Arnold Schoenberg (1874-1951) arr. Anton Webern - Chamber Symphony No.1 in E, Op.9 PsapphaEnsemble 2026-09-20 | Arnold Schoenberg (1874-1951) arr. Anton Webern - Chamber Symphony No.1 in E, Op.9
Nina Danon - THE ISLAND THE SEA THE VOLUNTEER AND THE REFUGEE (world premiere) PsapphaEnsemble 2023-11-10 | Psappha Ensemble:Benedict Holland - violinJennifer Langridge - celloTim Williams - cimbalomStephen Barlow - conductorClaire Wild - sopranoIn 'Unheard Voices', four composers collaborated with poets whose performing voices reveal diverse spoken accents and varieties of spoken English, to write songs that enable the huge diversity of varieties of English to be heard through the classical singing voice. This performance was recorded live at Hallé St Peter's in Manchester (UK) on 25th March 2021. To view the 4K version we recommend you use Google Chrome or the Firefox browser. The performance took place during the Covid-19 pandemic and was live-streamed without an audience.Premiered by Psappha as part of 'Unheard Voices', a project supported by the University of Salford, Arts Council England, and Psappha. Learn more about Psappha: http://psappha.comFilm ProductionCameras - Soup CollectiveAudio & Mastering - Rob KelledyFilm produced and edited by Tim Williams--------THE ISLAND THE SEA THE VOLUNTEER AND THE REFUGEE (Words by Louise Wallwein/ Music by Nina Danon)Learn more about Louise Wallwein - louisewallwein.com/aboutLearn more about Nina Danon - ninadanon.com
Peter Maxwell Davies - The Last Island (Film with Live performance) PsapphaEnsemble 2023-11-06 | Psappha Ensemble:Benedict Holland & Zoë Beyers - violinsAlex Mitchell & Alistair Vennart violasJennifer Langridge & Petr Prause - cellosMark Heron - conductorThis performance was recorded live at Hallé St Peter's in Manchester (UK) on 31st March 2022 and marked Tim Williams’ final Manchester concert as Psappha’s Artistic Director. It pays homage to Peter Maxwell Davies, whose music was the group’s original inspiration, and to the land Max called home. Four new works have been commissioned, inspired by Orkney and written for this performance and accompanied new films shot by Tim Williams in Orkney.You can also see the musicians performing live alongside the film (Film with Live performance) in the 'Orkney - Peter Maxwell Davies Tribute' Playlist.To view the 4K version we recommend you use Google Chrome or the Firefox browser. Learn more about Psappha: http://psappha.comOrkney film shot, produced and edited by Tim Williams--------Peter Maxwell Davies - The Last IslandThe title refers to the further of two small islands off the coast of Sanday, Orkney, which can be reached by foot at low tide. It is home to rare wildflowers and birds, and is reputed to be the resting place of hundreds of shipwrecked mariners who have perished on the rocks through the centuries. This sextet attempts to invoke the island’s unique atmosphere – essentially peaceful and full of the wonder of ever-changing light of sea and sky, yet strangely threatened with menace, even on the brightest of days. I have taken some of its most intriguing bird and sea sounds as starting points, and transformed them through a ninefold lunar magic square that informs the whole structure. There is just one movement, characterised by extreme contrast of tempo and dynamic, with, towards the end, references to an unusual plainsong version of Ave Maris Stella (‘Hail, Star of the Sea’), which might have been sung by the small group of monks who lived here before the Reformation, and whose ruined chapel still dominates the closer of the two islands. – Peter Maxwell Davies
Peter Maxwell Davies - The Last Island (Film version) PsapphaEnsemble 2023-11-06 | Psappha Ensemble:Benedict Holland & Zoë Beyers - violinsAlex Mitchell & Alistair Vennart violasJennifer Langridge & Petr Prause - cellosMark Heron - conductorThis performance was recorded live at Hallé St Peter's in Manchester (UK) on 31st March 2022 and marked Tim Williams’ final Manchester concert as Psappha’s Artistic Director. It pays homage to Peter Maxwell Davies, whose music was the group’s original inspiration, and to the land Max called home. Four new works have been commissioned, inspired by Orkney and written for this performance and accompanied new films shot by Tim Williams in Orkney.There is also a version of this work that shows the film (full screen) with the live recording from the performance. This can be found in the 'Orkney - Peter Maxwell Davies Tribute' Playlist.To view the 4K version we recommend you use Google Chrome or the Firefox browser. Learn more about Psappha: http://psappha.comOrkney film shot, produced and edited by Tim Williams--------Peter Maxwell Davies - The Last IslandThe title refers to the further of two small islands off the coast of Sanday, Orkney, which can be reached by foot at low tide. It is home to rare wildflowers and birds, and is reputed to be the resting place of hundreds of shipwrecked mariners who have perished on the rocks through the centuries. This sextet attempts to invoke the island’s unique atmosphere – essentially peaceful and full of the wonder of ever-changing light of sea and sky, yet strangely threatened with menace, even on the brightest of days. I have taken some of its most intriguing bird and sea sounds as starting points, and transformed them through a ninefold lunar magic square that informs the whole structure. There is just one movement, characterised by extreme contrast of tempo and dynamic, with, towards the end, references to an unusual plainsong version of Ave Maris Stella (‘Hail, Star of the Sea’), which might have been sung by the small group of monks who lived here before the Reformation, and whose ruined chapel still dominates the closer of the two islands. – Peter Maxwell Davies
Alan Williams - Songs Translated from a Forgotten Language (world premiere) PsapphaEnsemble 2023-11-02 | Psappha Ensemble:Benedict Holland - violinJennifer Langridge - celloTim Williams - cimbalomStephen Barlow - conductorClaire Wild - sopranoIn 'Unheard Voices', four composers collaborated with poets whose performing voices reveal diverse spoken accents and varieties of spoken English, to write songs that enable the huge diversity of varieties of English to be heard through the classical singing voice. This performance was recorded live at Hallé St Peter's in Manchester (UK) on 25th March 2021. To view the 4K version we recommend you use Google Chrome or the Firefox browser. The performance took place during the Covid-19 pandemic and was live-streamed without an audience.Premiered by Psappha as part of 'Unheard Voices', a project supported by the University of Salford, Arts Council England, and Psappha. Learn more about Psappha: http://psappha.comFilm ProductionCameras - Soup CollectiveAudio & Mastering - Rob KelledyFilm produced and edited by Tim Williams--------Songs Translated from a Forgotten Language (Words by Ian McMillan / Music by Alan Williams)'Songs Translated from a Forgotten Language' started out on Twitter. Ian McMillan, a master of pithy and punning tweets began a series of Twitter poems which he called Poems Translated from a Lost Language. I chose a selection of these to be performed (like our previous opera, 'The Arsonists') to be performed in his own South Yorkshire accent. They appear like fragments of a culture we only glimpse, with imagery whose meaning we can only guess at, and with moods varying from earie vague threats to earthy humour. These aphoristic, sometimes surreal poems place Ian’s work firmly in the mainstream of central European avant-garde, and they remind me strongly of poems like János Pilinszky or Anna Akhmatova more commonly set by composers such as Ligeti or Kurtág. Why shouldn’t the north of England express itself in modernist languages? The opportunity to work with Psappha featuring the central European instrument the cimbálom played by Tim Williams was irresistible. Alan E. WilliamsLearn more about Ian McMillan - http://www.uktouring.org.uk/ian-mcmillanLearn more about Alan Williams - alanwilliams123.wordpress.com/about
