a sort of musical triptych.

The work was written as a result of the Kingfisher Chorale and the Central Composers Alliance setting a commission for new choral works and was premiered at the University of Leicester's Fraser Noble Hall in October 2003, and has received several performances since. 'Angel Whisper' is dedicated to the Kingfisher Chorale and its conductor, David Fisher.

REVIEWS "The performance of Angel Whisper, the lyrics taken from an improvised poem by Jay Ramsay and set to music by Rosemary Duxbury was magical, the layering of the words and voices gave me goose bumps and made the hair on the back of my neck tingle, this lady has such talent as a composer". Sue Gould. Leicester.

"Rosemary Duxbury's evocative, seamless Angel whisper, in which her original use of layered words and haunting, sustained harmonies made a serene but telling impression". Neil Crutchley, Leicester Mercury.

"Thank you again for the opportunity to sing your wonderful composition...which must be a firm favourite in our repertoire now." Choir member, Kingfisher Chorale.

"Your musical composition is so beautiful and unearthly. The Midlands choir lifted it to the heavens for us all. It was delightful to hear one of Jay's Jay Ramsay poems set to music and it's total transformation beyond spoken language." Lara Fiedler, Dancer, Glos. UK.

For more information please visit

www.rosemaryduxbury.com

To be in touch on facebook, please visit
Rosemary Duxbury composer

Anna's Bridal March - Andrew Downes

Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Specially composed for the wedding of the composer’s daughter, Anna Rebecca, to Michael Jason Price, at St.John’s Church, Hagley, Worcestershire, on 28th December 2003. Performed by Duncan Honeybourne, organ, Ian & Jo Hattersley, trumpets, Claire Beckett and Phil Dawes, horns.

Mountain Song - Andrew Downes

Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by Nancy Spidel and the Colorado Flute Orchestra, and first performed in the Vance Brand Civic Auditorium, Longmont, Colorado on 20th December 2003, with a subsequent performance in December 2006. The Colorado Flute Orchestra, with Kathy Moore, harp, and Chris Engleman, bass, were conducted by Nancy Spidel. The Colorado Flute Orchestra performed the work again at the 2007 USA National Flute Convention in Albuquerque. The Columbia Flute Choir, directed by Sharyn Byer, gave performances at the Columbia Flute Choir Festival in November 2004 and at the USA National Flute Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in August 2006. The Texas Woman´s University/Brookhaven Flute choir, conducted by Pamela Youngblood, performed the work at the Margo Jones Performance Hall at Texas Woman´s University in October 2009.

Songs of Autumn - Andrew Downes

Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT

A musical journey, during October, to different parts of the world -for children´s voices with instrumental ensemble or CD

Commissioned by Symphony Hall, Birmingham, for first performance on 13th October 2003 by 1200 children from Birmingham schools, with instrumentalists from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jeffrey Skidmore. Subsequent performers of the work include children from Lichfield schools, conducted by Jeffrey Skidmore, at the Lichfield Festival in July 2004; choristers and instrumentalists from South Hampstead High School for Girls (London), conducted by Paula Downes, in November 2003 and November 2004; and Birmingham schoolchildren with the Central England Ensemble, conducted by David Gaukroger, in Symphony Hall, Birmingham, in November 2004. First USA performance directed by Paula Downes. Instrumental arrangements of the songs, by Cynthia Downes, are available, and have been performed by instrumentalists in Worcestershire.

6 songs:-

1. Autumn setting of poem by Florence Hoatson (the arrival of Autumn)

2. Carnival setting of traditional poem from Trinidad (tropical weather, monsoon, hurricanes, general excitement, World Beat and Sea Festivals)

3. The Mid Autumn Moon setting of poem (adapted) by Li Qiao (China: Moon Festival)

4. The Cottager and her Infant setting of poem by Dorothy Wordsworth (Celtic Europe: ‘Samhain’ - Hallowe’en, damp and misty, darkness coming)

5. Feast of Lights setting of poem by Gouri V. Kalambi (India: ‘Navratri - festival time - ‘Diwali’)

6. Autumn Song setting of poem by Margaret Rose (the end of Autumn)

CD with synthesised sounds and vocal parts added by Paula Downes, soprano, available for use by schools.

The Journey - Clement Jewitt

Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT

for Gilbert Biberian, completed Sept 2003. To be performed.

String Quartet No.2 - Martin Watson

Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Performed by the Sorrel Quartet respectively at The University of Leeds

Tango Heat - Martin Watson

Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Blood cut, and entered my eye - Martin Watson

Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Dances of the Day - Colin Touchin

Sun, 15 Dec 2002 00:00:00 GMT

commissioned by Hampshire Music Service Sunday 15th December 2002

East Basingstoke Youth Wind Band

Divertimento No. 4 - Colin Touchin

Sat, 16 Nov 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Heart of England Recorder Orchestra, conducted by Colin, plus local children

St John Passion (Oratorio) - John Middleton

Fri, 01 Nov 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Prelude (Raising of Lazarus); Passion; Epilogue (appearances after Resurrection).

I wrote this oratorio, with a text based on the revised standard version of St John´s gospel, in memory of my friend, the Rev John Walker, with whom I used to perform folk and gospel music.

One of the numbers we used to do was I am the resurrection by Ray Repp. I have used the refrain, with Ray´s kind permission, as a motif running through the whole work. The link takes you to the last movement in which his refrain is prominent. It is a MIDI recording with computer voices.

Presently I am working on a performing version of the oratorio, with a view to a premiere performance at Easter 2013. Part of the raw six stave score is shown here.(75 mins)

Processional for the new Chancellor - Colin Touchin

Sat, 19 Oct 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Members of University of Warwick Brass Society

Symphony "Our Hopes, Like Towering Falcons" - Colin Touchin

Sat, 28 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Bolton Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Colin

Sinfonia Aquilonia - Colin Touchin

Wed, 05 Jun 2002 00:00:00 GMT

National Youth Recorder Orchestra, conducted by Colin, recorded for CD

Saxophone Quartet - Martin Watson

Sat, 01 Jun 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Music for the Film of the Book - Robert Ramskill

Mon, 01 Apr 2002 00:00:00 GMT

This 15 minute orchestral piece is in four movements; Flight, Vienna, Incognito, Rio. It was written for the Birmingham Schools´ Concert Orchestra and first performed by them in 2002 in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham under the direction of Robert Vivian.

The attached score is the first few pages of Flight.

To hire or purchase the score and parts please contact the composer.

Wedding Motets - David Fisher

Fri, 01 Feb 2002 00:00:00 GMT

The details of each motet are listed under their titles: 1. My Choice is Made; 2. Ave Maria; 3. Omnia vincit amor OR Love conquers all

The Magnificat Project - Sonja Grossner

Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT

a recent commission by Women in Music.

Second CD with Vienna Modern Masters released - copies available from the composer.

Omnia vincit amor - David Fisher

Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT

The third in a set of three wedding motets

Omnia vincit amor or Love conquers all

Dedicated to Giles Turner & the Countesthorpe Community College Chamber Choir First performed at the Fisher at Fifty concert, St James the Greater, Leicester, on 30th November 2002.

A ternary form wedding motet, set to words by Virgil, in which the Latin words frame the English words. The harmonic language is lush and exacting. The divisions in the vocal lines only occur in the soprano and bass parts.

Duration 2:45

Symphony No.5 scored for flute orchestra - Andrew Downes

Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by Margaret Lowe, with funds from the Awards for All programme. Premiered by the Birmingham Flute Ensemble, conducted by Carol Kniebusch-Noe, at the Birmingham Flute Day at Birmingham Conservatoire on March 17th 2002, with financial assistance provided by the Brannen-Cooper Fund. The American premiere was given on 18th August 2002 at the Convention of the USA National Flute Association in Washington DC by the US National Flute Association Professional Flute Choir, conducted by Carol Kniebusch Noe. Numerous subsequent performances have taken place, for example two performances at the 2002 Stratford International Flute Festival - in the Guild Chapel, Stratford upon Avon and in St Edmund’s Church Shipston-on-Stour - conducted by Jenny Brooks; at Grand Rapids, West Michigan (fall 2002 and spring 2003), and the 2nd movement at Jeanne Baxtresser’s International Masterclass in Pittsburgh PA (June 2003), by the West Michigan Flute Association conducted by Darlene Dugan; in the Rowe Recital Hall of UNC Charlotte, by the UNC Charlotte Flute Choir, directed by Mark Thomas, in April 2003 and in Evanston Illinois by the Northwest University Flute Orchestra in March 2007. The National Flute Orchestra of Mexico, conducted by Jenny Brooks, performed the symphony at the Xochipilli Concert Hall in the Escuela National de Musica, Mexico City in April 2004. Excerpts from the symphony, conducted by Jenny Brooks, were performed at the first National Flute Choir Day in the Adrian Boult Hall Birmingham (November 2005), and the whole work was performed by the USA National Flute Association High School Flute Choir, conducted by Jenny Brooks, at the USA National Flute Convention in Albuquerque in August 2007.

´... the daring idea to compose a work for large-scale flute orchestra... the talented forces of a special ten-voice ensemble, some 30 strong, assembled to premiere Andrew Downes Fifth Symphony. Commissioned to crown Birmingham Flute Commission’s Flute Day.., this substantial piece is immediately attractive, often minimalist in its rhythmic patterning and had the visual delight of featuring two contrabass flutes´ - THE BIRMINGHAM POST

´... Andrew Downes’ voice is very much his own. We must be grateful to him for a major contribution to the flute ensemble repertoire.´ Kenneth Bell PAN MAGAZINE

´... Andrew Downes again demonstrates his deep appreciation for the instrument.´ Chris Wilson PAN MAGAZINE

´... We were all sent our parts ahead of time... there was no way we could have known how glorious this piece would be ... Putting it all together in that first rehearsal was unforgettable!´ Sharyn Byer THE (USA) FLUTIST QUARTERLY

Five Dramatic Pieces for 8 Wagner Tubas - Andrew Downes

Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT

This work was commissioned by the horns of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, who gave the first performance on 18th October 2005 in the Dvorak Hall of the Rudolfinum, Prague.

The World Premiere of Andrew Downes’ 5 dramatických ástí pro 8 Wagnerových tub opus 80 (5 Dramatic Pieces for 8 Wagner Tubas) commissioned by the hornists of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, was given on Tuesday October 18th at the Dvorak Hall, Rudolfinum, Prague, in the Czech Republic. The new work was played as the first item in the second half of the concert, the interval giving the players the opportunity to adjust their embouchures from horn to Wagner Tuba.

The work is in five movements: Prelude (Úvod), Dawn of Love (Úsvit lásky), New Life (Nový ivot), Meditation (Hloubání-rozjimáni), Jubilate: O be Joyful (Vesele,rodostn ,jásav ).

Prelude begins quietly, but builds to two exciting crescendos. The monumental chords could almost be seen rising to the roof in the wonderful acoustic of the Dvorak Hall.

Dawn of Love starts with a rising motif with a quiet, pulsating accompaniment, and builds to climaxes of dramatic intensity and emotion.

New Life is a bubbling, buoyant movement, suggestive, perhaps, of a baby bouncing up and down on its parent’s lap. This is interspersed by two quiet, reflective and profound passages.

In Meditation each instrument in turn, accompanied by the others, has its voice. The movement is also characterised by chordal passages reminiscent of a choir singing antiphonally in Renaissance-like polyphony.

Jubilate: O be Joyful is rhythmically and emotionally charged throughout. Intermittent bursts of joyous music finally dominate and end the movement.

The performance by the Czech Philharmonic Hornists was outstanding. Their sense of ensemble, immaculate intonation and velvet tone were truly remarkable. The audience gave the performance a long and enthusiastic ovation and many compliments. A number of people on the day following the performance said they had been unable to sleep because of excitement!

The Horns of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra have now recorded the work for CD entitled "Andrew Downes: Music for Horns and Wagner Tubas". It is released on the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Artesmon label (AS 729-2).and can be purchased, using all credit cards, from www.andrewdownes.com

Article by Rosemary Cooper

Celtic Rhapsody - Andrew Downes

Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Three Celtic Poems: The Land Oversea, poem by unknown author from ancient Irish legend; The Meeting of the Waters by Thomas Moore; and Celtic Twilight by William Butler Yeats - set to music for Soprano Solo and Symphony Orchestra. Composed especially for Paula Downes, Anthony Bradbury and the Midland Youth Orchestra, who gave the first performance on 8th March 2003 in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham.

´That an internationally recognised composer should wish to write a work as a present for his local youth orchestra is indeed an astonishing and deeply gratifying gesture... In fact the connections between the Downes family and the MYO go back to the very beginnings of this orchestra... Frank Downes, father of Andrew.. was the inspiration behind many of the MYO´s early horn sections... Frank..taught horn-playing to so many of those players covering, perhaps, the first 20 years of the orchestra´s history... Then, some 4 decades later, Frank´s two granddaughters Paula and Anna both became violinists in the MYO. Each has had the opportunity to be leader of the orchestra, both very much on merit, and Anna (the current leader) has also been able to make an invaluable contribution to the health and well-being of the orchestra behind the scenes... Andrew, father of Anna and Paula, has been moved to give to the orchestra still more by composing Celtic Rhapsody for Soprano and Orchestra specially for it. His Celtic Rhapsody now links three generations of the Downes family to the Midland Youth Orchestra... It will be a great honour for all involved this evening that, with Paula, the orchestra will bring its own work to life for the very first time. Andrew, on behalf of the MYO, I give you my heartfelt thanks.´ - Programme tribute from Stephen Williams, Chairman of the Midland Youth Orchestra.

´Gaelic culture..., pastoralism... and fairy tales... were given an engaging reworking in Saturday´s premiere of Andrew Downes´ Celtic Rhapsody. Musically, the Celtic influence was most obvious in the high, sustained soprano lines of the three poem settings. Written for the composer´s daughter, soloist Paula Downes, the cool beauty of her voice projected the atmospheric phrases... true and clear against the accompaniment. Authoritatively conducted by Anthony Bradbury, a generally confident orchestra was at its best in the first song (a simple, eloquent cello opening and arresting juxtapositions of lyricism with rollicking motifs) and the third´s rousing close. This was preceded by a poignant duet which skilfully set Paula´s pure timbres against the warm, moving violin playing of her sister (and MYO leader), Anna.´ - THE BIRMINGHAM POST

Performances of this work in Bremen, Bremerhaven and Cuxhaven, North Germany, were given, in March 2005, by Paula Downes and the Central England Ensemble conducted by Anthony Bradbury.

´Der Solopart der Keltische Rhapsodie...erwies sich als genau zugeschnitten. Paula Downes...führte mit klarer Stimmführung und makelloser Intonation in eine anrührende vergangene Welt der Poesie. Die sanften Melismen wurden vom Orchester mitatmend begleitet.

´The solo part of the Celtic Rhapsody...proved to be...perfectly tailor made. Paula Downes...led with clear vocal projection and immaculate intonation into a moving bygone world of poetry. The orchestra accompanied as one the gentle melismas.´ NORDSEE-ZEITUNG

String Quartet No.1 - Martin Watson

Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Performed by the Allegri Quartet at The University of Leeds.

Fanfare Sixty One - Tarot Conway

Thu, 10 May 2001 00:00:00 GMT

When writing this piece I decided to take a ‘different’ approach to cello writing - to move away from legato lyricism towards sharply defined rhythmic precision. The cello is detuned to B F# D A giving it a darker brooding sonority and from this scordatura evolved the four note theme. The theme undergoes 61 changes during the piece. During this process of change the original four note theme becomes increasingly complex and fragmented whilst expanding in pitch and time.

Ave Maria - David Fisher

Mon, 01 Jan 2001 00:00:00 GMT

The second of three wedding motets

Dedicated to David Boddaert and Chloë Proctor

First performed at Chloë and David’s wedding on 28th July 2002. The first concert performance was at Hugglescote Parish Church in October 2002. A ternary form wedding motet, set to words from Ave Maria and an ancient Gaelic blood vow, in which the choir in the central section accompanies a soprano and bass duet [David & Chloë’s voice parts] and the piece ends in C©/D¨ which is the mid-note between their initials. The divisions in the vocal lines only occur in the soprano, alto and bass parts.

Ave Maria gratia plena Dominum tecum. Ave, gratia plena. [Liber Usualis]

You are Blood of my Blood & Bone of my Bone I give you my body that we two might be one I give you my spirit till our life shall be done. [Gaelic blood vow]

Duration 3:15

The Mercies of our Lord - Andrew Downes

Mon, 01 Jan 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Setting of poem by Moira Weir.

Specially commissioned by Princethorpe College for a special Mass to celebrate the centenary of the College Chapel, designed by Paul Pugin. First performance took place in the Centenary Mass on 8th May 2001, sung by the Chapel Choir of the College.

Sonata for Cello & Piano - Andrew Downes

Mon, 01 Jan 2001 00:00:00 GMT

First performed by Sharon McKinley, accompanied by Duncan Honeybourne, on 23rd April 2004, at the Birmingham Conservatoire Music Xtra Festival, in the Adrian Boult Hall.

‘... contrast (fierceness/lyricism, delicacy/drama) was explored through often ritualistic instrumental exchanges, generating a succession of evolving episodes. Pianist, Duncan Honeybourne... and cellist Sharon McKinley’s... pensive and tender dialogue in the third movement and the cello’s simple and dignified theme in the second delivered real emotional warmth.’ BIRMINGHAM POST

Over the Top! - Peter Witchell

Mon, 01 Jan 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Mavrud IV - Clement Jewitt

Sat, 01 Jul 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Duo for recorders & percussion, duration 17. Performed by Louise Phillips, rcdrs & Matthew Green, perc. Birmingham, July 2000

Static movement - Tarot Conway

Sat, 04 Mar 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Scherzo for Bass Trombone and Piano - Sonja Grossner

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

written for Jonathan Warburton, received its first performance 1st December 1999 at the Birmingham Conservatoire, Composers Ensemble concert

Street Life - Sonja Grossner

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

performed by the Composers Ensemble in Birmingham, in the ABH hall, Music Extra Festival, Birmingham Conservatoire, 16th March 1999

Cross Roads - Sonja Grossner

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Concerto Grosso - Sonja Grossner

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Syrens - Sonja Grossner

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

There are no words used in this composition, only sounds which can be changed ad lib. The piece is based on the Greek legend. Syrens were half fish, half women, who lived on an island and by their singing lured seafarers to destruction on its rocks.

"Appassionato" sonata - Sonja Grossner

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

commissioned by Duncan Honeybourne and Sharon McKinley, and premiered in January 2000 in Birmingham Cathedral

Requiem - David Fisher

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

The première performance of “Requiem”, dedicated to the composer’s mother and father, was at Holy Cross Church Daventry by the Daventry Choral Society conducted by Giles Turner on 31st March 2001. The organist was Tom Corfield and the solo trumpet was created by Alex Caldon. These two musicians recreated their parts in the Derby Choral Union performance of “Requiem” at Derby Cathedral on 16th November 2002 conducted by the composer. The commission of the Requiem, which was made possible by generous support from Daventry District Council and Millennium Fund Awards For All, specified that the work should be a companion piece to John Rutter’s well-known “Gloria”.

This Requiem is not a standard setting of the Requiem Mass. It comments on the journey towards death and the effect of death upon those left behind. In the first movement death is imminent. Movements 2 – 8 are reflections on death and show how one can find solace in familiar and unfamiliar words. The dichotomy between anguish and everlasting peace of the person approaching death is highlighted in these movements. Movement 9 reflects on the immediate aftermath of death and Movement 10 shows the spirit departing its earthly life.

Review of David Fisher’s REQUIEM by Neil Crutchley [Leicester Mercury Music Critic], Daventry Choral Society, 31st March 2001, Holy Cross Church:

“This concert featured three unusual things. The first was a world premiere, the second was a standing ovation and the third was the fact that the standing ovation was for the world premiere. Very, very rarely nowadays does the first performance of a classical work receive a rapturous response but David Fishers Requiem, specially commissioned by the Daventry Choral Society made such an impact that within seconds of the closing bars dying away, the capacity audience was on its feet cheering.

There is no doubt that the response was well deserved. This composer knows how to engage with the listener. In a work lasting the best part of an hour, there isnt a dull second. It is an unconventional setting that combines the standard words of the Requiem text with hymns and poems. Its emotional feel is more Verdi than Fauré yet every note is firmly entrenched in the English choral tradition so beloved of the composer.

Each of the ten sections was set with a sense of drama, originality and blazing conviction. As always with David Fisher, there is no fear of emotion or sentiment and this helps to give his music its strength and sincerity. The arresting opening with its sudden changes of volume and imaginative use of solo trumpet and organ makes it clear that we are in for a tremendous emotional roller coaster ride.