Crystalla Serghiou - Metropolis PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-05 | Delia Stevens - PercussionLeighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about Crystalla: http://crystalla.co.uk------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Francesca le Lohé - Cavern PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-05 | Cheng Yu - PipaLeighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about Francesca: francescalelohe.com------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Ollie Hawker - A grey seashell placed on my thumb to look like a little bonnet PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-05 | Delia Stevens - PercussionLeighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about Ollie: soundcloud.com/olliehawker------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Sam Gooderham - Sleeper PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-04 | Cheng Yu - PipaLeighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about Sam: twitter.com/sdgooderham------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Harriet Grainger - Desert Moon Over Dunhuang PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-04 | Cheng Yu - PipaLeighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about Harriet: harrietgraingermusic.com------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Chris McCormack - False Colour Prism PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-04 | Delia Stevens - PercussionLeighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about Chris: chrismccormackcomposer.com------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Jake Adams - Somewhere Between PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-04 | Cheng Yu - PipaLeighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about Jake: jakeadamscomposer.wixsite.com/jakeadamscomposer------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Aidan Teplitzky - Another Country PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-04 | Dov Goldberg - Clarinet Leighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about Aidan: http://www.aidanteplitzkymusic.com------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Melissa Rankin - The Subtle Art of Storytelling PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-04 | Toby Hughes - Double BassLeighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about Melissa: melissarankin.com------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Lucy Callen - Paper Kite PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-04 | Toby Hughes - Double BassLeighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about Lucy: http://www.lucycallen.com------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Jamie Elless - Workshop PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-04 | Delia Stevens - PercussionLeighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about Jamie: https://linktr.ee/jam.ell------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Louise Drewett - Lament II PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-04 | Toby Hughes - Double BassLeighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about Louise: louisedrewett.com------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Cameron McArthur - Ex umbra... PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-04 | Dov Goldberg - Clarinet Leighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about Cameron: cameronmcarthur.com------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
John Rivera Pico - Algo más / algo menos PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-04 | Delia Stevens - PercussionLeighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about John: soundcloud.com/johnriverapico------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Kay Rowan - Keening Songs PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-04 | Dov Goldberg - Clarinet Leighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about Kay: ghostgirlkayrowan.co.uk------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Aidan Lochrin - Look to Windward PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-04 | Dov Goldberg - Clarinet Leighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about Aidan: soundcloud.com/aidanlochrinmusic------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Michele Deiana - Wanderlust PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-04 | Toby Hughes - Double BassLeighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about Michele: micheledeiana.com------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
James Batty - Red Bell, Yellow Bell PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-04 | Cheng Yu - PipaLeighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about James: jamesbatty.com------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Kiko Shao - Autumn Leaves PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-04 | Cheng Yu - PipaLeighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about Kiko: kikoshao.com------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Ábel M.G.E. - Dalom PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-04 | Toby Hughes - Double BassLeighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about Ábel: http://abelmge.com------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Will Parker - Netherland Suite PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-04 | Dov Goldberg - Clarinet Leighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about Will: soundcloud.com/williamjaparker------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Abigail Hellam - Rain PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-04 | Dov Goldberg - Clarinet Leighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about Abigail: abigailhellammusic.wordpress.com------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Eden Lonsdale - Deep Plane PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-04 | Toby Hughes - Double BassLeighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about Eden: eden-lonsdale-sound.com------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Josh Kaye - No Comment PsapphaEnsemble 2023-08-04 | Delia Stevens - PercussionLeighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerLearn more about Josh: joshkayecomposer.co.uk------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Composing for Pipa 2023 PsapphaEnsemble 2023-07-28 | Tonight we share five brand new works for pipa performed by Cheng Yu that were created through Psappha’s 2022-23 'Composing for Pipa' scheme.Psappha's 'Composing For…' schemes began back in 2013 and have supported the creation of more than 180 new works to date. The aim of the scheme is to give emerging composers direct access to one of Psappha’s core musicians over an extended period of 8 – 10 months. Through a series of one to one workshops the composer and musician get to know each other personally and musically and a new work is created through this collaboration.--------Cheng Yu - PipaLeighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorLeighton Moody - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerRecorded in Victoria Wood Hall at Hallé St. Peter's, Manchester------00:00 Jake Adams - Somewhere BetweenLearn more about Jake: jakeadamscomposer.wixsite.com/jakeadamscomposer-----09:03 Harriet Grainger - Desert Moon Over Dunhuanglearn more about Harriet: soundcloud.com/harriet-grainger-composer-----15:05 Kiko Shao - Autumn Leaveslearn more about Kiko: kikoshao.com------22:01 Sam Gooderham - Sleeperlearn more about Sam: twitter.com/sdgooderham------30:59 James Batty - Red Bell, Yellow Bell Learn more about James: jamesbatty.com------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Composing for Clarinet 2023 PsapphaEnsemble 2023-07-27 | Tonight we share six brand new works for clarinet performed by Dov Goldberg that were created through Psappha’s 2022-23 'Composing for Clarinet' scheme.Psappha's 'Composing For…' schemes began back in 2013 and have supported the creation of more than 180 new works to date. The aim of the scheme is to give emerging composers direct access to one of Psappha’s core musicians over an extended period of 8 – 10 months. Through a series of one to one workshops the composer and musician get to know each other personally and musically and a new work is created through this collaboration.--------Dov Goldberg - ClarinetLeighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerRecorded in Victoria Wood Hall at Hallé St. Peter's, Manchester------0:00 Aidan Teplitzky - Another CountryLearn more about Aidan: http://www.aidanteplitzkymusic.com-----07:30 Cameron McArthur - Ex umbra...learn more about Cameron: cameronmcarthur.com-----13:20 Kay Rowan - Keening Songslearn more about Kay: ghostgirlkayrowan.co.uk------19:28 Will Parker - Netherland Suitelearn more about Will: soundcloud.com/williamjaparker------28:08 Aidan Lochrin - Look to WindwardLearn more about Aidan: soundcloud.com/aidanlochrinmusic------34:18 Abigail Hellam - Rainlearn more about Abigail: abigailhellammusic.wordpress.com------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Composing for Double Bass 2023 PsapphaEnsemble 2023-07-26 | Tonight we share six brand new works for double bass performed by Toby Hughes that were created through Psappha’s 2022-23 'Composing for Double Bass' scheme.Psappha's 'Composing For…' schemes began back in 2013 and have supported the creation of more than 180 new works to date. The aim of the scheme is to give emerging composers direct access to one of Psappha’s core musicians over an extended period of 8 – 10 months. Through a series of one to one workshops the composer and musician get to know each other personally and musically and a new work is created through this collaboration.--------Toby Hughes - Double BassLeighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - ProducerRecorded in Victoria Wood Hall at Hallé St. Peter's, Manchester------00:00 Ábel M.G.E. - DalomLearn more about Ábel: http://abelmge.com-----8:28 Lucy Callen - Paper Kitelearn more about Lucy: http://www.lucycallen.com-----16:28 Eden Lonsdale - Deep Planelearn more about Eden: eden-lonsdale-sound.com------23:29 Louise Drewett - Lament IIlearn more about Louise: louisedrewett.com------31:15 Melissa Rankin - The Subtle Art of StorytellingLearn more about Melissa: soundcloud.com/melissarankin------36:01 Michele Deiana - Wanderlustlearn more about Michele: micheledeiana.com------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Composing for Percussion 2023 PsapphaEnsemble 2023-07-25 | Tonight we share six brand new works for percussion performed by Delia Stevens that were created through Psappha’s 2022-23 'Composing for Percussion' scheme.Psappha's 'Composing For…' schemes began back in 2013 and have supported the creation of more than 180 new works to date. The aim of the scheme is to give emerging composers direct access to one of Psappha’s core musicians over an extended period of 8 – 10 months. Through a series of one to one workshops the composer and musician get to know each other personally and musically and a new work is created through this collaboration.--------Delia Stevens - PercussionLeighton Moody at Handel Productions (www.handelproductions.co.uk) - Director of Photography and Video EditorRob Kelledy - Sound recording, Mastering, and Audio EditorBen Powell - Producer------00:00 John Rivera Pico - Algo más / algo menosLearn more about John soundcloud.com/johnriverapico------08:41 Ollie Hawker - A grey seashell placed on my thumb to look like a little bonnetlearn more about Ollie: soundcloud.com/olliehawker-----16:10 Chris McCormack - False Colour Prismlearn more about Chris: chrismccormackcomposer.com------23:20 Jamie Elless - workshoplearn more about Jamie: https://linktr.ee/jam.ell------29:22 Crystalla Serghiou - MetropolisLearn more about Crystalla: http://crystalla.co.uk ------36:22 Josh Kaye - No Commentlearn more about Josh: joshkayecomposer.co.uk------ LEARN MORE ABOUT PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com ----- Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme.
Bethan Morgan Williams - Voices Go With You (world premiere, Psappha commission) PsapphaEnsemble 2023-04-28 | Psappha Ensemble:Conrad Marshall - fluteBenjamin Powell - pianoTim Williams - percussionJennifer Langridge - celloThis performance was recorded live at Hallé St Peter's in Manchester (UK) on 12th May 2022. To view the 4K version we recommend you use Google Chrome or the Firefox browser. Learn more about Psappha: http://psappha.comFilm ProductionCameras - Handel ProductionsAudio & Mastering - Rob KelledyFilm produced and edited by Tim Williams----------Bethan Morgan-Williams - Voices Go With You (world premiere, Psappha commission)A still, serene landscape endures disruption and restlessness. The opposing states must work together to soothe the terror that lies beneath, hidden. How did we get to the auditorium? There is a concert taking place, and there are four musicians on stage. Isn’t it strange how we instantly transport ourselves from inside to out? Whatever today’s inside might be.Now, we must play the role we came to play. We must stay with the time of this clockwork music. The musicians can move, dance even. But the audience sits still. Too still? What a dark and menacing thought – how did we come to question such things?'Voices Go With You' is a tone poem based on lines from Salt, a recent assembly of poems by David Harsent. It is a commemorative piece not just for the ensemble but also for Tim Williams, who will step down as Artistic Director of Psappha after 30 years at the helm at the end of this season.– Bethan Morgan-WilliamsLearn more about Bethan Morgan-Williams: bethanmorganwilliams.com