After the setting of Grieve Not with its change from minor to major representing hope, comes the memorable and powerfully insistent march rhythm of the Tuba Mirum. The sense of sorrow in the Lacrymosa is followed by the anger of the Confutatis, brilliantly conceived with the imaginative use of tom toms and shouts from the choir. The Pie Jesu shows the composers natural gift for melody and the Sanctus his ability to create a sense of exhilaration.

The last two sections wear their emotional hearts on their sleeves with a spoken setting of All is Well to an other-worldly, twinkling celeste accompaniment combined with the hymn Blessed Heavenly Light and the closing setting of Psalm 23 to an accompaniment of Abide with Me from the brass ensemble. The work faded away with a solo trumpeter leaving the stage and walking out of the church whilst playing the melodies of the ten movements in reverse order - a splendidly theatrical and effective gesture.

The carefully rehearsed choir, under the direction of Giles Turner sang with tremendous commitment and enthusiasm and the playing of the organ, brass and percussion group was very assured and polished. The Daventry Choral Society can be justly proud of its excellent commission and its own part in its realisation. This is a work that offers all competent choirs the chance to perform something new and exciting that will be enjoyed by their audiences.”

From one of the audience: “I thoroughly ‘enjoyed’ – that is the right word: deeply moved would be probably closer to the truth; in respect if David Fisher’s Requiem. I found myself meditating on the lives of lots of loved ones who have passed on – in a positive, appreciative sense and during the ‘Tuba mirum’, I had a very beautiful picture of them all dancing in a pool of light! The music is intensely spiritual… ”

From one of the performers: “Thank you for your magnificent Requiem and for stretching us to the limits which is, after all, an artist’s true function. … It deserves a place in eternity.”

Review of David Fisher’s REQUIEM by Mike Wheeler [Derby Telegraph Music Critic], Derby Choral Union, 16th November 2002, Derby Cathedral:

“David Fisher’s Requiem is a risky amalgam of styles, ranging from a starkly dramatic opening to a Mahlerian ‘Tuba Mirum’ with an unexpected agit-prop feel to it, and a final section that in the wrong hands could sound mawkish. In a less committed performance’ it could easily have fallen apart, but the Choral Union did their composer/conductor proud…and it emerged as a powerfully moving piece, which deserves to catch on with other choirs. The singers took the work’s extraordinary challenges in their stride – rhythmic whispering in the ‘Confutatis Maledictis’, exuberant carillon in the ‘Sanctus’. The organ part was in the secure hands of Tom Corfield [and] Kingfisher Brass & Percussion played superbly… Tony Jaggers delivered his narration in the penultimate section with dignity and Alex Caldon was eloquent in the solo trumpet part, realising to poignant effect the music’s haunting final image as he moved through the audience to deliver his last notes under the tower.”

Will Todd [composer] writing in 2002:

“…no-one who has heard his Requiem can forget the power of the final moments as the solo trumpet walks out of the auditorium playing the last notes of the work. It is these magical moments which make true artistic gestures, taking the listener into a different place.”

1. Prologue & Requiem [for GT]

The opening has the solo trumpet, representing the dying person, announcing the imminence of death in a fanfare [the ‘farewell’ theme] that includes a descending scale which becomes more important as the Requiem progresses. The trumpet disappears and the choir sings the first of the evening hymns praying for eternal rest in heaven. This is interspersed with the organ playing the ‘all is well’ theme, a gentle falling figure. The requiem words are ushered in by an ominous march rhythm on the kettledrums which accompanies monolithic block chords from choir, brass and organ. This leads into the requiem theme proper and ultimately the movement ends in a blaze of light on ‘luceat eis’ with brass fanfares based on the requiem rhythm and the ‘all is well’ theme.

2. Grieve not [for EB]

A movement in which life’s journey is described, the opening trombone music becoming the rhythm of the subsequent chorus melodies. The ‘falling fourths’ under the opening bars and based on the ‘all is well’ theme becomes central to the entire work from this point onwards. The movement of the music from minor to major reflects the hope which follows death.

3. Tuba mirum [for WT]

A jaunty march in which the spirit [the solo trumpet] is welcomed back to friends on earth for a series of movements commenting on aspects of death. This march is the depiction of life carrying on, though the mystery of death and hope of resurrection are important features.

4. Lacrymosa [for SF]

A mourning movement which is based on the falling fourths figure and the requiem rhythm. In ternary form, the mystery of the middle section with its wide-ranging melodies and muted trumpets is in direct contrast to the early Monteverdi-like opening chords. The final phrase on the vibraphone presages the music of Movement 9.

5. Confutatis maledictis [for TC]

Using only a virtuoso organ solo and all four percussionists, the contrasting elements of these powerful words are set very dramatically with shouted male voices and ending in a ‘battle’ between the timpani and snare drum and, ultimately organ.

6. Pie Jesu [for G & BT]

A calm setting of the famous words. Here the rise and fall of the opening melody is contrasted with the peaceful hymn-like section of the central section.

7. Sanctus [for JMF]

8. Benedictus [for D & GM]

Two movements which underpin the spiritual journey to come. The Sanctus bell can clearly be heard in all of the parts and features the falling fourths idea throughout both movements. These movements, especially the Sanctus and Hosannas, were inspired by the composer experiencing the devotion, excitement and colour on an Easter morning mass at Cefalu Cathedral, Sicily.

9. All is well [for R & JS]

This movement, in a very much shorter version, was composed in memory of the young and talented clarinettist Robert Hicks for the Farnham Festival 1989 and performed by St Christopher’s School Choir conducted by Richard Stevens who has commissioned each of the composer’s works for the Farnham Festival. This spiritual centre of the work, with the comforting words of Canon Henry Scott Holland is contrasted with the second evening hymn and the two main musical ideas from Movement 1. The narrator is partnered by the distinctive timbre of the vibraphone.

10. The Lord is my Shepherd & Epilogue [for PF]

The work ends with the a setting of Psalm 23 sung over quiet brass playing the famous hymn “Abide with me” to the tune by William H Monk. Lyte wrote the words in his last three weeks as he was dying of tuberculosis. The return of the ‘farewell’ theme ushers in the choir singing the last verse of the hymn as the trumpet, representing the departing spirit, leaves the band and, playing the melodies of the ten movements in reverse order, processes out of the auditorium to find eternal rest.

Chameleon - Robert Ramskill

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

(1981) - Commercially recorded by Julian Hellaby on ASC CS CD55

A 25 minute, modernistic tone poem which is musically and technically challenging for the performer.

Score available for £15 from the composer.

Benedicite - Adrian Woolliscroft

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Pippa Passes - five songs of Asolo - Kerry Milan

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Pippa Passes is a dramatic poem by Robert Browning, first published in 1841.

Pippa is a young girl working in the silk mills of Asolo, and New Year’s Day is her one day holiday in the year. She decides to spend it walking past four of Asolo’s happiest households, in which unknown to her, despite appearances, things are taking a very unattractive turn.

These five settings use just two of Pippa’s songs, with the other three settings taken from the opening and closing lines of the Epilogue.

The work was recorded in July 2010 by the wonderful mezzo Yvonne Howard and The English Piano Trio and the CD is now available from Amazon and from the classical music site www.tutti.co.uk

For further information visit:

http://www.ardrosshouse.com/pippa_passes

Fragmentation - Tarot Conway

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

My Choice Is Made - David Fisher

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Wedding motet [the first in a set of three] - written in 1997, first performed Leicester Cathedral, August 1997; first concert performance Leicester University Concert Series, November 1997; broadcast on BBC Radio, November 1998; broadcast on BBC 2, Boxing Day 1998.

Long as I live, my heart will never vary, For no one else, however fair or good, Brave, resolute, or rich of gentle blood, My choice is made, and I will have no other.

“Tant que je vive, mon cueur ne changera Pour nulle vivante, tant soit elle bonne ou sage Forte et puissante, riche de hault lignaige Mon chois est fait, aultre ne se fera”. [Medieval French]

Duration 2:00

Susan Digby [Sainsburys Choir of the Year Judge]: "This is a lovely piece which suits the choir to perfection. Lovely colours..."

Jeremy Patterson [Sainsburys Choir of the Year judge]: "Emotionally rewarding experience"

Ralph Allwood [Sainsburys Choir of the Year judge]: "Beautifully sensitive..."

Gabriel Crouch [Sainsburys Choir of the Year judge]: "Lovely, warm, passionate...well written..."

Richard Morrison [Sainsburys Choir of the Year judge]: "Lush and pleasing ... and a lovely final cadence."

Joyce Parkin [Leicester Mercury - November 1997]: "...first concert performance was given to David Fishers My choice is made. This was a good experience."

Neil Crutchley [Leicester Mercury - November 11th 2009]: "...the ear is constantly beguiled by David Fisher’s trenchant use of rhythm and fertile melodic and harmonic imagination, as it is in his sensual wedding anthem, My choice is made."

String Quartet No. 3 - Martin Watson

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Concerto for 4 Solo Horns and Symphony Orchestra - Andrew Downes

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Composed for the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and first performed by them with soloists Radek Baborak, Zdenek Divoky, Stanislav Suchanek and Ondrej Vrabek, conducted by Vladimir Valek, on 28th February 2002. A second performance took place the following evening, 1st March, and the work was recorded for and broadcast on Czech Radio in March 2003.

The following extract is from the programmes note to the first performance:-

´The British composer Andrew Downes (born 1950) ranks today among the internationally acclaimed personalities. He has produced compositions of all genres: song cycles, choirs, cantatas, chamber pieces for various ensembles, symphonic compositions as well as church music. Downes´s chamber pieces are often written for the woodwinds - Downes pays special attention chiefly to flute and French horn ... Downes made a successful debut in Prague with his Sonata for 8 French Horns, and the horn section of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Czech Philharmonic Horns, recorded this sonata for Czech Radio and a CD, which was well received and highly appreciated by experts. In February 2001, another Downes composition for brass instruments interpreted by members of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra was heard in the Dvorak Hall - Sonata for Brass Sextet. The premiere tonight - Concerto for 4 French Horns and Orchestra - was directly inspired by the interpretational art of the horn section of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.´

´In my forty five years of listening to music seriously there have been some notable and unforgettable milestones. These include the first hearings of such masterworks as Beethoven´s Symphony no. 7, Dvorak´s Carnival Overture, Humphrey Searle´s The Riverrun (and, indeed, all else that he wrote) Irving Fine´s The Hour Glass, the music of Webern and now, Andrew Downes´s Concerto for four horns and orchestra Op.77, a truly staggering piece.´ DR DAVID WRIGHT, MUSICWEB

The Forest at Dawn - Andrew Downes

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned and published by the Incorporated Society of Organists in their ‘Millennium Organ Book’ (ISMN M9002031). Recorded by Paul Hale for Incorporated Society of Organists CD entitled ‘Fanfare for the Millennium’ Premiered by Paul Hale at Southwell Minster on 4th November 2000. Subsequent performances include ones by Thomas Trotter in Birmingham Cathedral on 4th December 2000; by Christopher Totney on the organ of Durham Cathedral on Easter Sunday, 2005; by Anthony Cairns at Christ Church, Leatherhead (2008); and others by David Bruce Payne and Duncan Honeybourne in the South West of England. Duncan Honeybourne has transcribed this work for piano, and has included it in this form in many piano recitals.

Piano Sonata no 2 - Andrew Downes

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Specially composed for Duncan Honeybourne and first performed by Duncan at the Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin, on 9th March 2003, with a second performance at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin on 10th March 2003. Subsequent performances by Duncan Honeybourne in Wednesbury Art Gallery (June 2003); Oban Cathedral, Scotland (August 2003); Elgin Library, Scotland (August 2003); Woodwick House, Orkney (August 2003); the Church of St. Lawrence Jewry - London première (1st September 2003); Kidderminster Library (September 2003); the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham (September 2003 and June 2005); Weymouth Arts Centre (March 2004); St Mary´s Church, Swanage (January 2005); Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery (May 2005); Bournemouth Pavilion (May 2005); All Saints Church, Newland, Forest of Dean (June 2005); Harting Music Club, West Sussex (November 2005); and Chichester University (April 2007). David Trippett performed the work at the National Portrait Gallery, London, in August 2004.

‘Downes has long loved the writing of Thomas Hardy and the distinctive personality of Hardy’s deeply rural home county, Dorset, a land eloquently depicted and reflected in the poet’s work. He wanted to give the Sonata a Dorset flavour on account of Duncan Honeybourne’s Dorset birth, and the second movement is especially rich in quotations from Downes’ Hardy settings... This deeply reflective, sensuous and haunting work today receives its world premiere.’ Duncan Honeybourne - programme note to the first performance.

The Sonata was analysed in an illustrated talk given by Michael Jones at the Malvern Hills Piano Holiday in August 2003 and also in the British Music Society News (www.musicweb.uk.net/BMS).

´The Sonata was well received by a sizeable audience who regularly support the Wednesbury Music Club and it is refreshing to experience a premiere where the music communicates effectively in the way premieres were regarded at the beginning of the 20th century, when such events were just that - an event. Duncan Honeybourne’s performance was the central point of an excellent recital...´ Michael Jones BRITISH MUSIC SOCIETY NEWS

´Pianist Duncan Honeybourne played Downes´ powerful, Hardy-inspired Second Sonata without a hint of self consciousness. In this work, as in much of Downes´ music, short contrasted passages gradually yield to a sense of quiet exaltation - but so naturally that a flashy performance is unnecessary.

´With unaffected and sincere playing, the music speaks eloquently for itself; humane, optimistic and often extremely beautiful...Honeybourne immersed himself completely in Downes´ musical language.´ Richard Bratby BIRMINGHAM POST

A CD of Andrew Downes´ piano music, recorded by Duncan Honeybourne on the new Steinway Grand piano in Bournemouth Pavilion on May 15th 2005, has now been released on the Lynwood Music label, and can be purchased by emailing downlyn@globalnet.co.uk , or using credit/debit cards through www.andrewdownes.com.

Divertimento - Paul Harris

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Sonatina - Paul Harris

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

sample is from the opening of the first movement

The Unhappy Aardvark - Paul Harris

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Sonatina for Piano - Paul Harris

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Image is from the opening

Trio for 2 Oboes and Cor Anglais - Paul Harris

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Image is from the opening of the sixth movement

"... But We Must Still be Seeking?" - Clement Jewitt

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Wind quintet, duration 15 . Winner of Birmingham Chamber Music Society prize. Performed by Zephyr Winds, Birmingham, Dec. 2001.

"One might be forgiven for thinking that a new wind quintet in a programme that also included works by Hindemith, Ligeti, Nielsen and Jan cek would be lost, but it says a lot for Jewitt s piece that this was not the case." Raymond Head, Tempo.

The Night Sea: transitions and recurrences - Clement Jewitt

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Poems by Whitman, Richard Eberhart, Charles Wright, bell hooks, Connie Bensley, the composer, Mark Strand & e.e.cummings. PhD work for solo female vocalist, male voice choir and 19 instrumentalists: ft, ob, cl, bn; tpt, hn, tbn; 1perc., hp, pno; solo, choir (minimum 8); 4vn 2va 2vc 1cb . Duration c.50. Awaiting performance.

Comments on the score received from Jonathan Harvey: "Its a powerful piece, I would love to hear it. Its an interesting form, balancing tensions and speeds convincingly, But as a marriage of music and textual journey it must be quite an experience. I was impressed by the economy and directness of the writing. the simplicity of writing is allied to an inventiveness of imagination in the concept of the sound object, by which I mean the distinctive overall quality of the songs dominant material.

& Diana Burrell: "This is a rich, colourful work, brimfull of life and energy! Out of the many scores Ive looked at over the last couple of years, here is one Id really like to hear, this is a strong, generous piece of music which truly deserves a performance.

Invocations to Archangels - Clement Jewitt

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Text by the composer. Counter-tenor, 2 tenors, baritone (for the Orlando Consort, by courtesy of the Society for the Promotion of New Music). Duration c.7 . Performed by the Orlando Consort at Dartington (Aug. 2002). Choral version, SATB, performed by the Kingfisher Chorale, Leicester (Oct. 2003). Quartet version broadcast on BBC Radio 3 Nov. 2002.

"The music is evocative and haunting The sounds recalled me to a symphony of souls I heard while in an altered state the sounds of innumerable souls expressing the inexpressible yearning, awe and mystery, and the separation that seeks union." Shulamit Elson, author of Kabbalah of Prayer: sacred sounds and the soul s journey.

"[I] found myself listening utterly spellbound to something profoundly beautiful this hauntingly beautiful mysterious sound with the moving text as a powerful undercurrent ." Personal communication from aquaintance Sue Thoma.

The Last Invocation - Clement Jewitt

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Walt Whitman. Mezzo-sop, horn, viola & cello, duration 6. Performed by Linnea de la Cour with Shona Brownlea, hn, Bina Kopparhed, vla & Jenny Owen, vc, Birmingham, March 2001.

Chechnya Story - Clement Jewitt

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

1997, after a text by Olivia Ward, award winning reporter for the Toronto Star. 2 narrators, trombone, 2 percussion, strings 4 2 2 1. Duration 32 . Performed in Birmingham (March 1998) and in Canada House, London (March 2000):

" most striking melodrama. [The] clearly sincere text doesn t quite match the intensity of the beautifully unfolding music, but together with it combines to an over-whelming statement of compassion. Words set by composers like Schubert and Bach become transfigured by the process of being adorned with music, and for one of those rare times in my life, I felt that such comparisons are anything but ridiculous." Stephen Daw, Coventry Evening Telegraph.

" brooding score a harrowing backdrop to the spoken word left a Canada House audience haunted." Mitch Potter, Toronto Star.

"A powerful thought provoking epic dramatic score." Vivian Ellis Prize Readers comment they considered the text too slight for their purposes, however.

COMPLETUS - Kerry Milan

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Kerry Milan’s COMPLETUS is a significant new work for Double SATB choir.

It is a setting of texts taken from or associated with the service of Compline, the last of the eight services comprising the Divine Office. It contains some of its most beautiful prayers; but apart from Simeon’s great song of praise most have rarely if ever been set to music, perhaps because Compline was most commonly a said service, except for high days and holidays.

The six movements are:

1. Qui Habitat (psalm 91/XC) (Whoso dwelleth)

2. Nunc Dimittis

3. Keep me as the apple of an eye with Lighten our darkness

4: Look Down O Lord with Be present O merciful God

5. O Lord, support us all the day long

6. O Radiant Light (O Splendor Gloriae)

Although the work is to be sung a capella, there are optional Trombone Quartet parts (ATTB) for the third movement.
The whole piece lasts some 32 minutes.

FULL DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE ON A DEDICATED WEBSITE, where sample pages may be accessed,
together with sound clips and a full text.

http://www.ardrosshouse.com/compline

For information on all Kerry Milan’s music, please visit http://www.ardrosshouse.com

pic 'n' mix (a suite concoction for wind quintet) - Peter Witchell

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra - Robert Ramskill

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

(1998) - 25 Minutes; available in a two piano version and in the orchestral version (2.2.2.2./2.2.1.0./tenor sax./1 perc./strings) from the composer.

The attached score shows the first few pages of the slow 2nd movement.

2 Piano score available for £15 from the composer. Full score and orchestral parts available for hire.

The Art of Tapestry - Andrew Sterling

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Aria - Andrew Sterling

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Concertata D "Millennium Magnum" - Andrew Sterling

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

String Quartet No.2 - Frank Stiles

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Four Pieces for Solo Viola, - Frank Stiles

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

dedicated to Winifred Copperwheat, Frank Stiles own viola teacher

THE PIED PIPER OF HAMELIN - Terence Thompson

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

adapted from the poem by Robert Browning

SUITE - GEORGIAN SWING - Terence Thompson

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

BLUE RIG - Terence Thompson

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

RAGTIME RIPPLES - Terence Thompson

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

We Give Thanks - A Grace - Peter Witchell

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Written for the MMA Annual Conference at Sherborne School for Girls

CAPER SAUCE - Terence Thompson

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

COMEDY FLICK - Terence Thompson

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

BROTHER ANANSI AND THE PEACOCK - Terence Thompson

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

NATHAN'S WEDDING - Terence Thompson

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

THE BUFFOON - Terence Thompson

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

A CUMBRIAN VOLUNTARY - Terence Thompson

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

London Watch - March - Peter Witchell

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Piccolo, 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, Clarinet in Eb, 3 Clarinets in Bb, 2 Bassoons, Alto & Tenor Saxophones, Horn, 2 Trumpets, 2 Trombones, Tuba & Percussion (2 Players - Timpani, Glockenspiel, Side Drum, Suspended & Clash Cymbals & Triangle)

Sonata in A minor "Affinities" - Kerry Milan

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

This page is currently being updated

Christmas Orchestral Music (1) - March and Ragtime on a French Christmas Tune - Robert Ramskill

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

A bright 4-minute orchestral piece based on the French Christmas tune ´Il est ne, le divin enfant´. This piece was written for the Coventry Youth Orchestra in 1984 and has been performed by them and a number of other local orchestras (the Warwickshire Symphony Orchestra, the Birmingham Schools´ Concert Orchestra, the Sutton Coldfield Chamber Orchestra) over the years since then. It is ideal for orchestras who are looking for alternatives to, or companion pieces for, such Christmas classics as Leroy Anderson´s Sleigh Ride.