Gavin Higgins - Dance Suite PsapphaEnsemble 2023-04-21 | Psappha Ensemble:Conrad Marshall - flute/piccoloRachael Clegg - oboe Dov Goldberg - clarinetMatthew Dunn - bass clarinetBen Hudson - bassoon/contra bassoon Alan Tokely & Jenny Cox - French horns Angela Whelan - trumpet Katy Jones - tromboneTim Williams & Oliver Patrick - percussionBenjamin Powell - pianoLauren Scott - harpBenedict Holland & Sophie Rosa - violinsHeather Wallington - violaJennifer Langridge -celloJames Manson - double bassJamie Phillips - conductorThis performance was recorded live at Hallé St Peter's in Manchester (UK) on 29th April 2021. To view the 4K version we recommend you use Google Chrome or the Firefox browser. The performance took place during the Covid-19 pandemic and was live-streamed without an audience.Learn more about Psappha: http://psappha.comFilm ProductionCameras - Soup CollectiveAudio & Mastering - Rob KelledyFilm produced and edited by Tim Williams------As is so often the case with new commissions, I was asked for the title before I’d really started working on the piece itself and so I decided to call the work Rage Dances. It quickly became apparent however that the ‘Rage’ in the title didn’t accurately describe the music I was now writing. What I’d planned to be an aggressive angry work soon turned into something much more colourful, playful and light-hearted. 'Dance Suite' is a Kaleidoscopic work that pays homage to various American dance styles (big band, swing, merengue, jazz waltz, bebop, bluegrass, funk etc.) moving rapidly from one ‘dance sequence’ to the next with cartoon like fervour. There are no slow moments; instead, the music shifts relentlessly through various dances that change direction abruptly, charging headlong to a brusque climax. It’s also a study in orchestration and colour and an early foray into some of the rhythms that have become ever present in my music. Gavin Higgins ------Learn more about Gavin Higgins: http://www.gavinhiggins.com
Electra Perivolaris - Marwick Head, Orkney (Film with Live performance) (Psappha commission) PsapphaEnsemble 2023-04-14 | Psappha Ensemble:Benedict Holland & Zoë Beyers - violinsAlex Mitchell & Alistair Vennart violasJennifer Langridge & Petr Prause - cellosMark Heron - conductorThis performance was recorded live at Hallé St Peter's in Manchester (UK) on 31st March 2022 and marked Tim Williams’ final Manchester concert as Psappha’s Artistic Director. It pays homage to Peter Maxwell Davies, whose music was the group’s original inspiration, and to the land Max called home. Four new works have been commissioned, inspired by Orkney and written for this performance and accompanied new films shot by Tim Williams in Orkney.There is also a version of this work that shows the film (full screen) with the live recording from the performance. This can be found in the 'Orkney - Peter Maxwell Davies Tribute' Playlist.To view the 4K version we recommend you use Google Chrome or the Firefox browser. Learn more about Psappha: http://psappha.comOrkney film shot, produced and edited by Tim Williams--------Electra Perivolaris Marwick Head, Orkney (World premiere, Psappha commission)Having spent a lot of time in Orkney as a child, I immediately connected with the seascapes, weathered cliff faces and nesting birds that all feature in the film that accompanies my piece. Many of these Orcadian landscapes are places where I discovered a love of the natural world and ancient natural spaces containing layers of human stories stretching back over millennia. This connection with landscape, and especially with the ecology of my home on Arran, now forms the basis for my music. The presence in the film of the Kitchener Memorial, a clifftop war memorial to the sunken HMS Hampshire, acts as a reminder of the sheer force of this place that can be hostile to human life, transcending our own life spans and notions of time, but that can also be awe-inspiring, providing a home to thousands of sea birds. My piece aims to capture the elegiac quality of these seascapes, the current fragility of wild spaces like this and the creatures who inhabit them in an age of climate crisis, combined with the potency and intensity which defines the cliff top landscapes of Orkney. – Electra PerivolarisLearn more about Electra Perivolaris: electraperivolariscomposer.com
Jay Capperauld - Glitz and Glamor (world premiere) PsapphaEnsemble 2023-04-07 | Psappha Ensemble:Benedict Holland - violinJennifer Langridge - celloTim Williams - cimbalomStephen Barlow - conductorClaire Wild - sopranoIn 'Unheard Voices', four composers collaborated with poets whose performing voices reveal diverse spoken accents and varieties of spoken English, to write songs that enable the huge diversity of varieties of English to be heard through the classical singing voice. This performance was recorded live at Hallé St Peter's in Manchester (UK) on 25th March 2021. To view the 4K version we recommend you use Google Chrome or the Firefox browser. The performance took place during the Covid-19 pandemic and was live-streamed without an audience.Premiered by Psappha as part of 'Unheard Voices', a project supported by the University of Salford, Arts Council England, and Psappha. Learn more about Psappha: http://psappha.comFilm ProductionCameras - Soup CollectiveAudio & Mastering - Rob KelledyFilm produced and edited by Tim Williams--------Glitz and Glamour (Words by Vashti Suwa Gbolagun/ Music by Jay Capperauld)'Glitz and Glamour' takes direct inspiration from a poem of the same name by Vashti Suwa Gbolagun, which articulates the plight of Nigerian Miners and the effect that this way of life has on the wider communities of Nigeria. This work attempts to explore the contrasting qualities of Gbolagun’s text where shimmering light meets foreboding darkness in a poignant and lamenting tribute to those men and women lured by the mine’s “captivating embrace”.Learn more about Vashti Suwa Gbolagun - blogs.salford.ac.uk/create-student-awards/create-student-awards-2022/the-deans-award/vashti-suwa-gbolagunLearn more about Jay Capperauld - jaycapperauld.com
David Nunn - Volunteer (world premiere) PsapphaEnsemble 2023-03-31 | Psappha Ensemble:Benedict Holland - violinJennifer Langridge - celloTim Williams - cimbalomStephen Barlow - conductorClaire Wild - sopranoIn 'Unheard Voices', four composers collaborated with poets whose performing voices reveal diverse spoken accents and varieties of spoken English, to write songs that enable the huge diversity of varieties of English to be heard through the classical singing voice. This performance was recorded live at Hallé St Peter's in Manchester (UK) on 25th March 2021. To view the 4K version we recommend you use Google Chrome or the Firefox browser. The performance took place during the Covid-19 pandemic and was live-streamed without an audience.Premiered by Psappha as part of 'Unheard Voices', a project supported by the University of Salford, Arts Council England, and Psappha. Learn more about Psappha: http://psappha.comFilm ProductionCameras - Soup CollectiveAudio & Mastering - Rob KelledyFilm produced and edited by Tim Williams--------Volunteer (Words by Louise Wallwein / Music by David Nunn)Louise Wallwein wrote the starkly candid poem 'Volunteer' in 2015, while volunteering with Kos Solidarity. In the music, the word-setting brings out Louise’s Mancunian accent as she narrates some of her experiences in Kos. Throughout the piece, the interaction between violin and cello hints at the feeling of a rocking boat – this steady rocking is juxtaposed against the urgent call of a person in crisis. As the soprano navigates the narrative, she switches between the personas of refugee and volunteer. The music here is hazy, cloudy, unfocussed. Five times over the course of the piece, the narrator shares their frustration with the media for clouding over the true extent of the crisis – 'tell me the truth for a change'. Gradually the anger galvanises the music. At the apex of the piece, the refugee and the volunteer join together in the words of 'Manchester United' – momentarily escaping the refugee camp and finding solace in common ground. The music settles into a mantra; obsessive, revolving around itself – 'there is no them and us / there is only us.'David Nunn Learn more about Louise Wallwein - louisewallwein.com/aboutLearn more about David Nunn - davidnunnmusic.com