The attached recording is a MIDI simulation of the orchestral score.

A score and a full set of parts are available for hire for £30.00 or to purchase for £50.00.

Christmas Orchestral Music (2) - Christmas Overture - Robert Ramskill

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

This piece was commissioned by the Coventry Youth Orchestra and first performed by them in Coventry Cathedral in 1983. It has been played by them many times since the first performance and has also been taken up by other local orchestras (including the Sutton Coldfield Chamber Orchestra and the Birmingham Schools´ Concert Orchestra). It consists of a series of variations on two traditional Christmas Carols - Good Christian Men Rejoice and God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen. It progresses from an atmospheric, impressionist introduction through a series of livelier episodes (including a Charleston!) to a jubilant, uplifting conclusion.

It would ideal for orchestras looking for alternatives or less familiar companion pieces to such Christmas classics as Leroy Anderson´s Sleigh Ride.

The attached recording is a MIDI simulation of the score.

The score and a full set of parts can be hired for £35.00 or purchased outright for £55.00.

Christmas Orchestral Music (3) Good King Wenceslas arranged for Choir and/or Audience and Orchestra - Robert Ramskill

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

This dynamic arrangement of the traditional Christmas carol, Good King Wenceslas, was commissioned by the Coventry Youth Orchestra and the St. Michael´s Singers for performance in Coventry Cathedral in 1987. It has been used many times since then by local orchestras.

It was also used in a BBC Songs of Praise Christmas programme from Chester Cathedral. For a recent performance (by the Warwickshire Symphony Orchestra) go to

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKif_eHaJfk&feature=player_profilepage

Score and a full set of parts are available for hire from Brasswind Publications at www.brasswindpublications.com

Work for Samaritans� 50th Anniversary: Calling, for chorus and orchestra - Colin Touchin

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Symphony Hall, March 2004

Three Sketches - Colin Touchin

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Adlestrop - Colin Touchin

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

At A Later Date - Martin Watson

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

selected by the Society for the Promotion of New Music s reading panels to be performed at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival

Bellblock - Martin Watson

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

selected by the Society for the Promotion of New Music s reading panels to be performed at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival

Rozel - Martin Watson

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Rozel was recorded and broadcast on Channel Television

Inscription - Martin Watson

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

performed in the Channel Islands

The Three Travellers - Peter Witchell

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

String Quartet - Robert Ramskill

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Completed in March 2012 this work is in four movements (Lento rubato-Moderato giusto; Lento espressivo; Allegro giocoso; Allegro agitato-Lento tranquillo) and lasts in the region of 23 minutes.

TUBA TUNE - Kenneth Gange

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

A CHILDING SLEPT - Kenneth Gange

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

RAG BURLESQUE - Kenneth Gange

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Denbigh Toccata - Kenneth Gange

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Denbigh Toccata for piano was performed by Rona Jones at the 2001 Welsh National Eisteddfod at Denbigh where it gained first prize in the piano/harp class.

Street Life 2 - Sonja Grossner

Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT

A further version of the original piece commissioned by London City Life Arts.

Alleluia - David Fisher

Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Written for Emma Kirkby, an authentic classical orchestra and a large chorus to follow Laudate Dominum. First performed at Derby Cathedral in March 1999.

At the end of the second movement [although this movement can be performed separately or as a continuation of either movement 1 or 2], the choir alone sings three hushed unaccompanied ‘alleluias’ before a military drum sets the rhythm for the rest of the movement. The voices and orchestra grow from a unison note to a two-part chord, adding a progressive succession of parts until there is a blazing eight-part climax in C major. This soon dies away and the soprano sings the central theme from ‘Laudate Dominum’ as a valedictory ‘alleluia’ before a final fanfare which reflects the conflicting E¨/C major tonalities that are pivotal to the outer movements.

Michael Wheeler [Derby Evening Telegraph - March 1999]:

"It was a sell-out and it deserved to be. Emma Kirkby was in thrillingly radiant and agile voice throughout, the [Derby] Choral Union rose to the occasion magnificently, the Midland Baroque played superbly...and clearly enjoyed the challenges of David Fishers very effective and enjoyable Laudate Dominum and Alleluia."

Will Todd [composer]:

"...the addition of the Alleluia -something about the combined structure...makes it very satisfying and seems to make the Laudate Dominum have even more impact. The link into the Alleluia is very magical and provides a genuine point of rhythmic interest from which the whole movement builds. The scoring is very exciting as well -the way it gradually develops but doesnt obscure the choir. Excellent."

Suite for 6 Horns - Andrew Downes

Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT

5 movements: Prelude; La Chasse; Romantische Mitternacht; Blazon; Postlude

Commissioned by the Vienna Horn Society (The ´Wiener Waldhornverein´). Recorded for CD by Roland Fritch, Suzanne Langor, James Lowe, Roland Horvath, Jonathan Sharp and Michael Sollner, conducted by Franz Sollner, in the Baumgarten Studios, Vienna, in May 2001 (CD on the Aricord label of music for horns and piano, entitled Schlosskonzert, also including Andrew Downes´ Sonata for Horn and Piano played by James Lowe with Anne Madison, produced by Josef Kamykowski. . Performed by Horns from Chethams School of Music also in the spring of 2001. The work was given its Czech premiere at Podebrady Castle, near Prague, by the Horns of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in March 2009.

The Horns of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra have now recorded the work for CD entitled "Andrew Downes: Music for Horns and Wagner Tubas". It is released on the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Artesmon label (AS 729-2). To hear a sound sample, or to purchase the CD using credit/debit cards, click on

New Dawn - Andrew Downes

Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Oratorio for SATB soloists, SATB chorus and symphony orchestra including guitar ensemble.
Six movements: ´A Spirit is Departing´; ´Journey´ (Orchestral Tone Poem); ´Awaiting Dawn´ (Song for unaccompanied chorus); ´Summer Dawn´; ´Kitchi-Manitou´(Orchestral Tone Poem); ´Invocation´.

The texts are 19th century translations of traditional poetry from various tribes of North American Indians, predominantly of the New Mexico area. Together the poems form a story about the life-cycle of the Earth from the death to the re-birth of a soul. The Oratorio is a celebration of this natural cycle, and is dedicated to all those societies and individuals who are content to see themselves as part of Mother Earth, rather than seeking to own and, eventually, destroy her.

Commissioned by Birmingham Conservatoire to celebrate the coming of the year 2000. First performed on 18th February 2000 in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, by soloists Debbie Bennet (soprano), Louise Brownbill (alto), Tom Solomon (tenor), Lawrence Broomfield (baritone), the Birmingham Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra and the University of Central England Chorus conducted by Steven Lloyd.

´Andrew Downes... is a prolific composer as well as a popular Head of the Conservatoire´s School of Composition and Creative Studies. His musical style which often embraces traits from non European cultures, has an appealing immediacy and considerable attractiveness. "It´s very modern, but so beautiful", was a remark I heard during the interval. The performance was certainly a triumph...´
THE BIRMINGHAM POST

A video recording made of the first performance is available from Lynwood Music.

The second performance of this work took place in King´s College Chapel, Cambridge, on 27th October 2001. Soloists Paula Downes, Timothy Mead, Richard Butler and William Gaunt with the Millennium Scholars Chorus and Orchestra and the Birmingham Conservatoire Guitar Ensemble were conducted by Stephen Cleobury.

Song of the Eagle - Andrew Downes

Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the James Madison University Flute Choir, one of the oldest flute choirs in the USA, founded by Carol Kniebusch Noe. The choir recorded the work for a special CD devoted to Andrew Downes´ Flute Music in January 2000. The first concert performances took place on 31st March and 1st April 2000 in the Wilson Hall of James Madison University, Virginia. The UK premiere was on Sunday 13th November 2005 as part of the First National Flute Choir Day in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham. The performance was given by the Birmingham Flute Ensemble with American guests and augmented by students from Millikin University, Illinois and Birmingham Conservatoire, and was conducted by Carol Kniebusch Noe. The work was performed at the Convention of the US National Flute Association in New York by the Texas Woman´s University/ Brookhaven Flute Choir, directed by Pamela Youngblood, in 2009.

´It is an extraordinarily beautiful work, with moods alternating between calm reflection and wilder moments of joy. Piccolo solos float above the lower flutes, suggesting the freedom of the eagle soaring above the vast open spaces of America. There are amazing rhapsodic arpeggio figures in the main body of the choir. The effect is continuous flowing sound, apparently without a moment to breathe, but the phrases are so well dovetailed between the parts that no-one has to last for more than two bars at a time.´ Alison Uren for ´PAN´ MAGAZINE

The God Marduk - Andrew Downes

Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Composed for the Russian violinist, Alla Sharova, for her concerts with pianist, Gillian Mayer, as a result of their performances of the Sonata for Violin and Piano and the Piano Quartet

Their first performance took place at the Voices Chamber Ensemble concert at St. John´s Church, Fulham, London on 18th September 1999.

Also performed by the composer´s daughters, Anna and Paula at several venues in Worcestershire and the West Midlands
The God Marduk was the ancient Babylonian God. The music sums up the awe inspiring aspect of an ancient mythical God and also the playful nature he was said to have.

Sonata for Brass Sextet - Andrew Downes

Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Specially composed for Stanislav Suchanek and the Czech Philharmonic Brass Sextet, as a token of the composer´s gratitude for the wonderful interpretation of his Sonata for Eight Horns by the Czech Philharmonic Horns.
First performed in the Dvorak Hall, Prague, on 21st February 2001 by Miroslav Kejmar and Marek Zvolanek, trumpets, Stanislav Suchanek, horn, Jiri Novotny, trombone, Karel Kucera, bass trombone and Karel Malimanek, tuba.

Extract from the concert programme: ´....The composer was so pleased with their performance that he dedicated a new work for our artists - the Sextet for Brass instruments, the premiere of which we shall hear today. The music has contrasting parts and demands top qualities from all six players. The audience will appreciate its unusual sound and compositional brilliance. We can now look forward to a similar event in the next season of the Czech Philharmonic Concert Calendar - again a world premiere - Andrew Downes´ Concerto for 4 Horns and Symphony Orchestra.´

Sonata for Piccolo & Piano - Andrew Downes

Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Composed for Keith Bragg, Principal Piccolo and Chairman of the Philharmonia Orchestra.

The first performance took place on 2nd August 2000 at the Town Hall, Stratford-upon-Avon, as part of the Stratford-upon-Avon International Flute Festival. Keith Bragg was accompanied by Judith Keaney. Their second performance took place on 24th October 2000 in the Recital Hall of Birmingham Conservatoire.

Performances in the USA by Michael Jordan

Sacred Mass for Solo Violin - Andrew Downes

Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by James Coles for performances in Churches and Cathedrals in Normandy and in the South of France.
Recorded in the summer of 2001 by James Coles for his CD entitled "Echos d´ete" (CYR 1).

USA premiere given by Anna Downes at the Chapel of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, USA, on March 6th 2008.

Sonata for 8 Pianists Playing 4 Pianos - Andrew Downes

Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Composed for an international group of pianists for concerts in celebration of the millennium. First performed on 4 Steinway grand pianos at a special millennium event at Birmingham Conservatoire on 6th December 2000. The first Italian performance took place in The Conservatorio di Musica "Nicolo Paganini" of Genoa on 21st July 2002. Malcolm Wilson, Paola Biondi, Debora Brunialti and the Duo Scaramouche, who played in both premieres, were joined by Mark Lockett, Cecile Deneau and Laure Pinsmail in the British premiere, and by Philip Martin, Gisela Herb and Naoko Shibayama Aarnio in Genoa. At both performances the pianists were conducted by Neil Aston.

´As with much of Downes´ music, the Sonata is a combination of large-scale gesture and delicate rumination. It exploits its resources effectively, layering texture and sonority with great imagination.´
THE BIRMINGHAM POST

Bass Trombone Concerto - Clement Jewitt

Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT

commissioned 1996 by Ian Kimberley, ex- Blues and Royals bass trombonist.

Work completed 1999, but has yet to be performed. Ian died in an accident

Two fanfares - Adrian Woolliscroft

Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT

for BBC Songs of Praise: Children of the New Millennium - AW was responsible for all the musical arrangements for this programme.

Anthem: "O sing unto the Lord a new song" - Andrew Downes

Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Tone Poem - Song of the Eagle - Andrew Downes

Fri, 01 Jan 1999 00:00:00 GMT

next - Tarot Conway

Thu, 01 Oct 1998 00:00:00 GMT

To be performed by the Wallace Ensemble

Dark Adagio - Sonja Grossner

Thu, 01 Jan 1998 00:00:00 GMT

won the 1999 Birmingham Chamber Music Society composition prize, and performed by the Vellinger string quartet on February 19th 2000 at the Adrian Boult Hall at the conservatoire.

Destiny - Sonja Grossner

Thu, 01 Jan 1998 00:00:00 GMT

piece for full orchestra, received its premiere as part of the music festival year 2000 and CD recording for international release in the Vienna Modern Masters series in Olomouc by the Moravian Philharmony in the Czech Republic.

The Little Match Girl - Sonja Grossner

Thu, 01 Jan 1998 00:00:00 GMT

Ballet suite after the story from Hanss Christian Anderson.

A Mother's Prayer - Sonja Grossner

Thu, 01 Jan 1998 00:00:00 GMT

Concerto for Guitar, Bass Guitar and Strings - Andrew Downes

Thu, 01 Jan 1998 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by guitarists Simon Dinnigan and Fred T.Baker. The premiere took place on l8th November 1997 in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham. The guitarists were accompanied by the Thallein ensemble conducted by the composer. The concerto was subsequently performed on June 16th 2002 at the Phoenix Arts Centre, Exeter, Devon, by guitarists Steve Gordon and Fred T Baker, with the Western Sinfonia conducted by Scott Stroman.

´Andrew Downes´ Concerto.. was full of delightful music.´
THE BIRMINGHAM POST

This work was recorded for CD in July 1999, by Simon Dinnigan and Fred T.Baker together with String players from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the composer. The CD, entitled Concerto for Two Guitars (Classicprint label - CPVP013CD), has been broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and several times on Dutch Radio. The CD received an excellent review on MusicWeb International in September 2001

Fantasia for Alto & Bass Flute Solos with 5 Part Concert Flute Choir Accompaniment - Andrew Downes

Thu, 01 Jan 1998 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by Margaret Lowe for the ´Birmingham Flute Commission´ and premiered on l8th April 1999, at a special Flute Day at Birmingham Conservatoire, by soloists Clare Southworth and Gary Woolf and the Birmingham Flute Ensemble, conducted by Carol Kniebusch Noe.
First American performance by the James Madison University Flute Choir of Virginia, directed by Carol Kniebusch Noe, in the Wilson Hall of James Madison University, on 31st March 2000. Performed by the Massachusetts High School Flute Choir, directed by Danielle Boudrot, in April 2000. Recorded for CDs by both of these American flute choirs. Subsequent performers of this work include the West Michigan Flute Orchestra in their Fall Concert, November 2003.

Concerto for Native American Flute (or Alto Flute) & Strings - Andrew Downes

Thu, 01 Jan 1998 00:00:00 GMT

First performed at the Music Xtra Festival at Birmingham Conservatoire on 25th March 2003 by Rebecca Massey with the Strings of the Central England Ensemble conducted by Richard Laing. A second performance by the same players took place in St.Saviour´s Church, Hagley, Worcestershire, on 6th April 2003.

´Typically for this composer, it conveys a sense of some huge, pervasive spiritual force.´ THE BIRMINGHAM POST

Sonata for Flute & Piano - Andrew Downes

Thu, 01 Jan 1998 00:00:00 GMT

Specially composed for Carol Kniebusch Noe and first performed by Carol with her accompanist, Vicky Berneking in the American Cathedral, Paris, on 4th November 1999.Their second performance took place on 31st March 2000 in the Wilson Auditorium, James Madison University, Virginia USA.
Performed by Michael Jordan, accompanied by Thomas Stumpf, on 6th April 2000, in Lexington, Boston, USA; by Andrew Anson with Alan Cuckston on 13th February 2002 in the Recital Hall of Birmingham Conservatoire; and by Andrew Anson with Alistair Lilley in St.John’s Smith Square, London, in January 2004, and at Birmingham Conservatoire on October 20th 2004.

Sonata for Horn & Piano - Andrew Downes

Thu, 01 Jan 1998 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by Roland Horvath of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and first performed by James Lowe with Anne Madison in the Theresianische Akademie, Vienna, on 17th March 2001, with subsequent performances at a Hauskonzert bei Familie Horvath in Vienna (June 2001); at the Osterreichische Gesellschaft fur Musik, Vienna (December 2001); in the Recital Hall of Birmingham Conservatoire (April 2002); and the last movement in Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Omaha, Nebraska, USA (August 2002) and at the Haus der Komponisten, Vienna (June 2004). Ondrej Vrabec (Principal Horn Czech Philharmonic Orchestra) with pianist Daniel Wiesner, performed the complete work in a recital at the Villa Bertramka Mozart Museum, Prague, in September 2008. James Lowe and Anne Madison recorded the Sonata for CD entitled Schlosskonzert in March 2001 (This CD also includes Andrew Downes Suite for 6 Horns)

The work has also been played as part of BBC Young Musician of the Year recitals.

This work has been transcribed by Cynthia Downes for Viola and Piano for Phillip Houghton and his accompanist, Jasmina Kulaglich.

Christmas Orchestral Music (4) See Amid the Winter's Snow arranged for Choir and/or Audience and Orchestra - Robert Ramskill

Thu, 01 Jan 1998 00:00:00 GMT

Score and parts available for hire for £25.00 and to purchase for £40.00

Sonata for Horn and Piano - Andrew Downes

Thu, 01 Jan 1998 00:00:00 GMT

Impressions - Sonja Grossner

Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Cycle of five songs of poems by Oscar Wilde

To each other strangers - Sonja Grossner

Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Performed in Manchester during the ICCC days during the ISC World music festival 19th April 1998, also highly commended by the Galliard ensemble, London

I am Nobody - Sonja Grossner

Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Cycle of nine songs "I am Nobody" of poems by Emily Dickinson.
(four songs published by Da-capo music. Performed in Birmingham, Composers ensemble performed 14th March 1997, soloist Dawn Foxall, pianist Pat Bennet.)

Let us build for ever - David Fisher

Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT

“Let us build for ever” [1997] is scored for children’s choir, ten percussionists & piano and was commissioned by the Barfield School Parent Staff Association. The choir from Barfield School, with pianist Jean Stevens, was conducted by Richard Stevens who has commissioned each of the composer’s works for the Farnham Festival. The première performance was in the Great Hall, Farnham Maltings, March 17th 1997 and the première of the orchestral version was at the same venue on March 15th 2005. Other performances include the opening of the new concert hall of Barfield School (February 1999) in the presence of Virginia Bottomley and by Kingfisher Chorale (November 2002) at St James the Greater, Leicester.

Percussion [both versions]:

Scaffold Pipe [12.5 cm] – tiny hammer;Scaffold Pipe [25 cm] – small hammer; Scaffold Pipe [50 cm] – medium hammer; Scaffold Pipe [100 cm] – large hammer; Metal Bucket – hand-held hit with 60 cm broom handle; Aluminium Stepladder – hit with 2 x 60 cm broom handle; Engineering Brick – scraped [flat] or hit [edge] with small trowel *; Concrete Block – scraped [flat] or hit [edge] with large trowel *; 45 cm Plywood Square – minimum 2 cm thick, hit with 2 small wooden mallets +; Rough Sandpaper – stuck to wooden base, played with stiff hand-brush or sandpaper block +; piano.

* safety goggles are essential for these.

+ placing these on wooden orange boxes will help with sound.

Instruments [revised version only]:

Flutes 1 & 2; Oboe; Clarinets 1 & 2; Trumpets 1 & 2; Violins.

Staging:

When the work was first written Richard Stevens and I discussed overalls, hard, hats, gloves, high visibility jackets & safety goggles with cones, warning lights and “men at work” signs as optional extras. Imagination is to be used if it is to match the invention of the première performance which set an inspired comic scenario! If the revised version is to be played, do not dress the instrumentalists like the percussionists but zone their area with black and yellow cautionary tape.

Review of the première by J.L.V. [The Farnham Herald – 21st March 1997]:

“Let us build for ever involved well over 100 pupils…the ‘builders (otherwise percussionists0 clad in hard hats and yellow reflective clothing replete with traffic cones and road signs. The instruments included four lengths of scaffolding poles, breeze-block and trowels and sandpaper on plywood. The apposite text came from Psalm 127 together with a poem juxtaposing the mechanics of building with the work of developing children’s minds. After a short declamatory theme on the piano, the opening recitative states the Latin words of the psalm against a spoken translation. There are two percussion interludes signifying the work of building, interspersed with the building theme in Latin. The piece ends with a four part canon which modulates higher in the final statement signifying the building’s completion. The children performed it with clear enjoyment and the composer told me afterwards that he had made no concessions in his writing and he was very pleased with the result.”

A member of the audience wrote:

“I found the piece and utter delight…it was novel; clever without being pretentious and very interesting. The children enjoyed it as well and at the end of the piece I fervently wished to be able to experience the whole event again! ”

Review from the Farnham Herald of the 2005 performance on 15th March:

“Over 130 children from Barfield School performed “Let us build for ever” by David Fisher. Originally written for Barfield to mark at the school’s building development in 1997, with more new buildings completed this year, the composer has revised the work and given it for this year’s festival.

The sea of blue uniformed were joined by roadwork signs, orange warning lights and boys in hard hats and fluorescent jackets who played a variety of unusual percussion, including scaffolding poles, a step ladder, a bucket, a concrete block, wood and sandpaper. With words from Psalm 127 – “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Children are a heritage of the Lord”, the piece opened with chanting in Latin and then spoken in English. The work builds using percussion, voices and instrumentalists as a real wall is being built during the performance. An effective four-part canon section leads up to the completion of the building. The children obviously enjoyed the performance, directed enthusiastically by Richard Stevens and accompanied by Jean Stevens (piano), and a competent orchestra of trumpets, flutes, clarinets and violins, all from the school. Finally the composer was applauded onto the stage and given a red rose.”

Concerto for 2 Pianos and Strings - Andrew Downes

Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by the Bishop of Naples to celebrate the restoration of the Cathedral of Barletta, S.Italy. Piano parts written especially for the Duo Scaramouche. The Italian premiere has had to be postponed because of tragic earthquake damage to the restored cathedral. At the British premiere, in November 1997 in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, and at the French premiere in March 1998 in the Salle Cortot, Paris, the Avison Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Steven Lloyd, accompanied the Duo Scaramouche.The first London performance by the same players took place at St.James, Piccadilly,
in August 1999. A video recording was made of this concert and is available from Lynwood Music.

´Appropriately, much of its thematic material derives from the close scalic nature of plainsong; rhythms and textures reflect the composer´s interest in World Music. Within these parameters the work strikes as another example of Downes´ craftsmanship.´
THE BIRMINGHAM POST

Runnymede Millennium Evensong Service - Andrew Downes

Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Introit: Setting of Psalm 23 (unaccompanied SATB)

Preces & Responses (unaccompanied SSAATTBB)

Psalm 121 (unaccompanied SSAATTBB)

Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis (SSAATTBB and organ)

Anthem: ´I was glad´ Setting of Psalm 122 (SSAATTBB choir and organ)

Small Choir versions (SATB) arranged by Rosemary Cooper also available.

Commissioned by the Runnymede Church Choirs Association with substantial help from St.Mary´s Trust, Thorpe, for the Association´s 50th anniversary in 2000. The Introit was first performed in St George´s Chapel Windsor by the Runnymede Church Choirs Association directed by Lionel Pike on 21st October 2000 and subsequently by the Kingfisher Chorale, directed by David Fisher, in the Frazer Noble Hall, Leicester (October 2003 and November 2009) and at the Blaby Festival (June 2005), by the Millennium Scholars in Trinity Chapel, Cambridge (July 2005), and by the Lyra Davidica Choir in Lichfield Cathedral (July 2005). The full service was first performed in the Chapel of Royal Holloway, University of London, by the Chapel Choir conducted by Lionel Pike on 29th November 2000. The Responses and Psalm 121 were sung by the Runnymede Church Choirs Association in Guildford Cathedral in November 2002. Royal Holloway Chapel Choir have performed the Responses and Canticles in Exeter, Canterbury, Coventry and Lincoln Cathedrals and in Royal Holloway Chapel. The Canticles have been performed by The New Birmingham Scholars, directed by Christopher Allsop, in Bristol Cathedral (2003) and by the Chapel Choir of Selwyn College, Cambridge, directed by Sarah MacDonald (2009 and 2010). The full service was recorded for CD entitled ´The Lord is my Shepherd´ (CPVP014CD) by the Chapel Choir of Royal Holloway, with Brian Moles, organ, directed by Lionel Pike, in Arundel Cathedral on 6th & 7th January 2001.

The Lord is my Shepherd and The Lord’s Prayer (from the Responses) were performed at King´s Chapel, Boston, Massachusetts on August 22nd 2006 by the Millennium Scholars directed by Paula Downes. The Lord is my Shepherd was performed by the Harvard University Choir, directed by Edward Jones, at the Memorial Church, Harvard University, USA, in 2007 and in 2009, and by the Senior Choir at the Old North Church, Marblehead, Massachusetts, directed by Maria VanKalken, in 2009. Both of the Harvard performances were broadcast live on WHRB radio.

An arrangement by Cynthia Downes of The Lord is my Shepherd and The Lord’s Prayer for solo voice and strings has been performed on numerous occasions by Paula Downes with the Lynwood Lea String Quartet.

O Sing unto the Lord a New Song (anthem - SSAATTBB & organ) - Andrew Downes

Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Setting of Psalm 96

Specially composed for Lionel Pike and the Chapel Choir of Royal Holloway, University of London, for their millennium celebrations.

First performed at the Royal Holloway Thanksgiving Service at the end of the Academic Year on Sunday 11th June 2000, in the Church of the Assumption, Englefield Green.

Recorded for CD entitled The Lord is my Shepherd (CPVP014CD) by Royal Holloway Chapel Choir, with Brian Moles, organ, directed by Lionel Pike, on 6th and 7th January 2001 in Arundel Cathedral.

Come With Me - Clement Jewitt

Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT

1997 by Clent Hills Choral Society.. Performed July 1997, Steven Lloyd, conductor

A Bit of a Blow for Wind Band - Robert Ramskill

Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by the Coventry Senior Wind Band this lively, 3 movement piece was first performed under the direction of Norman Owen. The attached score and MIDI recording are both of the first movement.

Duration: c. 8 mins.

Score and set of parts available for £50.00

Chop chop! - Peter Witchell

Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Rutlandia - Peter Witchell

Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Concerto for Brass Band - Adrian Woolliscroft

Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT

written specially for Birmingham Schools Brass Band conducted by Martin Orgill (first performance: Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham)

Concerto for 2 Pianos and Strings - Andrew Downes

Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Concerto for Guitar, Bass Guitar and Strings - Andrew Downes

Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Parody - Sonja Grossner

Mon, 01 Jan 1996 00:00:00 GMT

commissioned by, and performed by Klammer Vier, Germany Karlsruhe on the 15th October 1996

Fantasy Fragments - Sonja Grossner

Mon, 01 Jan 1996 00:00:00 GMT

commissioned and performed by SPNM event. Birmingham BEAST. Daniel Terrugi workshop and concert, performed 10th March 1996, soloist: Jon Quirk.

Sonata for 8 Flutes or Flute Choir - Andrew Downes

Mon, 01 Jan 1996 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by Margaret Lowe in recognition of the great flute maker, Albert Cooper, with funds contributed, with affection and esteem for Albert, by numerous eminent flautists, groups and businesses, including Brannen Brothers Flutemakers Inc. and James Galway.
The world premiere took place on 18 August 1996 at the Convention of the US National Flute Association in New York. The Association´s Professional Flute Choir performed the work. The first British and first solo octet performance took place in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham on 20th October 1996. At both premieres the conductor was Carol Kniebusch Noe.
Many performances of this work have since taken place throughout the world, particularly in America North and South, for example by Flute Choirs at the Universities of Michigan, Oregon, New Mexico, North Carolina, Virginia, Florida and California, by Flute Choirs in Houston, Portland and Washington, Boston, New Jersey, and by the National Flute Orchestra of Venezuela. Performances have taken place in Japan, Australia and Norway, as well as many in the UK. It has been performed at the Stratford International Flute Festival (in 1997 and 1999, directed by Jenny Brooks), and in the Barbican Centre foyer (by the King’s Flute Choir directed by Sagar Masani in 2009). In 1999 the James Madison University Flute Choir of Virginia visited England and played the work in Birmingham, Henley in Arden and Worcester Cathedral. The following January (2000) they made a CD of Andrew Downes flute music, including this work, and in March 2000 performed the work in a concert devoted entirely to Andrew Downes flute music. The Massachusetts Flute Choir recorded the work for CD in the same year, and UpTown Flutes, virtuoso flute ensemble from New Jersey, recorded the sonata for CD in 2009.

´Its cool, chaste sounds rhythmically spiced, the Sonata is yet another example of how aptly Downes´ music sits in its chosen medium.´
THE BIRMINGHAM POST

´..truly a masterpiece in flute ensemble literature... He writes with a clear understanding of the flute´s melodic and technical capabilities as well as the variety of colours and contrasts possible in the flute family of instruments... In harmonic, rhythmic and formal content the piece is well crafted and the melodies linger long after hearing. This is the first work of major length written for flute choir. All flute choirs are encouraged to enjoy this fine composition, as it is accessible to choirs of varying standard.´
Carol Kniebusch Noe for ´PAN´ MAGAZINE

A number of commercial CD recordings of this work have been made including by the James Madison University Flute Choir, conducted by Carol Kniebusch Noe, the Massachusetts Flute Choir, conducted by Danielle Boudrot, and UpTown Flutes, virtuoso flute ensemble.

Symphony no 4 - scored for Concert Wind Band - Andrew Downes

Mon, 01 Jan 1996 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by Janice Lee Sperling MD for the Albuquerque Concert Band. The British premiere took place in December 1997 in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, with Guy Woolfenden conducting the Birmingham Conservatoire Wind Band.
Subsequent performances by the Yorkshire Wind Band at the BASWE Festival at the Royal Northern College of Music and by the RAF Central Band.

´Andrew Downes´ Symphony No.4 is on a larger scale, painting a comprehensive picture of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and its environs. Immediately appealing was the vivid opening depiction of the town itself, an expressive solo on cedarwood flute in the third movement and the buoyant energy of the closing Rio Grande, but the composition clearly demands further listening....´
THE BIRMINGHAM POST

Concert Overture "Towards a New Age" - Andrew Downes

Mon, 01 Jan 1996 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in celebration of the 150th anniversary of its foundation.
First performed on January 28th 1997 in Symphony Hall, Birmingham by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Constantine. As a result of the success of this work Andrew Downes was awarded a commemorative gold medal for his "outstanding contribution" to the anniversary celebrations of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The Central England Ensemble conducted by Anthony Bradbury performed the work in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, in November 2004. In May 2009, the Haybridge Community Orchestra, conducted by Cynthia Downes, gave a performance of the overture in St John´s Church, Hagley, Worcestershire, as part of the 2009 Hagley Music Festival.

´...the overture flickers into life like a willing machine, broad chorales soaring proudly over energetic rhythms.´
THE BIRMINGHAM POST

´...an incredible score. Among its many qualities is a marvellous understanding and control of the orchestra. The music is very loud and dramatic at times and almost unbearably exciting and yet the texture of the writing is absolutely faultless.´ Dr David Wright MUSICWEB INTERNATIONAL

Laudate Dominum - David Fisher

Mon, 01 Jan 1996 00:00:00 GMT

East Midlands Arts commission for Emma Kirkby, an authentic Classical orchestra and a large chorus. First performed by Dame Emma Kirkby, Derby Choral Union and Midland Baroque at Derby Cathedral in 1996 and repeated with the added Alleluia in March 1999. It was performed in a new version for organ by the Leicester Bach Choir under Giles Turner in November 1999. The completed cantata with Emmas virtuoso insersion aria Laudate Dominum de caelis was performed in April 2003.

The orchestration would suit modern instruments just as well, though the trumpets and horn parts are for natural harmonics)

N.B. An organ score has been prepared for movements 1 & 3 ONLY.

Soprano solo, SSATBB, 2 Fl, 2Ob, 2Cl [ad lib in movements 1 & 3], 2 Bn; 2Tr & 2 Hn [natural harmonics]; timps & tenor drum; Strings.

The first movement of Laudate Dominum was written in 1996 as a commission for Dame Emma Kirkby, Derby Choral Union and an authentic Classical orchestra at A=430 with funds made available by East Midlands’ Arts. The Alleluia (now movement 3) was added for Emma Kirkby’s second concert with DCU in 1999. Later in 1999, the earlier movement was performed by the Leicester Bach Choir with Alison Smart in a new accompaniment for organ. Leicester Bach Choir, again conducted by Giles Turner, performed the entire work at that time in 2002 as part of the Leicestershire Composer’s concert accompanied by a modern orchestra (with soprano Kate Tansy) rather than for the authentic Classical orchestra for which it is written. It was always intended that these two movements should have an aria inserted between them to form a complete cantata with its first performance on 5th April 2003. Each of the three movements is linked by the theme for the ‘Angel Aria’ which is central to the first movement. The universality of the text “O praise the Lord all ye people” is emphasised by the use of four languages: Latin, German, English and French. It is in ternary form with an introduction and coda. After the horns and trumpets announce the fanfare theme which unifies the work, the choir sing all the languages in turn except for French, with two distinctive themes allocated to each text. The first section closes with the whole choir singing the fanfare figure before the soprano soloist begins the French text in a slow and lyrical melody in C major accompanied by pulsating strings, oboe solo and flutes. The choir joins the soloist in the second part of the middle section before a long cadence brings back the original E flat tonality. The third section begins with another choral fanfare before the reintroduction of all the earlier themes now in a multi-layered texture of increasing complexity. A giant eight-part double canon ensues and this is in turn followed by a shorter harmonised canon before the climax of the work is reached in two massive statements of “Laudate”. A tranquil section marks the re-entry of the soprano soloist to end the movement. The horns play a closing fanfare which ends the section as quietly as it began.

Laudate Dominum omnes gentes, laudate eum omnes populi. Quoniam confirmata est super nos misericordia ejus et veritas Domini manet in aeternam.

Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden; preiset ihn, alle Völker! Denn seine Gnade und Wahrheit waltet über uns in Ewigkeit.

O praise the Lord all ye nations: praise him all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever.

Louez l’Eternal, vous toutes les nations, célébrez-le, vous tous les peuples! Car sa bonté pour nous est grande, et sa fidélité dure à toujours.

Emma Kirkby: "Thanks for a lovely bit of writing - for me and all the forces! I really enjoyed it."

From an interview with Emma Kirkby and Pierre M. Bellemare (July 13, 2004) published in La Scena Musicale, Canadas Classical Music Magazine:

LSM [PMB]: “…and what about the music that David Fisher has composed for you?”

EK: “David Fisher is a talented choirmaster and composer. He wrote a piece for me to do with the wonderful Derby Choral Union--one of Britains oldest groups and still very healthy today, and of which Im proud to be a patron. It is a very singable piece for me and there are bits that are great to listen to and pretty challenging to sing.”

Liz Clarke [Derbyshire Now - February 1997]: "Emma Kirkby was provided with a vehicle to show a packed cathedral her superb talent and David Fisher even managed to stretch, test and ultimately show off the choir. [Emma Kirkby]...loves the unpredictability of performing live and her enjoyment of the piece was obvious. Her beautiful voice and those perfect high notes were heard to their best advantage...there was thunderous applause and David Fisher glowed with pride as he led Emma from the stage."

Members of the audience wrote:

"... the theme given to Emma [Kirkby] is one of the most beautiful themes I have ever heard. When I heard it my hair stood on end..."

“I have attended many of your concerts and thoroughly enjoyed them but Saturday’s was something special. Your music and Emma’s voice – was so moving.”

“It was wonderful! The entire concert seemed to have a brilliance such as we have never heard before. The atmosphere was truly electric.”

“…your composition is dynamic, moving and challenging to sing! It has everything that music should have – and more.”

Will Todd [composer]: "I was glad to hear the Laudate Dominum live - made the solo sections more immediate and beautiful. I really enjoyed it and I congratulate you...."

Neil Crutchley [critic] "In his arresting Laudate Dominum David Fisher displays a natural gift for word setting and melody ... harmonic and rhythmic colour are allied to a vivid imagination to produce a moving and impressive work..."

Neil Crutchley, Leicester Mercury Review. Leicester Bach Choir conducted by Giles Turner, 6th November 1999

“Choirs need more composers like David Fisher. His own background is steeped in the English Choral Tradition and he understands the requirements of writing for amateur singers from the inside. His music is always rewarding to perform and holds the interest of listeners. His ‘Laudate Dominum’ was commissioned by East Midlands Arts and performed by one of his own choirs, the Derby Choral Union. The soprano soloist on that occasion was Emma Kirkby. The performance given by the Leicester Bach Choir was the first to use the specially prepared organ reduction. It was a well-rehearsed, confident and enthusiastic account with some impressive solo singing from Alison Smart. Inevitably, some loss of colour is lost in a reduction, but there was still plenty left in what proved to be a captivating fifteen minutes of musical pleasure. The novel idea of using four languages in the well-known text worked very well. Curiously, or even intentionally, the composer got a flavour of the German style in the German section and more than a whiff of Poulenc in the French! A unifying fanfare theme based on the Latin words recurs throughout the work and there a sections for soprano soloist, six-part choir and at one point and impressive eight-part double canon. In all this music, the composer’s musical ancestry is never in doubt. Vaughan Williams, Howells, Britten and Walton are there but there is also a distinct musical personality of his own. In its sensitivity to words and the great gift of singable melody his music also recalls to mind that of John Rutter and in the field of popular choral music of real quality, there can be no greater compliment.”

Neil Crutchley, Leicester Mercury Review of the Leicestershire Composers concert. Leicester Bach Choir conducted by Giles Turner, 23rd March 2002: “David Fisher’s colourful and memorable setting of ‘Laudate Dominum’ reflected the composer’s lifelong love of the English Choral tradition. With its ravishing soprano solo [the outstanding Katy Tansy] it made a fine end to a unique and special occasion.”

Paul Cauthens site on Emma Kirkby is the most comprehensive for information about this great singing phenomenon.

Entrance - Rosemary Duxbury

Mon, 01 Jan 1996 00:00:00 GMT

"Entrance" is 12 minute piano piece. Swiss pianist Patricia Siffert gave its premiere at the Institut Jacques Dalcroze in Geneva, and has recorded it on the CD "On Wings of Light" Charasound.

The music has also been used in theatre in Lausanne with director Roelof Overmeer, and in two photographic films

'Au fil de l'eau', by wellknown underwater photographer Michel Roggo and wildlife photographer Benoit Renevey

'Heartsong' by Annette Weihreiter Horn, presented in Galerie Rover, Nuremberg

Here's what others have said about the piece

"Thank you for letting me hear your beautiful and pure piano prelude" Jonathan Harvey, composer

"There is an individual and appealing voice in this evocative music." Neil Crutchley, Leicester Mercury

" 'Entrance' is such a beautiful piece at times calm, then dynamic, secretive, expectant, uplifting. It's so descriptive emotional and spiritual. It's wonderful." Annette Horn, photographer, Germany

to read more please visit www.rosemaryduxbury.com

In the Master's Love - Rosemary Duxbury

Mon, 01 Jan 1996 00:00:00 GMT

Short piano solo (4 mins). This melodic and uplifting piece has been performed around Europe and in America. It is a favourite with amateurs and professionals alike. It is recorded on CD and available as sheet music published by Charasound. Please visit www.rosemaryduxbury.com for more info.

Knit Up the Ravell'd Sleeve of Care - Clement Jewitt

Mon, 01 Jan 1996 00:00:00 GMT

Birmingham. Conservatoire Woodwind Prize, 1996

Two Familiars - Peter Witchell

Mon, 01 Jan 1996 00:00:00 GMT

1. Been There : 2. Done That

Composed for CCA concert at Breadsall

Christmas Orchestral Music (7) - It Came Upon the Midnight Clear arranged for Choir and/or Audience/Congregation and Orchestra - Robert Ramskill

Sun, 01 Oct 1995 00:00:00 GMT

This arrangement was written for a BBC Songs of Praise programme broadcast at Christmas in 1995.

Score and parts available for hire for £25.00 and to purchase for £40.00.