Lisa Robertson - The Old Man of Hoy (Film version) (Psappha commission, world premiere) PsapphaEnsemble 2023-03-27 | Psappha Ensemble:Benedict Holland & Zoë Beyers - violinsAlex Mitchell & Alistair Vennart violasJennifer Langridge & Petr Prause - cellosMark Heron - conductorThis performance was recorded live at Hallé St Peter's in Manchester (UK) on 31st March 2022 and marked Tim Williams’ final Manchester concert as Psappha’s Artistic Director. It pays homage to Peter Maxwell Davies, whose music was the group’s original inspiration, and to the land Max called home. Four new works have been commissioned, inspired by Orkney and written for this performance and accompanied new films shot by Tim Williams in Orkney.You can also see the musicians performing live alongside the film (Film with Live performance) in the 'Orkney - Peter Maxwell Davies Tribute' Playlist.To view the 4K version we recommend you use Google Chrome or the Firefox browser. Learn more about Psappha: http://psappha.comOrkney film shot, produced and edited by Tim Williams--------Lisa Robertson The Old Man of Hoy (World premiere, Psappha commission)The Old Man of Hoy is the tallest sea stack in the UK. It was created by the erosion of a cliff through hydraulic action and is thought to be less than 250 years old. And yet it is eroding still, with winds and waves continually grinding down the stone. Constantly beaten by the elements, the Old Man is crumbling, with a large crack running down from the top of the stack, and it may soon collapse into the sea. The music reflects the Old Man’s vast strength but also the tension and fragility of its situation and that, while now hanging in the balance, all may collapse at any moment. Fragments of a traditional song from Hoy emerge from the grinding sounds of erosion, amid reflections of the frothy waves, the wild winds and passing seabirds. – Lisa RobertsonLearn more about Lisa Robertson: lisarobertsonmusic.com/about
Lisa Robertson - The Old Man of Hoy (Film with Live performance) Psappha commission, world premiere PsapphaEnsemble 2023-03-24 | Psappha Ensemble:Benedict Holland & Zoë Beyers - violinsAlex Mitchell & Alistair Vennart violasJennifer Langridge & Petr Prause - cellosMark Heron - conductorThis performance was recorded live at Hallé St Peter's in Manchester (UK) on 31st March 2022 and marked Tim Williams’ final Manchester concert as Psappha’s Artistic Director. It pays homage to Peter Maxwell Davies, whose music was the group’s original inspiration, and to the land Max called home. Four new works have been commissioned, inspired by Orkney and written for this performance and accompanied new films shot by Tim Williams in Orkney.There is also a version of this work that shows the film (full screen) with the live recording from the performance. This can be found in the 'Orkney - Peter Maxwell Davies Tribute' Playlist.To view the 4K version we recommend you use Google Chrome or the Firefox browser. Learn more about Psappha: http://psappha.comOrkney film shot, produced and edited by Tim Williams--------Lisa Robertson The Old Man of Hoy (World premiere, Psappha commission)The Old Man of Hoy is the tallest sea stack in the UK. It was created by the erosion of a cliff through hydraulic action and is thought to be less than 250 years old. And yet it is eroding still, with winds and waves continually grinding down the stone. Constantly beaten by the elements, the Old Man is crumbling, with a large crack running down from the top of the stack, and it may soon collapse into the sea. The music reflects the Old Man’s vast strength but also the tension and fragility of its situation and that, while now hanging in the balance, all may collapse at any moment. Fragments of a traditional song from Hoy emerge from the grinding sounds of erosion, amid reflections of the frothy waves, the wild winds and passing seabirds. – Lisa RobertsonLearn more about Lisa Robertson: lisarobertsonmusic.com/about
Shruthi Rajasekar - As Oyinbo Come (world premiere) PsapphaEnsemble 2023-03-17 | Psappha Ensemble:Benedict Holland - violinJennifer Langridge - celloTim Williams - cimbalomStephen Barlow - conductorClaire Wild - sopranoIn 'Unheard Voices', four composers collaborated with poets whose performing voices reveal diverse spoken accents and varieties of spoken English, to write songs that enable the huge diversity of varieties of English to be heard through the classical singing voice. This performance was recorded live at Hallé St Peter's in Manchester (UK) on 25th March 2021. To view the 4K version we recommend you use Google Chrome or the Firefox browser. The performance took place during the Covid-19 pandemic and was live-streamed without an audience.Premiered by Psappha as part of 'Unheard Voices', a project supported by the University of Salford, Arts Council England, and Psappha. Learn more about Psappha: http://psappha.comFilm ProductionCameras - Soup CollectiveAudio & Mastering - Rob KelledyFilm produced and edited by Tim Williams--------As Oyinbo Come [As the white man came] (Words by Vashti Suwa Gbolagun / Music by Shruthi Rajasekar) PIDGINNa as Oyinbo come naim kasala bust – We dey our tin jeje dey playOne early mor-mor soNaim dem begin show faceFest na oga Laws, then Nico join am Before we go know wetin dey groundDem begin dey digPlace wey Nanchen say make we no touch Na di place gon, gon Oyinbo likeSee me see wahalaDem say make we comot go yonderWe neva siddon nishDem say make we join dey digSay e get one money dem dey call taxIf we no pay we no go see food chopLike play like joke we come startOur land no be our own againNa visitor come be landlordNanchen vex come dey swallow people Old, young and pikinThe matter still dey pain till now STANDARD ENGLISHAt the advent of colonialism, trouble startedWe were on our ownOne early morningThe colonialists began to arriveAt rst Sir Laws and then Sir NicholasShortly after thatDigging beganThe sacred grove of the goddessWas where the colonialists choseThen trouble beganWe were asked to move from our Ancestral home We had hardly settled on the new land whenWe were asked to digThen we were told about taxIf we did not pay, we would not eatLike a joke we began to mineWe lost our farmlandsAs the colonialists took chargeThe goddess got angry and swallowed upOld, young and infantThe memory still hurts About:Environmental degradation in the Jos plateau of Nigeria is a result of colonial intrusion. In the 19th century, traditional lands for farming were seized for the colonial mining of tin. These farmlands' indigenous inhabitants were then forced to work the mines in order to pay tax to the colonial government. Family life disintegrated as men were required to spend days away from their homes. Meanwhile, some women took over the responsibility of providing for their families, while others were recruited to the elds, often leaving children without parents to guide them. The excavating machines created large holes in the earth that were left abandoned by the colonialists. Today, these have become ponds of death that "swallow" humans and animals. The tin tailings also contaminate the water and surrounding soil. Decades after commercial mining by the colonial government ceased, this loss of land, livelihood, and family life has continued; little is known about the physical and psychological effect of this on the Jos environment. The poem As Oyinbo Come serves as a reminder of these various forms of loss. It was written to create consciousness and to awaken the people to a collective drive to see our land restored. Vashti Suwa Gbolagun Learn more about Vashti Suwa Gbolagun - blogs.salford.ac.uk/create-student-awards/create-student-awards-2022/the-deans-award/vashti-suwa-gbolagunLearn more about Shruthi Rajasekar - shruthirajasekar.com