Elegy II - Sonja Grossner

Sun, 01 Jan 1995 00:00:00 GMT

Performed by Composers ensemble Birmingham Conservatoire, 25th November 1998, and also received a performance in Portsmouth, performed by the Portsmouth New Music Orchestra, 20th October 1999

Sonata for 8 Horns - Andrew Downes

Sun, 01 Jan 1995 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by James Lowe, Janice Lee Sperling MD and the British Horn Trust, for Ellen Campbell and the Horn Octet of the University of New Mexico. Premiered at the University of New Mexico 1995 Composers´ Symposium on 29th March 1995. Subsequent performances in USA at Interlochen Centre for the Arts and the International Horn Society Convention in Oregon. First British performance December 5th 1995 in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham.
Stanislav Suchanek, who played first horn in the first performance, introduced the work to his colleagues in the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, with the result that the first Czech performance, by the Horns of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, took place at the International Horn class ´97 at Nove Straseci on 2nd August 1997 with further performances in the Suk Hall of the Rudolfinum, Prague (January 1998 and December 2001), at the Lichtenstein Palace, Prague (August 1998), Bertramka Mozarteum (August 2005), Nove Straseci (August 2002 and 2005), at the Church Stretton and South Shropshire Festival (UK) in July 2005, and at the Engelbert Schmid Concert Hall, Mindelzell, Bavaria, Germany in September 2008. They recorded the work in 1998 for Czech Radio and for CD entitled ´Czech Philharmonic Horns´ (Classicprint label CPVP12CD An excellent review of the CD can be found on www.musicweb.uk.net - the CD was awarded 5 stars and voted CD of the month (September 2000) and has been broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in November 2000, on Dutch Radio in April and August 2001, and twice on Austrian Radio in 2002.
As a result of the CD, Andrew Downes was commissioned to compose a Concerto for 4 Horns and Orchestra, which was premiered by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Vladimir Valek in the Dvorak Hall, Prague, on 28th February and 1st March 2002, and a work for 8 Wagner Tubas for the 2005/6 Czech Philharmonic season. Downes´ Sonata for Brass Sextet, dedicated to Stanislav Suchanek and the Czech Philharmonic Brass as a token of the composers´ gratitude for the wonderful interpretation of his Sonata for 8 Horns, was premiered in the Dvorak Hall, Prague, on 21st February 2001

´This is an excellent addition to the horn ensemble repertoire... has plenty to engage all eight players, as well as the listener.. a challenging and satisfying piece.´
John Pineguy - THE HORN MAGAZINE

´...25 minutes of real quality, immediately attractive, deeply-felt, elegantly idiomatic in scoring, and profoundly memorable.
´The music paints the wide open spaces of New World landscapes, buoyed up with the upbeat rhythms of Africa. Melodies ride broadly over compelling textures or dance gravely in echoes of the Renaissance. A scherzo movement revels in the horn´s natural ´hunting´ quality...´
THE BIRMINGHAM POST

Fanfare for Madam Speaker - Andrew Downes

Sun, 01 Jan 1995 00:00:00 GMT

Composed for the Installation of the Rt Hon Betty Boothroyd MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, as Chancellor of the Open University. The ceremony took place on l8th March 1995 in Symphony Hall, Birmingham. Betty Boothroyd was delighted with the work and asked for the piano version so that she could play it on her piano in the House of Commons

Brass Quintet no 2 - Andrew Downes

Sun, 01 Jan 1995 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by ´Brass Pages´ for first performance at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts at Birmingham University on l2th October 1995. The group performed the first movement as soon as it had been written on Canadian TV in the Summer of 1994.

Arrangement for strings, by Cynthia Downes, of the 2nd movement, entitled ´Queen Elizabeth´s Fantasy´, first performed at the Clent Millennium Festival (Worcestershire) in April 2000; and subsequently at the May Day 2000 concert at St John´s Church, Hagley (Worcestershire); and at the St Saviour´s Church, Hagley, Centenary Concert on 29th November 2008.

Concerto for Oboe & Orchestra - Peter Witchell

Sun, 01 Jan 1995 00:00:00 GMT

A Babe Was Born - Adrian Woolliscroft

Sun, 01 Jan 1995 00:00:00 GMT

first performance: Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, by Archbishop Ilsley R.C. School Choir and Birmingham Schools Brass Band, conducted by Martin Orgill

Gibraltar Our Homeland - Andrew Downes

Sat, 01 Jan 1994 00:00:00 GMT

Words and music by Andrew Downes.

Recorded on cassette by Halesowen Girls´ Choir in July 1994 and included as part of their repertoire in concerts ever since.

Sonata for Violin and Piano - Andrew Downes

Sat, 01 Jan 1994 00:00:00 GMT

Specially composed for a concert dedicated to the memory of Ernest Element, given on 3rd May 1994 in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, by the Kingsdown Duo - Roger Huckle, violin, and John Bishop, piano.
First Indian performance by John Mayer accompanied by Gillian Mayer at the Calcutta School of Music, also in 1994.
Numerous subsequent performances by the above artists and others, including Alla Sharova with Gillian Mayer, Erich
Gruenberg with Daniel Adni, James Coles with Yoko Arai, David Chadwick with Robert Markham and Robert Birchall, and many by the composer´s daughters, Anna and Paula.
First movement recorded for Central Composers´ Alliance CD by Anna Downes with Duncan Honeybourne in February 2001. Whole Sonata performed by these same artists on l lth May 2001 in Birmingham Cathedral.

´... Echoes of plainchant in an ostinato like opening provided the springboard for an Allegro of developing rhythmic complexity and melodic richness which drew to a close with effective lyrical naivety.
´A more sombre Largo was again carefully and convincingly shaped by the Duo, with its haunting melodic lines.
´The finale skilfully entwined reflective mood with rhythmic dynamism. This is a purposefully accessible work whose consistency of style and sense of atmosphere ensured its warm reception.´
THE BIRMINGHAM POST

String Quartet no 3 - Andrew Downes

Sat, 01 Jan 1994 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by the Almira Quartet and first performed by them at the Birmingham and Midland Institute in Birmingham on March l6th 1995. The Almira Quartet have since played the work at numerous venues throughout the UK.
Performed in May 1999 by the Thomas Quartet as part of their recital in the Chapel of Trinity College, Cambridge.

Idyll "In the Gardens of Burdwan" (Sonata for Oboe and Piano) - Andrew Downes

Sat, 01 Jan 1994 00:00:00 GMT

This Sonata for Oboe and Piano was composed for George Caird, for first performance with accompanist, Malcolm Wilson, at the Birmingham and Midland Institute on 20th October 1995.
The work was composed during the months following the composer´s visit to the beautiful gardens of the University of Burdwan in Bengal, India, and represents the composer´s emotional response to this part of India.
George Caird and Malcolm Wilson recorded this work for CD entitled 20th Century Music for Oboe and Piano in January 1999 (Classical Recording Company: CRC 1009-2).
Many performances of this work have taken place, in the UK and in Holland, notably one by George Caird and Duncan Honeybourne in a concert of Music by Andrew Downes, on June 21st 2005 in the Adrian Boult Hall Birmingham, to mark the composer´s retirement from Birmingham Conservatoire. The USA premiere was given by Marc Fink (oboe) and Todd Wellbourne (piano) in Wisconsin, January 2009, and these players gave the first broadcast performance on WPR Wisconsin in April 2009.

´... a substantial 4 movement Idyll, its sounds, as in all this approachable composers´ output, genuinely imagined. Its combination of Indian inspiration and ecclesiastical modality proved magical.´ BIRMINGHAM POST (21.10.95)

´ In Downes´ fantastic 1995 sonata In the Gardens of Burdwan, George Caird´s oboe swung from raucous Indian piping to limpid English pastels exactly as this ravishing score demanded.´ BIRMINGHAM POST (23.06.05)

On Wings of Light - Rosemary Duxbury

Sat, 01 Jan 1994 00:00:00 GMT

Jane Pearson writing for 'Women in Music Now reported: "The music combined an ethereal quality with enormous breadth, so that the effect was of a potent lightness,calling to my mind at least a sense of mystic journey and resolution." .... "On Wings of Light" is a 12 minute piano piece. It is recorded on CD, and is available as sheet music, published by Charasound. For more info, please visit www.rosemaryduxbury.com

Metal in Mind - Clement Jewitt

Sat, 01 Jan 1994 00:00:00 GMT

Lennox Berkeley Cup, Oxford Music Festival, 1994. [Broadcast on Radio Oxford.]

A Jazz Sequence - Robert Ramskill

Fri, 01 Jan 1993 00:00:00 GMT

A genial work of classical construction but full of jazz-inspired rhythms and harmonies. Diploma standard.

The recording here is of an abbreviated, single movement version of the piece which goes under the title Jazz Impromptu.

Score and violin part available from the composer for £18.

O Praise The Lord - Andrew Downes

Fri, 01 Jan 1993 00:00:00 GMT

Setting of Psalm 150

Commissioned by the Provost of St Philip´s Cathedral, Birmingham, the Very Reverend Peter Berry, with financial assistance from the Bank of Ireland, whose Birmingham Branch is situated in St Philip´s House, for performance by the Choir of Birmingham Cathedral, directed by Marcus Huxley, to celebrate the restoration of the Cathedral 1993. Performed by the Birmingham Festival Choral Society under the direction of Anthony Bradbury in Malvern Priory in a concert entitled "A British Celebration" on 25th June 2005.

Concerto for Tuba and Orchestra - Robert Ramskill

Fri, 01 Jan 1993 00:00:00 GMT

(1992) 27 Minutes; also available in a version for tuba and piano and in the orchestral version (2.2.2.2./4.2.3.0./3perc./strings) from Warwick Music.

“….the Concerto for Tuba, a mighty work of some 900 bars of highly organised material requiring virtuoso skills from the soloist and, in this version, from the pianist. In three movements the work is mostly fast-moving and requires great agility from both players; even the ‘slow’ movement has the unusual direction of andante espressivo e scherzando. Although the work is modern in conception, with discordant harmony, the composer asks for no outlandish tricks beloved of the old avant-garde; the player must merely cope with some tricky changes of time-signature and be a master of the whole range of the tuba. The weak-hearted need not apply”.

Rodney Bashford (in a review of the tuba and piano version of the work),

Music Teacher, April 1993.

Symphony no.3 "Spirits of the Earth" - Andrew Downes

Wed, 01 Jan 1992 00:00:00 GMT

For large symphony orchestra - 3 flutes, 2 oboes, 3 clarinets, 2 bassoons, contra bassoon, 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 2 trombones, bass trombone, tuba, timpani, tuned percussion (crotales, 2 glockenspiels, 1 xylophone, 3 marimbas), percussion (a-go-go- bell, 3 cowbells, Chinese blocks, whip, wood block, suspended cymbal, cymbal, gong, tubular bells), drums (tom-toms; frame drums - tuned and unpitched; large bongos; side drum; bass drum; drum kit; about 6 unpitched drums; deep, hollow, pitchless drums) and strings.

The work has 5 movements.
First performed by the Birmingham Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra conducted by Andrew Mogrelia on 1st April 1993, in a concert in aid of the NSPCC, in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham. The work is dedicated to the NSPCC.

´Two triumphant premieres in three days! After Thursday´s success of his eloquent Third Symphony, Andrew Downes heard his deeply affecting St Luke Passion given on Saturday...
´Spirits of the Earth, his third Symphony, is probably the most demanding work Andrew Downes has yet written.
"It assumes virtuosity from its players, a finely honed sense of collective ensemble, and the capacity for various sections of the orchestra to play in several independent tempi.
´As the substantial five movement work moves towards its close these disparate elements come together in final reconciliation.
´The premiere it received last night from the Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra was nothing short of astonishing. Very few inaccuracies marred this virile, sensitive performance...´
THE BIRMINGHAM POST

The Dancers of Huai Nan - Andrew Downes

Wed, 01 Jan 1992 00:00:00 GMT

Traditional Chinese poem (in English translation)

Commissioned by Pamela Cook and her ´Cantamus´ Girls´ Choir, with funds from Nottingham County Council, for the Sainsbury´s Choir of the Year Competition. It ia a virtuosic piece, which divides into 6 parts and contains multi-tempo techniques.

Ballads for Christmas - Andrew Downes

Wed, 01 Jan 1992 00:00:00 GMT

8 Christmas poems from around the world

The Huron Carol; Pilgrims in Mexico; The Virgin´s Cradle Hymn; The Mother´s Song; Shepherd´s Carol; Christmas 1924; The Holly Bough; New Year Bells.
Commissioned by the Midland Chamber Players and first performed on 17th December 1992 in Birmingham Cathedral by Hillcrest School Chamber Choir directed by Valerie Pither, with Robert Johnstone, harp. Second performance by the same choir the following year. Performed in Christchurch Priory in December 1993 and 1994 by the Rilstone Singers, conducted by Martin Schellenberg, with Susan Drake, harp. Several annual performances by the Halesowen Girls’ Choir, conducted by Margaret Pickford, with Keith Bradley and Heather Howell, piano, in Halesowen Church and other Worcestershire churches as well as the Birmingham Buddhist Centre. Other performers have included the Cadon Chorus, Cornwall. The Chapel Choir of Royal Holloway, University of London, directed by Lionel Pike, have also performed all of the ballads and have recorded the Shepherd´s Carol from the collection on their CD entitled ‘Whom do you seek, Shepherds?’ (Royal Holloway Recording 3689 RHC DPL 07/95). First London performance 4th December 2004 by the Millennium Scholars with Tanya Houghton, harp, directed by Paula Downes. Also directed by Paula Downes, the Millennium Scholars in Boston Massachusetts gave the first USA performance on 14th December 2005 at the Friends Meeting House, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The Mother´s Song from the collection has been several times broadcast on Dutch Radio. .

´Ballads for Christmas is a highly effective work which, coupled with its directness and economy, should secure it a firm place in the Christmas youth choir repertory.´
THE BIRMINGHAM POST

A St Luke Passion - Andrew Downes

Wed, 01 Jan 1992 00:00:00 GMT

The story of the death and resurrection of Christ

Commissioned by the Wolverhampton Civic Choir for first performance on 3rd April 1993, with Brian Rayner Cook and the Orchestra da Camera, under the direction of David Hart.

´Two triumphant premieres in three days! After Thursday´s success of his eloquent Third Symphony, Andrew Downes heard his deeply affecting St Luke Passion given on Saturday by the Wolverhampton Civic Choir (who commissioned it) in the elegant and accommodating Parish Church.
´Scored for string orchestra, percussion and piano duet, the work also calls for a baritone soloist singing the words of Christ.
´Brian Rayner Cook performed with gentle sincerity, quietly commanding in these grateful melodic lines. Many of Downes´ well-loved fingerprints are here, not least the music circling round a note before coming to rest on it, and now, too, his recent, striking discovery of independent multi-tempi.
´... the music´s drama as it progressed to a moving sense of exaltation touched us all.´
THE BIRMINGHAM POST

In November 1993 Andrew Downes was invited by the Crane Concert Choir of the University of New York to conduct them in the first American performance of this work. The choir has a tradition for inviting composers to conduct their works with them. Composers to be invited have included Samuel Barber and Aaron Copland.

Performed for the 10th anniversary of the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham by Bryan Rayner Cook with the Birmingham Conservatoire Choir and Orchestra conducted by Steven Lloyd.

´Judas Mercator Pessimus´ and ´Tenebrae Factae Sunt´ from the work were performed at King´s Chapel, Boston, Massachusetts, on August 22nd 2006 by the Millennium Scholars directed by Paula Downes.

Awakenings - Rosemary Duxbury

Wed, 01 Jan 1992 00:00:00 GMT

10 minute piano piece. Available on CD, and sheet music, published by Charasound. "Awakenings creates for the listener that wonderful 'suspension of time', the experience of which brings both delight and refreshment to the spirit". Morag HunterCarsch and Dr Henry Carsch

Light Falling - Rosemary Duxbury

Wed, 01 Jan 1992 00:00:00 GMT

'Light Falling' was composed in 1992 and premiered in 1993 by the Helix Ensemble conducted by Jonathan GrievesSmith at Loughborough Town Hall, England. Rosemary has also conducted this piece with the Helix Ensemble at the Fraser Noble Hall, University of Leicester. In 2006 'Light Falling' was recorded by the Italian orchestra Sinfonica Aosta conducted by Emmanuel Siffert. Leader/solo violin Stefano Variagnelli, solo violin Andrea Bettarini, solo viola Christina Porebska, solo cello Guideppe di Stefano. It was recorded by Renato Campajola and Mario Bertolo in Italy for the CD 'Streams' on the Charasound label. Marvin Rosen gave it its first radio broadcast on 'Classic Discoveries' of WPRB Radio in America. REVIEWS"Beautiful and touching" Tony Foord, Loughborough Echo...... "Your music Rosemary is so, so beautiful. Tears come to my eyes every time I hear Light Falling." Marvin Rosen, concert pianist and radio show host, USA. "Light Falling" is available on the CD "Streams". For more information please visit www.rosemaryduxbury.com

With Your Own Light - Clement Jewitt

Wed, 01 Jan 1992 00:00:00 GMT

1992/3. Oboe & 3 percussion. 2nd performance by George Caird, ob, Suzanne Reid, Andrew Herbert & Timothy Farmer, perc., Birmingham Dec. 1998.

Sonata for Brass - Robert Ramskill

Wed, 01 Jan 1992 00:00:00 GMT

14 minutes; Grade 8 (+) standard; for 4 trpts. (1 doubling piccolo), horn, 4 trombs., tuba.

The recording is of the 3rd movement (Rondo) played by the Birmingham Schools´ Brass Ensemble under the direction of Robert Vivian.

Score and full set of parts available for £ 30 from the composer.

The Release - Martin Watson

Wed, 01 Jan 1992 00:00:00 GMT

performed at The University of Leeds with Vivienne Bailey of Opera North in 1992

Earth Dances - Andrew Downes

Tue, 01 Jan 1991 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by ´Saxtet´ with funds from West Midlands Arts and the Peter Whittingham Award, and first performed by Saxtet on 2lst November 1991 at the Birmingham and Midland Institute. Numerous performances have followed: in Birmingham (Adrian Boult Hall), London (Royal Festival Hall), and on Saxtet´s world tour, in Bombay, Perth, Los Angeles and many other venues.

´...a fascinating series of 5 pieces which reflect this composer´s developing interest in world culture and musics. The new work is especially successful in its rhythmic aspect, which leads the listener to a constant series of surprises and unexpected accents. It was extremely well received.´
THE BIRMINGHAM POST

Delighting in Rainbows - Rosemary Duxbury

Tue, 01 Jan 1991 00:00:00 GMT

"Delighting in Rainbows" Rosemary Duxbury has set Marion Fawlk's poem of the same name for soprano, flute, cello and piano. It received its UK premiere at the University of Leicester performed by Julie Moffat soprano, Marlene Fleet piano, Sharon Kinder cello, Alison Wright flute and its London premiere was at St MartinintheFields church, Trafalgar Square performed by Nicola Jane Kemp soprano, David Wickham piano, Shirley Smart cello, Alison Hayhurst flute.

SCORE/FURTHER INFO For copies of this music or more information please email musicrosemaryduxbury.com

Song of the Nuns of Chester - Peter Witchell

Tue, 01 Jan 1991 00:00:00 GMT

Music on the Moon - Robert Ramskill

Thu, 01 Mar 1990 00:00:00 GMT

The four poems set to music here are:

i) Music on the Moon (Ted Hughes) ii) in Just……. (e e cummings) iii) Oddments, Inklings, Omens, Moments (Alastair Reid) iv) Taboo to Boot (Ogden Nash)

There is no particular theme linking the choice of poems set here, just a feeling that they complement each other effectively as we progress from the zaniness of the title song, through the exuberance (and occasional wistfulness) of in Just…, to the atmospheric ruminations of Oddments, Inklings, Omens, Moments arriving finally at the robust humour of Taboo to Boot.

Score available for £23 from the composer. Violin part £9.

The Last Trumpet - Andrew Downes

Mon, 01 Jan 1990 00:00:00 GMT

Specially composed for the BBC Radio 3 programme, ´The Offering of Life´, by the Rev Canon Denis Claringbull, recorded in St. Paul´s Church, Hockley, Birmingham, and broadcast on the 3rd February 1991. The trumpet soloist was Garry Page. Performed as part of numerous recitals.

Atma's Flight - Rosemary Duxbury

Mon, 01 Jan 1990 00:00:00 GMT

A cello sonata in 4 continuous movements. Recorded by Tony Hinnigan of the Michael Nyman band for the CD "On Wings of Light". For more info please visit www.rosemaryduxbury.com

Songs of the Mysterious - Rosemary Duxbury

Mon, 01 Jan 1990 00:00:00 GMT

"Speak of what you know.

Speak of what you know well. Speak of what you have touched, tasted and smelt..." Jay Ramsay

Songs of the Mysterious is a setting of 2 poems by Jay Ramsay published in Transmissions Stride 1989. The songs can be performed with either harp or piano along with flute and optional gong tamtam. The songs were premiered by Julie Moffat soprano, Emily Barter harp, David Calow flute and Tim Neal gong, at Leicester Cathedral, England. The piano version was premiered by Julie Moffat with Marlene Fleet piano, and Alison Wright flute, at the University of Leicester in 1991. They also recorded it for the album "Thread of Gold".