Athanasia Kontou - Rackwick Bay (Film version) (Psappha commission, world premiere) PsapphaEnsemble 2023-03-10 | Psappha Ensemble:Benedict Holland & Zoë Beyers - violinsAlex Mitchell & Alistair Vennart violasJennifer Langridge & Petr Prause - cellosMark Heron - conductorThis performance was recorded live at Hallé St Peter's in Manchester (UK) on 31st March 2022 and marked Tim Williams’ final Manchester concert as Psappha’s Artistic Director. It pays homage to Peter Maxwell Davies, whose music was the group’s original inspiration, and to the land Max called home. Four new works have been commissioned, inspired by Orkney and written for this performance and accompanied new films shot by Tim Williams in Orkney.You can also see the musicians performing live alongside the film (Film with Live performance) in the 'Orkney - Peter Maxwell Davies Tribute' Playlist.To view the 4K version we recommend you use Google Chrome or the Firefox browser. Learn more about Psappha: http://psappha.comOrkney film shot, produced and edited by Tim Williams--------Athanasia Kontou - Rackwick Bay (Film version) (Psappha commission, world premiere)What instantly affected me in Tim Williams’ Rackwick Bay film was the wide range of different images within the landscape: the red-looking sand, the vast and foamy sea, the green hills, the angular and corroded rocks. I was inspired by all the contrasting colours and characters they add to the scenery, and their beautiful coexistence. I also imagined the presence of the wind, which is not visible but is, I assume, prominent when one experiences Rackwick Bay in person. The sextet depicts the natural elements which caught my eye in each shot. It is often split in two trios, to capture a pair of the elements. My thanks to the performers, whose contribution during the writing process have been invaluable. – Athanasia KontouLearn more about Athanasia Kontou: athanasiakontou.com
Athanasia Kontou - Rackwick Bay (Film with Live performance) (Psappha commission, world premiere) PsapphaEnsemble 2023-03-10 | Psappha Ensemble:Benedict Holland & Zoë Beyers - violinsAlex Mitchell & Alistair Vennart violasJennifer Langridge & Petr Prause - cellosMark Heron - conductorThis performance was recorded live at Hallé St Peter's in Manchester (UK) on 31st March 2022 and marked Tim Williams’ final Manchester concert as Psappha’s Artistic Director. It pays homage to Peter Maxwell Davies, whose music was the group’s original inspiration, and to the land Max called home. Four new works have been commissioned, inspired by Orkney and written for this performance and accompanied new films shot by Tim Williams in Orkney.There is also a version of this work that shows the film (full screen) with the live recording from the performance. This can be found in the 'Orkney - Peter Maxwell Davies Tribute' Playlist.To view the 4K version we recommend you use Google Chrome or the Firefox browser. Learn more about Psappha: http://psappha.comOrkney film shot, produced and edited by Tim Williams--------Athanasia Kontou - Rackwick Bay (Film version) (Psappha commission, world premiere)What instantly affected me in Tim Williams’ Rackwick Bay film was the wide range of different images within the landscape: the red-looking sand, the vast and foamy sea, the green hills, the angular and corroded rocks. I was inspired by all the contrasting colours and characters they add to the scenery, and their beautiful coexistence. I also imagined the presence of the wind, which is not visible but is, I assume, prominent when one experiences Rackwick Bay in person. The sextet depicts the natural elements which caught my eye in each shot. It is often split in two trios, to capture a pair of the elements. My thanks to the performers, whose contribution during the writing process have been invaluable. – Athanasia KontouLearn more about Athanasia Kontou: athanasiakontou.com
Simon Holt - The Sower (Psappha commission, Manchester premiere) PsapphaEnsemble 2023-03-03 | Psappha Ensemble:Conrad Marshall - alto fluteBenjamin Powell - pianoTim Williams - cimbalomJennifer Langridge - celloThis performance was recorded live at Hallé St Peter's in Manchester (UK) on 12th May 2022. To view the 4K version we recommend you use Google Chrome or the Firefox browser. Learn more about Psappha: http://psappha.comFilm ProductionCameras - Handel ProductionsAudio & Mastering - Rob KelledyFilm produced and edited by Tim Williams----------Simon Holt - The Sower (Psappha commission, Manchester premiere)The Sower for alto flute, piano, cello and cimbalom is derived from a poem by Antonio Machado. I have written two other pieces that use this poem as a starting point: Surcos for orchestra and Cloud Shadow a chamber piece.Noviembre 1913Un año más. El sembrador va echando la semilla en los surcos de la tierra.Dos lentas yuntas aran,mientras pasan las nubes cenicientas ensombreciendo el campo,las pardas sementeras,los grises olivares. Por el fondo del valle del río el agua turbia lleva.Tiene Cazorla nieve,y Mágina, tormenta,su montera, Aznaitín. Hacia Granada,montes con sol, montes de sol y piedra. One year on. The sower casts seed into the furrows of earth.Two slow oxen plough,whilst ashen clouds pass overhead, overshadowing the land,the brown, sown earth,the grey olive groves. In the depths of the river valley,the river flows, muddy.Cazorla has snow, and Mágina, storms,Aznaitín its cloth cap.Turning to Granada,sunny mountains, mountains of sun and stone. [Translation: Simon Holt]I discovered it on one of several bronze plaques to commemorate Machado set up on the walkway along the outskirts of the town of Baeza in southern Spain. Machado moved there after his wife died and taught French in the town. In the poem he is essentially describing the astonishing landscape. Simon HoltLearn more about Simon Holt: simonholtcomposer.com
Gary Carpenter - Fischietto è Morto PsapphaEnsemble 2023-01-13 | Psappha Ensemble:Katy Jones - tromboneBenedict Holland & Sophie Rosa - violinsHeather Wallington - violaJennifer Langridge -celloJames Manson - double bassMark Heron - conductorThis performance was recorded live at Hallé St Peter's in Manchester (UK) on 13th May 2021. To view the 4K version we recommend you use Google Chrome or the Firefox browser. The performance took place during the Covid-19 pandemic and was live-streamed without an audience.Learn more about Psappha: http://psappha.comFilm ProductionCameras - Soup CollectiveAudio & Mastering - Rob KelledyFilm produced and edited by Tim Williams--------"Nothing is funnier than unhappiness, I grant you that. Yes, yes, it's the most comical thing in the world." Samuel BeckettFederico Fellini’s TV film I Clowns (1970) ends with two keening trumpets. It follows a mock funeral set in a circus ring performed by a troupe of largely veteran clowns that becomes ever more anarchic. The sequence commences with the line ‘Fischietto è morto’ (Fischietto is dead) and is simultaneously a potpourri of traditional circus acts and an allegory on the death of a tradition.Fischietto è Morto begins at the end of the film with an unaccompanied trombone solo after which the Fellini connection becomes metaphorical and philosophical rather than descriptive. There follows a series of variation-like interconnected sections that alternate slow and fast music:• Valse Triste • Agitato• Tranquillo• Allegro• Corteo Funebre (Funeral Cortege)• Allegro giocoso• CodaTraditional clowning is an ambivalent art form. Ostensibly