SCORE/FURTHER INFO For copies of this music or more information please email musicrosemaryduxbury.com

All is Well - David Fisher

Sun, 01 Jan 1989 00:00:00 GMT

“All is well” [1989] is scored for speaker, clarinet, children’s choir & piano and was composed in memory the young and talented clarinettist Robert Hicks who, together with his family had very close links with the performers in the première performance on 13th March 1989 at the Great Hall, Farnham Maltings. The choir from St Christopher’s School was conducted by Richard Stevens who has commissioned each of the composer’s works for the Farnham Festival. The other performers were Jessica Barrett [speaker], Anne Brookes [clarinet] and Jean Stevens [piano].

“All is well” uses the comforting words of Canon Henry Scott Holland and contrasts these with the words of the evening hymn ‘Round me falls the night’. At the opening of the work, the main theme is heard which represents the departed. It forms the basis for the cadenzas on the clarinet which provide and accompaniment to the speaker.

In the original programme note, Richard Stevens anticipates the audience questioning the validity of the subject as a basis for a work for children: “The young, possibly unknown to their parents, frequently consider their origins and long-term future. Their questions, when voiced, are profound and adults are hard-pressed to produce answers which will satisfy and reassure the active minds of the young.”

Mass to the Trinity - David Fisher

Sun, 01 Jan 1989 00:00:00 GMT

The Kyrie, Sanctus, Benedictus & Agnus Dei written in 1983 for Philip Manser (countertenor), Dr. Philip Marshall & the Choir Lincoln Minster. The Gloria and Credo were added later, the Gloria receiving its first performance by Leicestershire Chorale under Paul McCreesh in Southwell Minster 1986. The Mass has been composed using nine themes in three groups of three and is dedicated to several of David Fisher’s friends. The dedicatees, four singers, a composer and a music critic, are indicated by their initials. The whole Mass in its revised form received its first complete performance at the Leicestershire Museum & Art Gallery by Kingfisher Chorale under Giles Turner on 17th February 1996.

Dr. Philip Marshall: "It is therefore a pleasure when I have to acknowledge work of genuine merit...such as your Mass: you have certainly thrown out a challenge to us in one or two places, but I’m sure all the boys and men will enjoy facing that challenge, and, ultimately surmounting it."

John Rutter: "...your Gloria - a really imaginative setting, I feel, and eminently practical too. It’s [the Mass] a well-crafted and effective piece with some nice touches, managing to avoid predictability but appropriately simple at the same time"

Enid Luff [Composer News - Summer 1996]: "...the first thing that strikes the listener is the sense of space in the writing which takes advantage of exceptional voices to produce a texture at once rich and clear. The main expressive weight is carried by the harmonic colouring...and the rhythms are fluid and text-related. This is not easy music to perform; but the harmonic language is thoroughly contemporary, and the whole conveys a sense of dignity and power."

Neil Crutchley [Leicester Mercury - November 11th 2009]: "In his Mass to the Trinity, the ear is constantly beguiled by David Fisher’s trenchant use of rhythm and fertile melodic and harmonic imagination, as it is in his sensual wedding anthem, My choice is made."

The late Peter Crump [composer & teacher] writing in 2002: “[his music]...has a sense of theatre. Some of the effects may appear to be over-theatrical and obvious like repeated staccato chords and sudden key changes (as in the Mass to the Trinity) but David is a brave man and unashamed to express his feelings.”

Will Todd [composer] writing in 2002: “He achieves moments of magic in his compositions; the ‘Agnus Dei’ from the Mass to the Trinity is a notable example where the generous harmonic language folds outwards taking the ear on a transcendent journey into the true mystery of the text…”

Reverie - Rosemary Duxbury

Sun, 01 Jan 1989 00:00:00 GMT

8 minute viola piece. This music will suit Grade 7 8 players and appeal to the professional player who is looking for new contemporary, melodic uplifting repertoire for the viola by British composer Rosemary Duxbury. The piece is thoughtful, relaxing yet can take one on a soaring journey. A contemplation into inner worlds. Recorded by Catherine Musker of the Michael Nyman Band for the CD "On Wings of Light". Available as a recording and as sheet music. More info" www.rosemaryduxbury.com

Three Spanish Carols - Robert Ramskill

Sat, 01 Oct 1988 00:00:00 GMT

Three short settings of Spanish Christmas poems (in Spanish!). The attached score shows the first two pages only of each Carol. The recording is a MIDI simulation of the score of the 3rd song (En el portal).

To hire or purchase copies of the vocal score please contact the composer.

Dream-Land - Andrew Downes

Fri, 01 Jan 1988 00:00:00 GMT

Poem by Edgar Allen Poe set to music for soprano voice, soprano saxophone and piano (the soprano saxophone can be substituted with clarinet in Bb or violin, for which parts are available).

Commissioned by ´Saxtet´, with funds from West Midlands Arts, and first performed by Antonietta Pelosi (soprano), Nigel Wood (saxophone) and Caroline Costello (piano) in the Recital Hall of Birmingham Conservatoire on 7th December 1988. Numerous subsequent performances by different artists have taken place in Birmingham, London, other UK venues and the USA. The US premiere was given on 2nd November 2003 in New York by New York Metropolitan Opera soprano, Deborah Saverance, with Paul Cohen, saxophone, and David Maiullo, piano, in a concert entitled ‘Poe as Parlor Music’, in honour of the publication of Edgar Allan Poe - Poems and Poetics by the Library of America, produced by the New York Literary Roundtable for the New York Historical Society and presented by TimeOut New York.

‘The most striking examples of otherworldliness were in Andrew Downes’ Dream-Land (US premier), sung by Deborah Saverance with Paul Cohen on saxophone and David Maiullo on piano, and Leonard Bernstein’s Israfel… These two pieces, in their emotionally astute and beautifully sung arrangements, took Poe’s words far into the realm of the spirit.´ PLYMOUTH STATE UNIVERSITY JOURNAL, FALL 2003 (Volume IV, no 2)

The first performance with violin (instead of soprano saxophone) was given by Paula Downes (soprano), Anna Downes (violin) and David Trippett (piano) on October 26th 2005 at Adams House, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

Centenary Firedances - Andrew Downes

Fri, 01 Jan 1988 00:00:00 GMT

For full symphony orchestra including a large group of percussion instruments (together with marimbas, bongos, cowbells, tom-toms and an Irish drum) and two sets of timpani.
Commissioned in association with DRAGONFIRE LTD by the City of Birmingham for its Centenary Celebrations 1989.
First performance in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, by the Birmingham Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jonathan del Mar.
Major performance on June 24th 1989 in Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, with grand firework display by Dragonfire Ltd. Subsequent performances of the work at midsummer events at Cannon Hill Park in 1991 and 1992 to audiences of tens of thousands.
Subsequent performers of the work include the Birmingham Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Leon Gee, Northamptonshire Youth Orchestra, Exeter University Symphony Orchestra, Central England Ensemble and Haybridge Community Orchestra.

´.....Then came the premiere of Centenary Firedances by Andrew Downes and what a stunner it proved!
´A fourteen-man percussion section unifies five dances, the sounds of the tom-toms, marimbas, cowbells and the rest all clearly realised.
´As in other examples of this composer´s music, there is the occasional American impression, either of rugged simplicity, or of driving energy.
´The audience loved it, and so did the performers under Jonathan del Mar, and it is wonderful news that this terrific piece is to be recorded.´ BIRMINGHAM POST
A commercial cassette recording of the work was made and all copies were sold out at the first Cannon Hill Park performance! A re-release of this recording is now available on CD The recording was broadcast on BBC Radio 3 "Listeners´ Choice" on September 22nd 2001.

Song of the Prairies - Andrew Downes

Fri, 01 Jan 1988 00:00:00 GMT

Poem by William Cullen Bryant

Commissioned by the Shrewsbury School Sixth Singing Weekend and first performed in the Alington Hall of Shrewsbury School in April 1989 by soloists, Jacqueline Parker (soprano), Sally Burchell (mezzo soprano), Elfred James (tenor), Darron Moore (bass), Cantamus Girls´ Choir (director Pamela Cook), a massed chorus from all over Britain and Birmingham Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra under the direction of John Rutter.
Second performance took place in March 1991 in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham:

´...the Polytechnic Chorus, Conservatoire Singers and Sinfonia under Peter Johnson performed Andrew Downes´s Song of the Prairies with a warmth of sincerity to match that of this popular composer.
´In Downes´s typically jazzy/pastoral/reflective style, this major work topically deals with man´s destructive influence upon innocent nature, and strikes a chord in us all.´
THE BIRMINGHAM POST

Trialogue - David Fisher

Fri, 01 Jan 1988 00:00:00 GMT

Trio - written in 1988, first performed in an internal concert at Sheffield University and shortly afterwards at Leicester Art Gallery with Adam Summerhayes (violin), Simon Labbett (clarinet) and Jeremy Weaver (piano). Later performance at Birmingharn Conservatoire in December 1994. Released on a CCA CD in 2001 performed by David Hadwen [violin], Paul Harris [clarinet] and Julian Hellaby [piano].

Neil Crutchley [Leicester Mercury -1st June l987]:

Trialogue for violin, clarinet and piano is a clear and well written piece. Strongly rhythmic and with a memorable theme: it should prove popular with listeners and performers alike.

Enid Luff [Composer News, Spring 1995]:

Trialogue for clarinet, violin and piano is subtitled "Theme and Ostinato". The music is sinewy and rhythmically self-aware; the stately and persuasive theme on which it is built has a strong plastic line, equally telling in inversion, which carries the linear aspects of the work in opposition to Jazzy ostinato figures. The three sections develop this dilectic: the first vigorous, the second slower and more Iyrical, the third returning to the manner of the opening. All three instruments are involved in developing the music throughout, and the whole work is carried by a strong forward impulse very satisfying to the listener.

The images are of the first page of the score and the CD details of the CCA album which contains Trialogue and The Four Seasons.

Sonata For Two Pianos - Andrew Downes

Thu, 01 Jan 1987 00:00:00 GMT

Specially commissioned by Joseph Weingarten and Margaret Newman for their concerts in aid of the Interdenominational Society for Soviet Jewry. First performed by them on July l2th 1987 in the Sir Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham. Numerous performances of this work have since taken place. The Sonata was first performed in Israel by Bracha Eden and Alexander Tamir in January 1989 in the Israel Philharmonic Guest House, Tel Aviv, in a concert with members of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, celebrating the return to Israel of the Refusnik, Elena Keiss-Kuna. The work was broadcast on BBC Radio 3 by Bracha Eden and Alexander Tamir in 1990, as part of a broadcast recital which they gave in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham. The Duo Scaramouche have played the work at several venues throughout Europe, including the Salle des Arts, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Paris; on French Radio - ´France Musique´; and on Italian Television in a full length programme featuring an interview with the composer. Julian Hellaby and Peter Noke performed the work in the recital hall of Coventry University in 2005, and at the CBSO Centre, Birmingham in 2008. They recorded the work for CD in 2006. Margaret Newman and Duncan Honeybourne performed the Sonata as part of the 150th anniversary concert of Singers Hill Synagogue, Birmingham, in June 2006. This performance was also produced on CD.

´Downes has taken Psalm verses as his inspiration for a deeply felt lament. The music, with its use of Jewish religious musical idioms, is beautifully written. There is poignancy, great dramatic tension and an overwhelming tenderness...´
THE BIRMINGHAM POST

String Quartet no 2 - Andrew Downes

Thu, 01 Jan 1987 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by the Exton Quartet (with funds from West Midlands Arts) for first performance in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, Summer 1988. Performed by the Isis String Quartet at venues throughout Britain, including the Fifth International String Quartet Week (Worcester, 1990) and the London International Opera Festival (1990).

´Downes´s style seems to combine the least cloying aspects of English pastoralism with dashes of European eclecticism. He is also an unashamed romantic, and is not afraid to use words like aggression, tenderness and dreamlike to convey his intentions.
´Yet there is no sentimentality or self-indulgence. The musical points are made with terse cogency and economy of means - quite brilliantly so in the finale. With the Andante Downes shows that traditional beauty of expression still has a place in late twentieth century music, and need not sound derivative.´
THE BIRMINGHAM POST

Hymn to the Trinity - David Fisher

Thu, 01 Jan 1987 00:00:00 GMT

Derby Choral Union, Derby Cathedral 1994; Kingfisher Chorale, Leicester Art Gallery 1996

Elizabeth Thompson [Derby Evening Telegraph - April 1994]: "David Fishers delicate choral writing made a favourable impression very much in the English tradition. The cleverly symbolic Hymn to the Trinity was well received in its concert premiere."

Joyce Parkin [Leicester Mercury- February 1996]: "Hymn to the Trinity set choral targets to be achieved. New music is in good hands."

Nocturne - Robert Ramskill

Thu, 01 Jan 1987 00:00:00 GMT

(1987) 7 Minutes; Diploma standard.

Score available for £12 from the composer.

Follow the youtube link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cyL6RWNgPw to hear and see a performance of Nocturne recorded by Julian Hellaby in his living room!

“ The composition is full of colour, rhythmically intriguing, surprisingly melodic in places (particularly in the Andante con Moto section) and interest is maintained throughout.”Alan Jones, Publishing Manager, ABRSM, September 1992

“Florid, dream-like material contrasts with more rigidly organised passages and slower moving chordal progressions in a highly effective evocation of ‘the darkness, rather than the romance, of night.’”Christopher Thomas, Musicweb CD reviews, September 2003

Praise Ye The Lord - Peter Witchell

Thu, 01 Jan 1987 00:00:00 GMT

Written for Sherborne School for Girls 1987 Commemoration Serrvice

The Four Seasons - David Fisher

Wed, 01 Jan 1986 00:00:00 GMT

This suite for piano [dedicated to Nêst Harris] was written for performers about Grade 5/6 in standard. The full range of the keyboard is used though all the octaves are optional which helps those with a small handspan. It was released on a CCA CD in 2001 performed by Julian Hellaby.

The three pages are from the published score available from the composer.

I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes Unto The Hills - Andrew Downes

Wed, 01 Jan 1986 00:00:00 GMT

Setting of Psalm 121
Commissioned by Peter Summers and the Choir of the Collegiate Church of the Holy Trinity, Stratford-upon-Avon for Shakespeare Sunday. First performed on April 20th at Holy Trinity Church. Subsequently performed by the Clent Hills Singers (Worcestershire) conducted by the composer, and by the Joint Chamber Choirs of South Hampstead High School and University College School conducted by Paula Downes at the Hampstead and Highgate Festival in May 2005.
Recorded for CD entitled The Lord is my Shepherd (CPVP014CD) by the Chapel Choir of Royal Holloway, University of London, with Brian Moles, organ, directed by Lionel Pike, on 6th and 7th January 2001 in Arundel Cathedral.

Overture: In The Cotswolds - Andrew Downes

Wed, 01 Jan 1986 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by the Gloucestershire Youth Orchestra for the opening concert of the Three Choirs Festival 1986.
Performed by the Dudley Schools Symphony Orchestra at the National Festival of ´Music for Youth´ at the Royal Festival Hall in July 1996.

´Downes talent is unquestionably a lyrical one, as is immediately demonstrated in the work´s evocation of the Cotswold landscape in the song-like opening melody for strings...it stilled Gloucester Cathedral before the first bar-line had been reached. But as if fully aware of this picture postcard world, Downes soon clouds his musical vocabulary with more jagged, strident, wholly 20th century utterances depicting the modern world of the town. The climax comes when the two sound worlds are set against each other, with the enduring beauty of the Cotswold landscape triumphing over all assaults. Instrumentation is lavishly bold and technicoloured...´
CLASSICAL MUSIC FORTNIGHTLY

Preces and Responses - Andrew Downes

Wed, 01 Jan 1986 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by the Birmingham Conservatoire Chamber Choir for BBC Radio 3 Choral Evensong and subsequently sung in Coventry and Gloucester Cathedrals by the Coventry Cathedral Chapter House Choir under the direction of Geoffrey Holroyde.

Meditations for Solo Trumpet - Andrew Downes

Wed, 01 Jan 1986 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by Richard Adams of the Cambrian Brass Ensemble and first performed by him at St.Paul´s Church, Hockley, Birmingham, in July 1986.
Performed as part of numerous recitals.

Songs from Spoon River - Andrew Downes

Wed, 01 Jan 1986 00:00:00 GMT

A setting of 5 poems from Edgar Lee Masters´ Spoon River Anthology

Composed for Sarah Walker and broadcast by her on BBC Radio 3 in 1989.

Performed at the Tanglewood Festival in August 1994 by New York Metropolitan Opera Soloist, Stephanie Blythe; and at the University of New Mexico Composers´ Symposium in March 1995 by Carin Logue with pianist, Joe McCanna.

This work has subsequently been performed on numerous occasions by Paula Downes, accompanied by David Trippett, Ian Palmer, and Laura Temim. Performances by these artists have taken place at: the Chapel of Trinity College, Cambridge (May 2000); the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge (June 2000); the Conservatoire National de Region d´Aubervillers, Paris (April 2001); the ‘Festival Musiques en Mer’ Mediterranean Cruise (August 2002); the National Portrait Gallery, London (August 2004); the Cathedral Church of St Paul, Boston, Massachusetts, USA (November 2007); Taylor House, Jamaica Plain, Boston, Massachusetts, USA (November 2007); the Church of St John the Evangelist, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, (April 2008); and Eastern Nazarene College, Quincy, Massachusetts, USA (October 2008). Paula recorded the work with David Trippett in July 2000 on a CD of song cycles by Andrew Downes, entitled ´Old Love´s Domain´. In 2009, Paula made a series of short films based on and entitled ´Songs from Spoon River´. Accompanied by David Trippett, she sings, enacts and illustrates the songs. The films can be viewed on www.pauladownes.com

No.3 Cafe Blues - John M. Mackenzie

Wed, 01 Jan 1986 00:00:00 GMT

[slow foxtrot] written with chord symbols, to be played jazz-like with lots of rubato, based on the letters C,A,F,E - suitable for a jazz band that can improvise. (F MAJOR)

Denny's Sequel - a little suite for clavichord - Peter Witchell

Wed, 01 Jan 1986 00:00:00 GMT

1. Lady Upmarket´s Route March (with rests) : 2. The Tartan Twitch : 3. Mrs. Mack´s Misery : 4. Gentry´s Jigge

Kaleidoscope - Adrian Woolliscroft

Wed, 01 Jan 1986 00:00:00 GMT

Piano - Andrew Downes

Tue, 01 Jan 1985 00:00:00 GMT

Setting of the poem by D.H.Lawrence for high voices (SSSA) with piano accompaniment.
Commissioned by Pamela Cook and her ´Cantamus´ girls´ choir, with funds provided by East Midlands Arts, to celebrate the birth centenary of D.H.Lawrence. First performed by Cantamus in their D.H.Lawrence Centenary Festival Concert, entitled "Shall We Sing Thee Summat?", on September l4th 1985 at St.John´s, Smith Square, London.
Cantamus subsequently recorded the work for two BBC Radio 3 broadcasts, and has regularly performed the song in their concerts throughout the UK and on tours in the USA, Japan and Germany. The Halesowen Girls´ Choir, conducted by Margaret Pickford, who have also performed the song on many occasions, were first prize winners at the Catshill (Worcestershire) and Dudley Festivals singing the work, and included it in their programme for the Sainsbury´s Choir of the Year Competition in 1994. Other performers of the song include Cheltenham Ladies College in the Cheltenham Competitive Festival in 1995 and in concerts at the College, and the South Hampstead High School for Girls Singers.
´Andrew Downes´ treatment of the poem was carefully crafted so as to echo musically the atmosphere of nostalgia and reminiscence bordering on strong passion, contained within the text.´
THE GUARDIAN

The Marshes of Glynn - Andrew Downes

Tue, 01 Jan 1985 00:00:00 GMT

Cantata for tenor solo, SATB choir and symphony orchestra.
A setting of the poem by Sydney Lanier.
Commissioned by Birmingham School of Music to commemorate the Royal Opening of the Adrian Boult Concert Hall.
First performed in the Adrian Boult Hall on February 20th 1986 by John Mitchinson, tenor, with the Birmingham School of Music Choir and Symphony Orchestra conducted by Damian Cranmer, in the presence of HRH the Duchess of Gloucester. This performance was recorded on LP record, and re-released on CD in 2000. Extracts from this recording were broadcast on BBC Radio 4 ´Woman´s Hour´. A repeat performance of the work, by popular demand, took place within one month. The first performance outside Birmingham Conservatoire was by the Birmingham Festival Choral Society in 1987.
´Downes, not frightened by writing melodically, and realising the impact of lush harmonic sound, has created and structured a major choral work of imaginative stature.´ THE BIRMINGHAM POST

´What a lovely piece of music that is. A marvellous way to end our programme!´ BBC RADIO 4 WOMAN´S HOUR

Festival Fanfare for Save the Children - Andrew Downes

Tue, 01 Jan 1985 00:00:00 GMT

Written to open Birmingham Children´s Song Festival, in aid of Save the Children in May 1986 and subsequent festivals. Premiered by Gemini Brass.

No.2 Mrs.Morgenstern - John M. Mackenzie

Tue, 01 Jan 1985 00:00:00 GMT

[valse] written for a German lady, suggesting a village-style waltz, similar to those played by German folk musicians. (Fand C MAJOR)

Jazz Sonatina - Robert Ramskill

Tue, 01 Jan 1985 00:00:00 GMT

12 minutes; Diploma standard. The 3rd movement, Quodlibet, is based on 7 folk tunes of the British Isles. The attached recording is of this movement.

Score available for £12 from the composer.

“…a well written piece of new music that smiles a little.” Stephen Plaistow, BBC editor, Contemporary Music, November 1990

“The final Quodlibet, a ‘tongue-in-cheek medley of familiar tunes’, concludes this lovely short work with a joyous light-heartedness.” Hubert Culot, Classical Music Web-site,July 2001.

Four Noels - Peter Witchell

Tue, 01 Jan 1985 00:00:00 GMT

Flute, 2 Oboes, 2 Bassoons, Trumpet and Strings

Variants on a Chorale by Bartok - Adrian Woolliscroft

Sun, 01 Jan 1984 00:00:00 GMT

This consists of a series of variations on the beautiful brass chorale from the second movement of the Concerto for Orchestra by Bartok.

Symphony no 2 - Andrew Downes

Sun, 01 Jan 1984 00:00:00 GMT

3 movements
Commissioned by the Sutton Coldfield Chamber Orchestra to celebrate the10th anniversary of their foundation.
First performed on November l7th 1985 at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall.
Subsequent performances by the Birmingham Conservatoire Chamber Orchestra conducted by Anthony Miller (who also conducted the first performance), the Sinfonia of St Paul´s, conducted by Fa Fa Jin, and by the Leamington Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Mogrelia.

The Central England Ensemble has performed the work at the CBSO Centre, Birmingham (2001), at a Queen´s Jubilee concert (2002) and twice in Paris at the American Cathedral and American Church in 2007. Two performances by the Orchestra of the University of Oldenburg, conducted by Rida Murtada, were given in Bremen and Oldenburg, Germany, in 2002.

´The music is imaginatively laid out with interesting ideas developed most skilfully. Another virtue, that of developing these meaty musical ideas in concise fashion, gave this first hearing immediate communication.´
BIRMINGHAM POST

´The Symphony no.2 Op. 30 is a splendid work. It is a very fine score noted for its clarity and textural integrity. Its quasi-classical design leads to an even greater enjoyment. It is a score with life and a contrast that is so well-judged that it does not sound episodic. The opening movement begins with a flute solo in a typical Downes´s style, simple but telling. In fact, the themes of this movement are memorable. The rhythmic sections are invigorating and beautifully set out for the orchestra. The Vivace starts lightly with deceptively simple themes which make them all the more endearing; there are some clever contrasts and a welcome open-air feel about the music. The finale also has simple themes but they are never banal. The preoccupation with the interval of the fourth has an integral part to play and there is a simply stunning fanfare-like passage before the quiet close.´ Dr David Wright, MUSICWEB

O Love The Lord All Ye His Saints - Andrew Downes

Sun, 01 Jan 1984 00:00:00 GMT

Anthem for unaccompanied SATB choir.

Text from The English Psalter: Ps.32 v.26 & Ps.16 v.3.

First performed on BBC Radio 4 on lst November 1984 in the ´Daily Service´ by the Birmingham Conservatoire Chamber Choir under the direction of John Bishop.
Regularly performed at the Chapel of Royal Holloway, University of London, by the Chapel Choir under the direction of Professor Lionel Pike.
Recorded for CD entitled The Lord is my Shepherd (CDVP014CD) by the Chapel Choir of Royal Holloway, directed by Lionel Pike, on 6th & 7th January 2001 in Arundel Cathedral. Performed on June 21st 2005 in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, by the Chamber Choir of Birmingham Conservatoire, conducted by Andrew King, in a concert of Music by Andrew Downes marking the composer´s retirement from Birmingham Conservatoire.
Performed at King´s Chapel, Boston, Massachusetts on August 22nd 2006 by the Millennium Scholars directed by Paula Downes, and by the choir of the Church of the Advent, Boston, directed by Edith Ho, on November 5th 2006.

The Souls Of The Righteous - Andrew Downes

Sun, 01 Jan 1984 00:00:00 GMT

Anthem for unaccompanied SATB choir.

Text from The Wisdom of Solomon: Ch.3, v.1-3

First performed on BBC Radio 4 on 2nd November 1984 in the ´Daily Service´ by the Birmingham Conservatoire Chamber Choir conducted by John Bishop.
Regularly performed at the Chapel of Royal Holloway, University of London, by the Chapel Choir under the direction of Professor Lionel Pike.
Performed by the Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge, under the direction of Richard Marlow, in their Evensong Service on 20th May 1999; by the Kingfisher Chorale, directed by David Fisher, in the Frazer Noble Hall, Leicester, in October 2002 and November 2009; and in Birmingham Cathedral by the Cathedral Choir, directed by Marcus Huxley, in November 2009 and July 2010. Recorded in 1997 by the Academic Scholars for their CD entitled "Hereditary Voices" (PHAROS Records PHACDlO1). Recorded for CD entitled The Lord is my Shepherd (CDVP014CD) by the Chapel Choir of Royal Holloway, directed by Lionel Pike, on 6th & 7th January 2001 in Arundel Cathedral. Performed on June 21st 2005 in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, by the Chamber Choir of Birmingham Conservatoire, conducted by Andrew King, in a concert of Music by Andrew Downes marking the composer´s retirement from Birmingham Conservatoire.
Performed at King´s Chapel, Boston, Massachusetts in August 2006 by the Millennium Scholars directed by Paula Downes, and by the Harvard Choral Fellows, directed by Edward Jones, at the Memorial Church, Harvard University, USA, in November 2007.

In Peace I Will Lie Down And Sleep - Andrew Downes

Sun, 01 Jan 1984 00:00:00 GMT

Anthem for unaccompanied SATB choir.

Text from The English Psalter: Ps.4 v.8

First performed on BBC Radio 4 on 3rd November 1984 in the ´Evening Service´ by the Birmingham Conservatoire Chamber Choir conducted by John Bishop.
Regularly performed at the Chapel of Royal Holloway, University of London, by the Chapel Choir under the direction of Professor Lionel Pike.
Recorded for CD entitled The Lord is my Shepherd (CDVP014CD) by the Chapel Choir of Royal Holloway, directed by Lionel Pike, on 6th & 7th January 2001 in Arundel Cathedral.
Performed by the New London Singers in their concert "War and Peace" in St Augustine’s Church, Queensgate, London, in June 2002. Performed on June 21st 2005 in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, by the Chamber Choir of Birmingham Conservatoire, conducted by Andrew King, in a concert of Music by Andrew Downes marking the composer´s retirement from Birmingham Conservatoire. Performed at King´s Chapel, Boston, Massachusetts on August 22nd 2006 by the Millennium Scholars directed by Paula Downes.

No.1 Green Meadow by a River - John M. Mackenzie

Sun, 01 Jan 1984 00:00:00 GMT

[adagio tranquillo] suggesting the area around Dartington with the river etc. (F SHARP MINOR)

The Old Season - Peter Witchell

Sun, 01 Jan 1984 00:00:00 GMT

2 Flutes. 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets in Bb, Bassoon & Strings

Introit for Brass - Peter Witchell

Sun, 01 Jan 1984 00:00:00 GMT

A short fanfare composed for the opening of Oakham School´s new music school by the Master of the Queen´s Muisck, Malcolm Williamson

Jordanthorpe Dances - Adrian Woolliscroft

Sun, 01 Jan 1984 00:00:00 GMT

Ring Out, Wild Bells - Robert Ramskill

Sat, 01 Oct 1983 00:00:00 GMT

This setting of Tennyson´s wonderful poem was first performed in December 1983 by the Coventry Philharmonic Choir under the direction of their conductor John Dowding.

A Week to Christmas - Robert Ramskill

Sat, 01 Oct 1983 00:00:00 GMT

The poem (by Louis McNeice) tellingly contrasts an adult´s jaded and cynical view of Christmas with the excited anticipation of a child. This setting was first performed in December 1983 by the Coventry Philharmonic Choir under the direction of their conductor, John Dowding.

To hire or purchase copies of the vocal score please contact the composer.

Aspects of Time - David Fisher

Sat, 01 Jan 1983 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned for the Farnham Festival 1983 and performed by the Preapratory Schools Choir conducted by Richard Stevens at the Great Hall, Farnham Maltings; also performed at the Three Choirs’ Festival, Worcester 1984 and by the Leicester Bach Choir, Leicester Cathedral 1991. Kingfisher Chorale performed the work in November 2002 with the dedicatee, Anthony Wilson, playing the piano. A version written for David Fishers Master of Music portfolio is scores for brass & percussion and performed by players of the Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra.

1. Time to spare [2/4 & 3/4]

2. Yesterday [4/4]

3....no proportion kept [5/4]

4. The Clock [6/8]

The images are of the front cover and programme notes of the first performance in 1983.

Balulalow - David Fisher

Sat, 01 Jan 1983 00:00:00 GMT

The carol Balulalow, written in 1983 as a companion piece to Mary Laid Her Child as it is the same key and with a similar melodic fragment, has a prominent soprano solo dedicated to Jacquelyn Parker [later a singer at Glyndebourne Opera] with an increasingly important choral accompaniment. It has been recorded for CD in 2010 by Sally Nicholls & Kingfisher Chorale directed by the composer.

The image is of the first page of the published score.

Suite for Brass Quintet no 1 - Andrew Downes

Sat, 01 Jan 1983 00:00:00 GMT

5 movements: Pastorale, Fanfare, Elegy, Folk Dance, Epilogue.
Dedicated to the memory of Bernard Brown.
Commissioned by the Cambrian Brass Ensemble. First performed at the Bernard Brown Memorial Concert in Birmingham Cathedral. Subsequent performances at the Royal Festival Hall and at the Barbican Centre.
Arrangement for strings first performed by young musicians in Hagley, Worcestershire, in April 1998 and again in September 1999. The ´Elegy´ has been recorded as a keyboard piece with flutes for CD by Ellie Brockman with the group "Essence".

´...individual style...immediately characterful´
BIRMINGHAM POST.

Old Love's Domain - Andrew Downes

Sat, 01 Jan 1983 00:00:00 GMT

A setting of 5 Thomas Hardy poems.

Commissioned by John Mitchinson and first performed by him on BBC Radio 3 in 1985. Subsequent performances on radio and in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham. At each of these performances, the accompanist was Michael Pollock.

This work has subsequently been performed on numerous occasions by Paula Downes, accompanied by Verene Rimlinger, Anna Downes, Mark Williams, Andrew Tortise, Gillian Cracknell and David Trippett. Performances by these artists have taken place at: the Candili Singing Course, Greece (August 1999); St John´s Church, Hagley (September 1999); the Chapel of Trinity College, Cambridge (November 1999); the Bateman Auditorium of Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge (January 2000); the Master´s Lodge of Trinity College, Cambridge, (February 2000); the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge (May 2001); Birmingham Cathedral (July 2002); the ‘Festival Musiques en Mer’ Mediterranean Cruise (August 2002); Y Tabernacl, Machynlleth (April 2003); the Art Gallery, Wednesbury (April 2004); St Sepulchre´s Church, Holborn, London (February 2005); and the Church of St John the Evangelist, Bowdain Street, Boston, Massachussets, USA (September 2008). Paula recorded the work with David Trippett in July 2000 on a CD of song cycles by Andrew Downes, entitled ´Old Love´s Domain´. (see

Season's Greetings (for woodwind sextet) - Peter Witchell

Sat, 01 Jan 1983 00:00:00 GMT

Little Suite for Young String Players - Robert Ramskill

Sat, 01 Jan 1983 00:00:00 GMT

Always popular with young string players since its first performance in 1983, this suite has four short movements: A Stroll by the River; The Haunted House; Walking in Space; Carnival.

A MIDI generated version of A Stroll by the River can be heard at

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Noq2NMfRzY

A score and set of parts are available for £25.00.

The Bitter Truth - Adrian Woolliscroft

Sat, 01 Jan 1983 00:00:00 GMT

settings of WW1 poetry

Snow - Robert Ramskill

Fri, 01 Oct 1982 00:00:00 GMT

This setting of Walter De La Mare´s poem was written for the Coventry School of Music Choir and was first performed by them in December 1982 under the direction of Geoffrey Hill.

To hire or purchase copies of the vocal score please contact the composer.

Sonata for Four Horns - Andrew Downes

Fri, 01 Jan 1982 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by the British Horn Society and first performed by Julian Faultless, Ruth Wilkinson, James Lowe and Richard Duckett at the Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill, Birmingham on October 18th 1981.
The American premiere took place on 28th March 1995 at the University of New Mexico Composers´ Symposium. The performers were Ellen and Doug Campbell, Stanislav Suchanek and James Lowe. Subsequent American performances at the University of Oregon on 17th October 1995 by the Doug Campbell Quartet, and at the 35th International Horn Symposium at Indiana University on 7th June 2003 by David G.Elliott, Joanne Filkins and Mick & Karin Sehmann.
The Vienna Horn Society (The ´Wiener Waldhornverein´) gave the first Austrian performance as a Horn Choir at a Salon Concert at the Josefina Fraternity Hall in Vienna on 23rd January 1998, and as a result commissioned a Suite for 6 Horns or Horn Choir from the composer (see below). The Central England Ensemble Horn Quartet performed the second movement in the Eglise de la Madeleine, Paris, in February 2007. A CD recording of the Sonata was made in February 2001 by the Vienna Horn Society (performers: Roland Fritsch, Suzanne Langor, James Lowe and Roland Horvath). The CD, on the Aricord label and entitled Messen und Sonaten (CDA 30111), also includes Andrew Downes´ Piano Sonata No.1 performed by Anne Madison, and was recorded in the Baumgarten Studios, Vienna, and produced by Joseph Kamykowsky

Odysseus and the Cyclops - Andrew Downes

Fri, 01 Jan 1982 00:00:00 GMT

An opera in 3 parts

Libretto by Cynthia and Andrew Downes.

Participants:
Polyphemus, the Cyclops ----- baritone
Odysseus --------------------- treble
Four Men --------------------- trebles
Odysseus´ Men --------------- trebles and altos
Chorus of Elders-------------- trebles and altos
Main Choir ------------------- trebles and altos
Piano-------------------------- teacher’s part
Marching Band ---------------- recorders, melodicas, drum, tambourines
Orchestra---------------------- recorders, flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, horns, trumpets, trombones, strings, percussion.

This children’s opera was commissioned by the Rugby Schools Music Association with funds made available by West Midlands Arts. The first performances were given in the Temple Speech Room, Rugby School, on 25th and 26th May 1982, by 300 children from 28 Middle Schools in the Rugby area and members of the Rugby Schools Orchestra, with Tom Cowhig as the baritone soloist and Mary Littlemore, piano. The performances were directed by Valerie Brodie and Gwen Proudlock and previewed on BBC Television.
Subsequent performances by Schools in Hagley (Worcs) and Windsor High School, Halesowen.
The choral parts are for children of Middle School age and the instrumental parts also for Middle School age, augmented by more experienced older players.

´A pageant of Myth and Music, a musical possibility for any enterprising and skilled school orchestra and chorus.´
THE TIMES EDUCATIONAL SUPPLEMENT

The opera takes as its theme a freely adapted version of the ‘Cyclops´ story from Homer’s Odyssey. The central character is Polyphemus, the Cyclops, who, in the original story, was described as an enormous monster with one eye in the middle of his forehead. In this version, however, he is made to be an ordinary, if tall, human being disfigured by some accident in his past. This slight alteration makes him, in the composer’s view, a more dramatically acceptable figure, whose very humanity deepens his tragic situation.

THE STORY:
PART 1 The crowds await the arrival of the Council of Elders, who are to decide the fate of the unsightly half blind figure of Polyphemus. The Islanders want to be rid of him. Polyphemus rejects the possibility of solitary banishment as being worse then death itself. The Elders suggest using Polyphemus as their protector and guardian of the island: “With his ugliness and strength he will repel any invaders.” The islanders like the idea, and proclaim him as their hero and champion. INTERLUDE I - the contented, protected islanders are unaware of Odysseus’ army sailing towards them.
PART 2 Odysseus and his army land and make merry in Polyphemus´ cave with his food and wine. When Polyphemus discovers this, he rolls a vast rock across the cave entrance thus making them his prisoners.
The cunning Odysseus gradually gets Polyphemus into a drunken stupor, and when asked his name, replies ´Nobody´. When Polyphemus is asleep - swiftly and viciously Odysseus and his men heat up a spear and put out his only eye. He is now blind, but the soldiers still cannot escape from the cave. The Elders, roused by Polyphemus´ cries of agony, ask from a distance, if and by whom he has been hurt. He replies that ´Nobody´ has put out his eye, and they go away, believing that if nobody has hurt him all must be well! Polyphemus is now totally abandoned, and sinks into despair. INTERLUDE II - throughout the night Polyphemus keeps watch over his prisoners.
PART 3 As dawn breaks, the blind Polyphemus lets his flock of sheep out of an inner cave and moves the stone a little to allow the sheep out. Hiding amongst them go Odysseus and his men. Once outside, they taunt him and disappear to safety. Polyphemus now feels a total failure, but the Islanders reappear, relieved that the invaders have been repelled.
They welcome him, acknowledging his total sacrifice, and reassure him of their love and care.

Toccata for Small Orchestra - Andrew Downes

Fri, 01 Jan 1982 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by the Academy of St Philip´s Orchestra.
First performed at the Vienna Youth Festival as part of the first-prize winning programme by the orchestra. Subsequent performances in Salzburg and broadcast on Austrian Radio. British performances by the same orchestra in Birmingham Cathedral; Great Witley Church; the Holywell Music Room, Oxford; and also at Manchester University by the University Chamber Orchestra. Performers of this work include the Birmingham Festival Choral Society Orchestra as part of the Birmingham Festival Choral Society´s ´Towards the Millennium´ Concert Series (March 1999); the Portsmouth New Music Orchestra (October 1999); and by the Haybridge Community Orchestra, Worcestershire (April and June 2005).

Symphony no 1 - Andrew Downes

Fri, 01 Jan 1982 00:00:00 GMT

4 movements: Prelude and Fanfare; Ricercare Scherzo; Postlude
First performance given by the Birmingham School of Music Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Mark Foster, in All Saints Church, Cheltenham, as part of the Cheltenham Festival, in a concert to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of Gustav Holst, former organist at the church.

´...this is a brilliant work written as a cry from the heart for recognition of the horror of nuclear war.´
BIRMINGHAM EVENING MAIL

´...a fine work laid out with the orchestral clarity that is a salient feature of the composer´s individual style.......this symphony progresses with dignity from despair to a final ray of hope expressed by Downes with an immediacy of communication that lies at the heart of all musical inspiration.´
BIRMINGHAM POST

The Way That Lovers Use & Clouds - Peter Witchell

Fri, 01 Jan 1982 00:00:00 GMT

Words by Rupert Brooke

Cain and Abel - Andrew Downes

Thu, 01 Jan 1981 00:00:00 GMT

Dramatic Cantata in the style of a Greek tragedy, for treble, alto and bass soloists, SATB chorus and piano.
Libretto by Cynthia and Andrew Downes.

Conscience of Adam treble soloist & SATB chorus
Cain alto
Adam bass/baritone

Commissioned to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the foundation of the Midland Boy Singers in 1981.
First performed in the Kaiser Willhelm Gedachtniskirche, Berlin, on the choir´s tour of Germany and subsequently by the Midland Boy Singers in their home-town, Walsall, and by students at Birmingham Conservatoire.

´Like all Downes´ music, it was admirably conceived for the medium.´
THE MUSICAL TIMES

O Vos Omnes - Andrew Downes

Thu, 01 Jan 1981 00:00:00 GMT

Latin Motet with text from the Lamentations of Jeremiah 1:12. (Translation: All ye who pass by the way, behold and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow. Attend, all ye people, and behold my sorrow.) Ideal for performance in Holy Week.

This work is now published by Faber Music in their anthology: 30 Sacred Masterworks for Upper Voice Choir.

Commissioned by ´Cantamus´ girl´s choir (director Pamela Cook) and first performed by them in the English Reformed Church, Amsterdam, on Easter Saturday, 10th April 1982, and subsequently in Vienna, where the choir won first prize in the Vienna Youth Festival and the City of Vienna Prize, including the work in their programme. The work has been commercially recorded by Cantamus and is regularly included in the choir´s programmes home and abroad. The Halesowen Girls´ Choir, directed by Margaret Pickford, who have also performed the work on many occasions, included it as part of their recital in the Sainsbury´s Choir of the Year Competition in 1996, winning a place in the quarter finals. Performed at King´s Chapel, Boston, Massachusetts on August 22nd 2006 by the Millennium Scholars directed by Paula Downes.