comedic in intent but functional in that it covers circus scene changes, it has an extraordinarily violent, uncomfortable and often vicious vocabulary that might - if I Clowns is anything to go by - involve things like dwarf clowns roasted on a spit, drunk clowns wielding knives, other clowns hit with hammers or having their heads split open with over-sized axes, always accompanied by pratfalls and exaggerated laughter directed at a knowing audience. The revulsion is kept at a distance by the clowns’ make-up which itself conforms to stereotypical designs that have evolved since the days of commedia dell'arte into a formal convention that masks the person whilst delineating the clown and giving the viewer permission to laugh. The perception of clowns as tragic (I Pagliacci), scary (Stephen King’s It), cynical (Krusty in The Simpsons), manipulative (Ronald MacDonald), self-serving (Boris Johnson), melancholic (Send In The Clowns) but seldom actually funny is an inevitable consequence of the tradition.My approach to this is two-fold; ambivalent if you like!1. The neutrality of the make-up/mask convention is represented by occasional flat, raw statements of complete twelve-tone rows in their various forms (original, inversion, etc.) as background figuration most readily identifiable in the violins’ pizzicato exchanges towards the end of the ‘tranquillo’ section.2. The traditional role of the trombone as joker/clown is absorbed by the occasional intervention of aural slapstick interwoven with the odd moment of maudlin self-pity mitigated (I hope!) by a pervasive lyricism and showman-like virtuosity. A quote from a Scarlatti sonata just before the Corteo Funebre signals the one direct emotional link with loss – and that is offset by the trombone’s self-mockery: "Nothing is funnier than unhappiness, I grant you that. Yes, yes, it's the most comical thing in the world."© Gary CarpenterLearn more about Gary Carpenter: http://www.garycarpenter.net
David John Roche - Practice Patience (Psappha commission, world premiere) PsapphaEnsemble 2022-12-21 | Psappha Ensemble:Dov Goldberg - clarinetMiloš Milivojević - accordionBenjamin Powell - pianoTim Williams - percussionBenedict Holland & Sophie Rosa - violinsHeather Wallington - violaJennifer Langridge - celloJamie Phillips - conductorThis performance was recorded live at Hallé St Peter's in Manchester (UK) on 27th May 2021. To view the 4K version we recommend you use Google Chrome or the Firefox browser. Learn more about Psappha: http://psappha.comFilm ProductionCameras - Soup CollectiveAudio & Mastering - Rob KelledyFilm produced and edited by Tim Williams----------David John Roche - Practice Patience (Psappha commission, world premiere)'Practice Patience' has a big and constant pulse, heavy drums, a sense of aggressive determination, and stacks of infectious, riff-based repetition. I think it clearly reflects the influence of the rock and metal music that sits at the core of my musical identity. I grew up learning and playing this music, it is deeply important to me, and it reminds me of where I’m from and who I am."- David John RocheLearn more about David: davidjohnroche.com
Katharina Wallace - Resonant Thinking PsapphaEnsemble 2022-10-18 | This Composing for Piano scheme began life as a scheme writing for Hardanger Fiddle in November 2021. The six composers worked with the inspirational Clare Salaman to write new works for this amazing instrument. Clare was already receiving treatment for cancer but she wanted to continue sharing her enthusiasm and knowledge with a new generation of composers. Tragically, Clare passed away in January of this year. The composers were all profoundly affected by Clare's passion, expertise and commitment, and they would like to to take the opportunity to dedicate their compositions in memory of Clare.------------------------------Psappha's 'Composing For…' schemes began back in 2013 and have supported the creation of more than 160 new works to date. The aim of the scheme is to give emerging composers direct access to one of Psappha’s core musicians over an extended period of 8 – 10 months. Through a series of one to one workshops the composer and musician get to know each other personally and musically and a new work is created through this collaboration.------------------------------Benjamin Powell - PianoTim Williams - Producer and EditorLeighton Moody - Director of Photography Rob Kelledy - Sound recording and Mastering ------------------------------Resonant Thinking explores the resonance of the piano through the mellow sounds created by using cimbalom mallets on the strings and the gentle ricochet of a superball mallet along the strings with a deliberately sparse texture to draw attention to how the piano resonates.Learn more about Katharina: katwallace.co.uk------------------------------LEARN MORE AND FOLLOW PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com Subscribe to Psappha's Enewsletter: shorturl.at/ryFGO Twitter: twitter.com/PsapphaEnsemble Facebook: facebook.com/psappha.ensemble Instagram: instagram.com/psapphaensemble------------------------------Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England; PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme; Fidelio Charitable Trust; RVW Trust; and the Granada Foundation.
Pierre Flasse - Maiden Voyage PsapphaEnsemble 2022-10-18 | This Composing for Piano scheme began life as a scheme writing for Hardanger Fiddle in November 2021. The six composers worked with the inspirational Clare Salaman to write new works for this amazing instrument. Clare was already receiving treatment for cancer but she wanted to continue sharing her enthusiasm and knowledge with a new generation of composers. Tragically, Clare passed away in January of this year. The composers were all profoundly affected by Clare's passion, expertise and commitment, and they would like to to take the opportunity to dedicate their compositions in memory of Clare.------------------------------Psappha's 'Composing For…' schemes began back in 2013 and have supported the creation of more than 160 new works to date. The aim of the scheme is to give emerging composers direct access to one of Psappha’s core musicians over an extended period of 8 – 10 months. Through a series of one to one workshops the composer and musician get to know each other personally and musically and a new work is created through this collaboration.------------------------------Benjamin Powell - PianoTim Williams - Producer and EditorLeighton Moody - Director of Photography Rob Kelledy - Sound recording and Mastering ------------------------------Maiden Voyage is a piece that explores a journey to the beginning of life. It begins as a seed gentle breaks from a tree and falls to the earth in the wind. Just as the seed gather momentum, it reaches a moment of stasis, gliding through the air with light shining down through the leaves. After this moment, the perspective shifts upwards to a soul speeding its way towards a new beginning, and the piece ends as it began.Learn more about Pierre: pierreflasse.com------------------------------LEARN MORE AND FOLLOW PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com Subscribe to Psappha's Enewsletter: shorturl.at/ryFGO Twitter: twitter.com/PsapphaEnsemble Facebook: facebook.com/psappha.ensemble Instagram: instagram.com/psapphaensemble------------------------------Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England; PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme; Fidelio Charitable Trust; RVW Trust; and the Granada Foundation.