A Child is Singing - Andrew Downes

Thu, 01 Jan 1981 00:00:00 GMT

Dramatic Cantata about the horrors of nuclear war.

Title and poem ´A Child is Singing´ by Adrian Mitchell. Additional words by an anonymous survivor of Hiroshima, and Cynthia and Andrew Downes.

General Giah baritone
Soldiers and Civilians SATB chorus

Commissioned by the Clarion Singers for their performances for CND and Amnesty International. First performed by them on March 20th 1982 in Carrs Lane Church, Birmingham.

The Sunne Rising - Peter Witchell

Thu, 01 Jan 1981 00:00:00 GMT

Words by John Donne

The Temple of Solomon - Andrew Downes

Tue, 01 Jan 1980 00:00:00 GMT

Sacred text compiled by Cynthia Downes from the First Book of Kings and the Second Book of Chronicles, describing the building of the first Temple in Jerusalem.
Commissioned by the Birmingham Festival Choral Society to commemorate the restoration of Birmingham Cathedral, and first performed by the choir with John King, baritone soloist, and the Birmingham Conservatoire Brass Band under the direction of Jeremy Patterson, on 29th November 1980. Performed at Birmingham Conservatoire in 1982 and again by the BFCS in 1990.

´...most impressive...a welcome addition to the repertory.´
THE MUSICAL TIMES

´It was enthusiastically received by the audience and it is hoped that the work can be repeated by other music societies.´
THE BRITISH BANDSMAN

´...music of grand occasion, written with dramatic point and a feeling for rich, near barbaric Old Testament colour.´
THE BIRMINGHAM POST

Series 3 Mass for Church Congregation - Andrew Downes

Tue, 01 Jan 1980 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by Cottingham Parish Church, Bristol.

Veni Emmanuel - Andrew Downes

Mon, 01 Jan 1979 00:00:00 GMT

Arrangement of ´O Come, O Come, Emmanuel´ Commissioned by the Choir of Hereford Cathedral and first performed there in December 1979.
Included in the Birmingham Festival Choral Society´s ´Towards the Millennium´ concert series, for their concert on 4th April 1998 featuring music of the 1970s

The Coventry Carol - Andrew Downes

Mon, 01 Jan 1979 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by the Choir of Hereford Cathedral and first performed there in December 1979.
Recorded by the Clent Hills Singers, conducted by the composer, for the cassette, "Christmas in the Forest" (© 1989 Forest Music).

Sonata for 13 Brass Instruments - Andrew Downes

Sun, 01 Jan 1978 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned by the Brass Ensemble of the Birmingham School of Music. First performed in Hereford Cathedral. Subsequent performances in Wells, Ludlow Town Hall, the Bromsgrove Festival and the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham.

The Death of Goliath - Andrew Downes

Sun, 01 Jan 1978 00:00:00 GMT

Dramatic Cantata Libretto by Cynthia and Andrew Downes.

Wife of Goliath soprano
David high counter-tenor/mezzo-soprano
Goliath baritone

Commissioned for the 200th anniversary of St.Paul´s Church, Hockley, Birmingham, in 1979.
First performance by Catherine James as wife of Goliath, Michael Dowding as Goliath, Andrew Downes as David, and Malcolm Wilson, piano, at Birmingham Conservatoire; second performance by the same artists broadcast from St. Paul´s Church, Hockley on BBC Radio.
This work has since been performed by student groups from Birmingham Conservatoire.

´This is a work of consequence, strongly dramatic in content and constructed with an admirable economy which in no way detracts from its emotional impact.´
THE BIRMINGHAM POST

Fanfare for a Ceremony - Andrew Downes

Sat, 01 Jan 1977 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned for performance at the Degree Ceremonies of the Open University. Regularly performed at the Wembley Conference Centre, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, the Assembly Rooms, Derby, Wolverhampton Civic Hall, Cambridge Sports Hall and the National Exhibition Centre. Performances have been televised. Used in 1998 for Independent Local Radio commercials.

String Quartet no 1 - Andrew Downes

Sat, 01 Jan 1977 00:00:00 GMT

First performed by the Perry student quartet in May 1980 in Blakedown Church, Worcestershire. First professional performance by the Arioso Quartet at the Birmingham and Midland Institute in February 1983. Numerous subsequent performances have included one at the Master´s Lodge of Trinity College, Cambridge, by the Thomas Quartet in February 1999. Included as part of GCE ´A´ level ensemble recitals. Individual movements have been performed in the Adrian Boult Hall and Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, by the Central England Ensemble Quartet, as part of the 2004 and 2006 Birmingham Artsfests, and in the Eglise de la Madeleine, Paris, in February 2007, at the Coventry School of Music (April 2007) and St Georges Church Edgbaston, Birmingham in May 2007. The work has also been played as a string orchestra piece by such ensembles as the Hagley String Orchestra directed by Joan Best, the Oldswinford Hospital School String Orchestra, directed by Anna Downes, the Mozart Orchestra directed by Gordon Heard and Volante Strings led by Angela Richey. Volante Strings took the work on their tour of Corfu during Autumn 2006.

´Downes has written a joyous piece ... rich in melodic invention and constructed with a closely-knit musical sensibility. His three-movement piece is music of substance with ideas which are directly and effectively worked through without padding or pretension... not for the first time the composer has drawn on jazz idioms within a classical framework. The Arioso, equally impressive in its precise treatment of the pungent rhythms, particularly in the middle movement and the exciting finale, as in its appreciation of the music’s intrinsic lyricism, brought this performance to a most satisfactory conclusion.´
THE BIRMINGHAM POST

Lost Love - Andrew Downes

Sat, 01 Jan 1977 00:00:00 GMT

A setting of 4 Thomas Hardy poems

Commissioned by the Musica Antiqua Soloists and first performed in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in March 1978.
Subsequent performances in Birmingham Cathedral, in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, in St.James Church Wollaston, at Cambridge University at student recitals in Trinity and Queen´s Colleges, and in the USA, notably at King´s Chapel, Boston by Paula Downes (soprano), David Trippett (harpsichord), Arielle Hansen (flute) and Elizabeth Main (cello) in October 2006, and at the MIT Chapel, Cambridge, Massachusetts by Paula Downes (soprano), David Trippett (harpsichord), Jen Bliss (recorder) and Hannah Thomas (cello) in February 2009. Recorded for CD by Paula Downes with David Trippett (piano), Debbie Martin (flute) and Yvonne Parsons (cello) in July 2000.

The Litanie - David Fisher

Thu, 01 Jan 1976 00:00:00 GMT

Written 1973-1976, the quartet of movements won the Northern Sinfonia Chorus “Young Composer of the Year” in 1978. Sung by the Northern Sinfonia Chorus in March 1978. Revised in 1979 for the Leicestershire Chorale under Peter Fletcher. Performed many times since and recorded by Jacquelyn Parker [soprano] and the Burrows Choir directed by Brian Blythe Daubney in 1988.

Brian Blythe Daubney, Programme Notes: Leicester Music - November 30th 1988

“David Fisher’s The Litanie seizes on the devout yet sensuous quality of the verse of the dual-natured John Donne. There are moments of growth from gentle reflection to impassioned intensity. Hear this in the words ‘…and being sacrilegiously half-wasted with youth’s fires of pride & lust.’ In the first, third and fourth numbers, a soprano voice points the words in angular, often anguished lines, over frequently quiet sustained choral textures. Her first notes are the motif from which the whole work springs [C B¨ F G]. In the third number, The Holy Ghost, Fisher employs a technique used by Holst in The Hymn of Jesus and by Britten in the War Requiem of allowing the choir to sing the words in free time, producing the effect of a vast host, murmuring ritual chants (‘O Holy Ghost whose temple I am ’ and the words quoted earlier). Mainly harmonic in texture, one apt moment of fughetta appears at the words ‘Which, as wise serpents, diversely Most slip’rinesse, yet most entanglings hath.’ The dissonance marking the harmony almost throughout is resolved in a blazing F major which unites The Father, The Sonne and The Holy Ghost in The Trinity.”

The late Peter Crump [composer & teacher] writing in 2002:

“What is David Fisher’s best piece? A matter of opinion of course, but for me it is The Litanie with its moving juxtaposition of texts and depth of expression.”

Five Movements for Piano and String Orchestra - Andrew Downes

Thu, 01 Jan 1976 00:00:00 GMT

First performed by Malcolm Wilson and the Birmingham School of Music String Orchestra, conducted by Geoffrey Duggan, at Birmingham School of Music on December 12th 1977.

´ This work...has emotional strength displayed in short movements of well developed structure. The lay-out, clear and unfussed, uses string textures with a solo piano part of effective proportions. Melodic ideas bearing a broad family relationship tie the five parts, varied though they are, in a bond of dramatic unity.´
THE BIRMINGHAM POST

Arrangement of the work for Piano Quartet, by Cynthia Downes, first performed at the Friends´ Meeting House, Hertford in October, 1997, by ´Contrasts´, with subsequent performances in Birmingham and Holland.

´This proved to be constantly interesting music and delightfully approachable. It has many beauties - melodies and fascinating rhythms - and makes the most of each of the instruments. The performance was vigorous, sensitive and confident, and in response to the audience´s enthusiastic appreciation, the last movement was repeated as an encore at the end of the recital. It confirmed the first impression that further hearings would reveal even greater beauties in the music.´
HERTFORDSHIRE MERCURY

Five Holy Songs - Andrew Downes

Thu, 01 Jan 1976 00:00:00 GMT

A setting of 5 poems by John Donne

First performed on 5th May 1976 by Andrew Downes (counter - tenor) accompanied by Caroline Mounsey, Stephen Muth, Kevin Vaughan (violins), Penny Midmer, Susan Ward (violas), David Thorne, Catherine Clarke (cellos) and Roderick Dunk (double bass) at
Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge, and subsequently at Birmingham School of Music and Ripple Church, Upton-on-Severn.

Sonata for Piano no 1 - Andrew Downes

Thu, 01 Jan 1976 00:00:00 GMT

3 movements - ´slow - much faster´; andante; allegro molto.
First performed by Malcolm Wilson at Birmingham Conservatoire in 1978. Subsequently broadcast by Richard Wise, as part of his winner´s recital in the BRMB Young Musician´s competition in 1983. The work has since formed part of numerous prize-winning recitals by young musicians, in particular by pupils of Beryl Chempin.

Duncan Honeybourne, in his concerts championing the piano music of 20th century British composers, has performed the work at numerous venues, including the Courtyard Theatre, Hereford, as part of the Three Choirs Festival (August 2000); the British Music Information Centre (October 2000); St Martin-in-the-Fields, London (November 2000); Birmingham Cathedral (February 2001); the Birmingham and Midland Institute (October 2001); Wednesbury Art Gallery (November 2001); Weymouth Arts Centre (August 2002); Wey Valley School, Weymouth (October 2002); Clevedon Music Club (September 2002); the Minster Church, Axminster (October 2002); Christchurch, Nailsworth (April 2003); the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Birmingham (July 2003); and a performance at Birmingham Conservatoire recorded for a CD of the Composers´ Alliance in November 2000. The Sonata was performed by David Trippett on the Festival Musiques en Mer Mediterranean Cruise in August 2002; by Jonathan French at the English Music Festival in Stratford upon Avon in 2002 and 2005; and by pupils of Duncan Honeybourne - Joshua Weller at Bryanston School in May 2005 and Alex Hoang at St Peter’s Church, Poole, in July 2009.

A set of 2 CD recordings of Vienna Horns and Piano, made February-May 2001 by the ´Wiener Waldhornverein´ (Vienna Horn Association), include this Sonata, played by American pianist, Anne Madison. (The CDs - entitled Messen und Sonaten and Schlosskonzert - also include Andrew Downes´ Sonata for Horn and Piano, Sonata for 4 Horns and Suite for 6 Horns). Anne Madison gave the first American performance of the Sonata no.1 for Piano in Nebraska on 29th November 2001, and the first Austrian performance at a concert of the Austrian Music Association in Vienna on 7th December 2001, besides performing the work in Birmingham Cathedral in April 2002, at Birmingham Conservatoire in October 2003, and at the Haus der Komponisten, Vienna, in June 2004.

Love, Time & Measure - Peter Witchell

Sun, 10 Aug 1975 00:00:00 GMT

Words Anon c.1600

Written for Sherborne School for Girls and broadcast on BBC Radio 3

Toccata for Brass Band - Andrew Downes

Wed, 01 Jan 1975 00:00:00 GMT

First performed by the Birmingham School of Music Brass Band in Upton-upon-Severn in 1975.
Subsequently performed by the Bessies o´ th´ Barn Brass Band and the National Youth Brass Band.

Overture for St Cere - Andrew Downes

Wed, 01 Jan 1975 00:00:00 GMT

Commissioned for the St Cere (France) International Music Festival of 1976.
Subsequently broadcast on BBC Radio.
´La musique en est detendue, agreable, comme il sied pour un soir de vacances. L´auteur ne s´ecarte jamais d´un evident parti-pris de simplicite et de clarte. Sa musique s´ecoute donc sans effort.
´(The music is relaxed, pleasant, as befits a holiday evening. The composer never moves away from an obvious preference for simplicity and clarity. His music is therefore listened to without effort.)´
LA DEPECHE DU MIDI

Prelude, Fanfare and Postlude for Organ - Andrew Downes

Wed, 01 Jan 1975 00:00:00 GMT

First performed by John Bishop in Birmingham Cathedral on 6th May 1976. Broadcast by John Bishop on BBC Radio 3 on 27th December 1979. Performed in many of the country´s concert halls, churches and cathedrals, in particular by John Bishop, Martin Schellenberg, Robert Green, Richard Silk and Duncan Honeybourne. The Postlude was performed by Carson P Cooman at the Memorial Church, Harvard University, USA on March 14th 2007.

Overture Festiva - Peter Witchell

Wed, 01 Jan 1975 00:00:00 GMT

I Sing Of A Maiden - Peter Witchell

Wed, 01 Jan 1975 00:00:00 GMT

A Christmas Carol - Peter Witchell

Wed, 01 Jan 1975 00:00:00 GMT

Fill Thou My Life - Peter Witchell

Wed, 01 Jan 1975 00:00:00 GMT

Written for Sherborne School for Girls and published by the Royal Schools of Church Music in the anthology The English Anthem Collection

Ave Regina caelorum - David Fisher

Tue, 01 Jan 1974 00:00:00 GMT

First performed St Asaph Cathedral, 1976; many performances all over the world, also recorded by Lincoln Cathedral Choir in 1982 and released on CD in 2007 [Priory Records PRAB 101]. The soloists on the recording are Philip Manser & Richard Thornton [countertenors] and Terence Millward [tenor].

From the original cover notes by Dr Philip Marshall: “This short work, from the composer’s Introit and The Litanie, was written in 1974. The idiom is mystical and sensitive, showing and original mind, with a sense of vocal line and a deft and delicate handling of dissonance”

The images show the cover of the published work [which can be sung in English or Latin] and the CD cover for the 2007 re-release of the Lincoln Cathedral album.

Sonatina for Piano - Andrew Downes

Tue, 01 Jan 1974 00:00:00 GMT

3 movements - allegro moderato; moderato, legato; presto.
The composition of this work was begun while Andrew Downes was studying at the Royal College of music with Herbert Howells, who wrote of Andrew Downes in his report: `In a quiet (but strong) way one of the most effective composers coming to me these days. I have very considerable hopes for him.´ HH.
First performed by Malcolm Wilson at Birmingham Conservatoire on 5th May 1975.
Included as one of the recommended works for the 1997 International Piano Competition at the Ecole Franco-Italienne, Paris. Performance by Duncan Honeybourne, as part of the Birmingham Conservatoire Music Extra Festival in March 2001, recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 3. Performed by Duncan Honeybourne, together with Herbert Howells´ own Sonatina for Piano, in a recital at Birmingham Cathedral on l lth May 2001. Duncan also played the work in a recital at Wednesbury Art Gallery on May 11th 2005. Performed by David Trippett on the ‘Festival Musiques en Mer’ Mediterranean cruise, August 2002.

Christmas Cantata - Andrew Downes

Tue, 01 Jan 1974 00:00:00 GMT

Cantata in 7 short movements for young voices (SATB) and school orchestra.
First performed by pupils at Thames Valley Grammar School, Twickenham, directed by Andrew Downes, Christmas 1974.

Arrangements, by Cynthia Downes, of individual movements have been performed on numerous occasions by musicians in Worcestershire

What Can I Do to Show How Much I Love Her? - Andrew Downes

Tue, 01 Jan 1974 00:00:00 GMT

Setting of the poem by Dryden

Ave Maria - Andrew Downes

Tue, 01 Jan 1974 00:00:00 GMT

Setting of the Latin text

Toccata Tropos - Peter Witchell

Tue, 01 Jan 1974 00:00:00 GMT

Broadcast from Salisbury Cathedral on BBC Radio 3

Casterbridge Fair - Andrew Downes

Mon, 01 Jan 1973 00:00:00 GMT

A setting of 5 Thomas Hardy poems for baritone or mezzo-soprano and piano.
First performed by Michael George accompanied by Ruth Gerald at the opening concert in the newly built Recital Hall in Birmingham Conservatoire in 1973.
Prize winner in the 1980 Stroud Festival International Composers´ Competition. Several performances of the songs have since taken place in the same hall by students from Birmingham Conservatoire.

´...the songs impressed by their expressive and beautifully shaped vocal line and simple though telling accompaniments.´
THE MUSICAL TIMES

O Magnum Mysterium - Andrew Downes

Mon, 01 Jan 1973 00:00:00 GMT

Originally scored for alto, tenor and bass soloists and SATTBB choir. (SSA version of Motet and version of Mass for SSAATB choir with organ, transcribed by Cynthia Downes, now also available.)

Motet, O Magnum Mysterium - text from the ´Tenebrae Responses´, composed in 1969 before Andrew Downes went up to Cambridge University as a Choral Scholar at St John’s College, and performed by Andrew Downes with two other soloists from the Midland Boy Singers in the Wigmore Hall, London, on 4th October 1969.

´The single most striking feature of Saturday afternoon’s joint programme in the Wigmore Hall by the Midland Boy Singers (conductor Peter Grant) and the London Boy Singers (conductor, Jonathan Steele) was the counter-tenor singing of Andrew Downes. A founder member of the former choir, a choral scholar elect of St.John’s College, Cambridge, and the composer of an imaginatively meritorious setting of ‘O Magnum Mysterium’..., he could well be a figure to watch out for...´ THE TIMES

Mass completed in 1973, when Andrew Downes was studying at the Royal College of Music with Herbert Howells.

´In a quiet (but strong) way one of the most effective composers coming to me these days. I have very considerable hopes for him.´ HERBERT HOWELLS (Report on Andrew Downes)

O Magnum Mysterium Motet and Mass was first performed by Birmingham Conservatoire Chamber Choir conducted by the composer in Birmingham Cathedral in December 1976 and was subsequently recorded by Birmingham Conservatoire Chamber Choir for BBC Radio from Temple Balsall.

Performed at King´s Chapel, Boston, Massachusetts on August 22nd 2006 by the Millennium Scholars directed by Paula Downes.

An arrangement of the Motet for high voices, was dedicated in 2001 to Heather Fairs, former music teacher of Andrew Downes’ two daughters, Anna and Paula.

Mary Laid Her Child - David Fisher

Fri, 01 Jan 1971 00:00:00 GMT

Carol for Christmas or Easter and a companion piece for Balulalow written in 1983.

Dedicated to Peter White and Leicester Cathedral Choir

First performed by the Vienna Boys’ Choir, Gloucester Cathedral, 4th October 1972. Published by Roberton in 1977. Recorded a cappella on CD by Kingfisher Chorale in 1999 and more recently by the Roder Jongenskoor in Holland on their brilliant new CD "A Babe is born" released in November 2011. The Roden Boys´ Choir [with the treble soloist Wilko Koekoek] is conducted by Rintje te Wies with Sietze de Vries performing the world première recording of the optional organ part. The recording is available on line on the choir site and the CD number is WM 081111.

Rintje te Wies, the Musical Director, writes in the CD notes: "Mary laid her child is an especially atmospheric work in which a beautiful modal melody is heard in unison in the first verse and is followed by two and three voice settings, culminating in the six voice final verse with its exuberant final chord. The organ part provides the interludes which bind the work together."

The images show the front cover and programme details of the Vienna Boys Choir 1972 tour alongside the CD details of Kingfisher Chorale´s a cappella SATB version of the work recorded in 1999 which is the recording featured on this page.

Suite for Wind Quartet - Peter Witchell

Fri, 01 Jan 1971 00:00:00 GMT