Laura Shipsey - Feathered Air PsapphaEnsemble 2022-10-18 | This Composing for Piano scheme began life as a scheme writing for Hardanger Fiddle in November 2021. The six composers worked with the inspirational Clare Salaman to write new works for this amazing instrument. Clare was already receiving treatment for cancer but she wanted to continue sharing her enthusiasm and knowledge with a new generation of composers. Tragically, Clare passed away in January of this year. The composers were all profoundly affected by Clare's passion, expertise and commitment, and they would like to to take the opportunity to dedicate their compositions in memory of Clare.------------------------------Psappha's 'Composing For…' schemes began back in 2013 and have supported the creation of more than 160 new works to date. The aim of the scheme is to give emerging composers direct access to one of Psappha’s core musicians over an extended period of 8 – 10 months. Through a series of one to one workshops the composer and musician get to know each other personally and musically and a new work is created through this collaboration.------------------------------Benjamin Powell - PianoTim Williams - Producer and EditorLeighton Moody - Director of Photography Rob Kelledy - Sound recording and Mastering ------------------------------Feathered Air grew directly out of the first meeting on this composing for scheme with the Hardanger fiddle player Clare Salaman and her wholehearted warmth that day. The piece is in some ways an act of translation from one instrument to another, and my thanks go to Benjamin Powell for all his help in working through these ideas so sensitively at the piano. Feathered Air is my response to that brief meeting with the hardanger fiddle, and the bright yet calm energy of Clare. I hope some of the intricacy, directness of character, and nuanced movement of the music which Clare so generously shared with us that day has made its way into this piece for piano. The title can be understood as a whole, or as the two roots of the piece. Feathered, as in intricately compact, symmetrical, tapering. Thousands of tiny strands, just touching, forming a glistening surface, centred on a strong, dart like, core. Air as in that untouchable centre, and a softly stated musical line, continually floating onwards. It is music negotiating the space between centre, surface, and edges; something with direction, and evolving brightness, with a core made more or less visible.Learn more about Laura: laurashipsey.com------------------------------LEARN MORE AND FOLLOW PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com Subscribe to Psappha's Enewsletter: shorturl.at/ryFGO Twitter: twitter.com/PsapphaEnsemble Facebook: facebook.com/psappha.ensemble
Murrough Connolly - Quiver PsapphaEnsemble 2022-10-18 | This Composing for Piano scheme began life as a scheme writing for Hardanger Fiddle in November 2021. The six composers worked with the inspirational Clare Salaman to write new works for this amazing instrument. Clare was already receiving treatment for cancer but she wanted to continue sharing her enthusiasm and knowledge with a new generation of composers. Tragically, Clare passed away in January of this year. The composers were all profoundly affected by Clare's passion, expertise and commitment, and they would like to to take the opportunity to dedicate their compositions in memory of Clare.------------------------------Psappha's 'Composing For…' schemes began back in 2013 and have supported the creation of more than 160 new works to date. The aim of the scheme is to give emerging composers direct access to one of Psappha’s core musicians over an extended period of 8 – 10 months. Through a series of one to one workshops the composer and musician get to know each other personally and musically and a new work is created through this collaboration.------------------------------Benjamin Powell - PianoTim Williams - Producer and EditorLeighton Moody - Director of Photography Rob Kelledy - Sound recording and Mastering ------------------------------Quiver is a blues-inspired piece which explores the piano’s resonance. Alternating meters along with the use of octaves in the upper register create a sense of brightness and propulsion from the outset. The piano’s resonant capabilities gradually become more prominent through the use of increasingly colourful harmonies. Relentless rhythmic activity, increased chromaticism and larger registral spans eventually drive the piece towards an emphatic climax, where the pulsating material finally gives way to rich, sonorous chords. Freed from rhythmical constraints, Quiver concludes on a more expressive note and alludes to some of the earlier motivic ideas with greater freedom and sensitivity.Learn more about Murrough: murroughconnolly.com------------------------------LEARN MORE AND FOLLOW PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com Subscribe to Psappha's Enewsletter: shorturl.at/ryFGO Twitter: twitter.com/PsapphaEnsemble Facebook: facebook.com/psappha.ensemble Instagram: instagram.com/psapphaensemble------------------------------Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England; PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme; Fidelio Charitable Trust; RVW Trust; and the Granada Foundation.
Zhenyan Li - Joker PsapphaEnsemble 2022-10-18 | This Composing for Piano scheme began life as a scheme writing for Hardanger Fiddle in November 2021. The six composers worked with the inspirational Clare Salaman to write new works for this amazing instrument. Clare was already receiving treatment for cancer but she wanted to continue sharing her enthusiasm and knowledge with a new generation of composers. Tragically, Clare passed away in January of this year. The composers were all profoundly affected by Clare's passion, expertise and commitment, and they would like to to take the opportunity to dedicate their compositions in memory of Clare.------------------------------Psappha's 'Composing For…' schemes began back in 2013 and have supported the creation of more than 160 new works to date. The aim of the scheme is to give emerging composers direct access to one of Psappha’s core musicians over an extended period of 8 – 10 months. Through a series of one to one workshops the composer and musician get to know each other personally and musically and a new work is created through this collaboration.------------------------------Benjamin Powell - PianoTim Williams - Producer and EditorLeighton Moody - Director of Photography Rob Kelledy - Sound recording and Mastering ------------------------------This piece is inspired by comic characters. I try to create the comic effect by using extremely sudden and contrasting emotional changes. Even though it is related to comedy, my intention is not to make people laugh. I try to emphasise the contradicted feelings behind each comic character. On the other hand, I want to engage the pianist’s performing style and the use of the camera, to create a more dramatic effect.Learn more about Zhenyan Li: zhenyanli.com------------------------------LEARN MORE AND FOLLOW PSAPPHA Website: http://www.psappha.com Subscribe to Psappha's Enewsletter: shorturl.at/ryFGO Twitter: twitter.com/PsapphaEnsemble Facebook: facebook.com/psappha.ensemble Instagram: instagram.com/psapphaensemble------------------------------Psappha is grateful for the support its ‘Composing For…’ programme receives from: Arts Council England; PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme; Fidelio Charitable Trust; RVW Trust; and the Granada Foundation.
