Capital Philharmonic New Jersey, Strings completed a recording session, in September 2020, at 1867 Sanctuary in New Jersey, with Daniel Spalding (above) as the Conductor. The programme included Greig’s Holberg Suite, Vivaldi Concerto Grosso in D minor Op 3 No. 11, Philip Herbert Elegy: in memoriam - Stephen Lawrence, Lekeu Adagio, Mozart Eine Kleine Nachmusik.
Punarjanm
When I was commissioned by Jamie Munn ( CEO of Nevis Ensemble) in November 2020, to write a piece for the Nevis Ensemble, that celebrated the arrival of the season, known as ‘Spring’, I found inspiration in Indian Classical Music and the raga Basant Mhukari. This raga (scale) is said to:
“.....denote the changing of the season and the newness of spring. This Raag encourages the mind to brush away its selfishness, just like spring- cleaning”
Specifically a raga is a scale based on a set series of notes, which evoke an ambiance which is said to ‘colour the mind.’ The notes in raga Basant Mhukari are as follows:
F Gb A Bb C Db Eb F
The title of this piece is taken from a Hindu word which is ‘Punarjanm’ that means ‘Rebirth’. Words such as rejuvenation, rebirth, resurrection, regrowth and renewal are associated with this Season, which follows after the dark days of Winter. It is the energy in these words that this music strives to capture. The piece pulsates with layers of ostinati and rhythms cells.
This piece crosses genres to bridge Indian Classical Music with folk rock music. The piece is scored for voices, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, soprano saxophone, violin, viola, ‘cello, semi-acoustic guitar, electric bass guitar: tabla, cabasa, tambourine, guiro, egg shaker, cajon, and tenor drum.
Reflections is a new publication that brings to the fore the contributions of Black people in the arts, culture and heritage from a British and Afro-European perspective, rendering them visible. It explores historical and contemporary contexts and how these are expressed in various art forms. Reflections brings together key voices who have contributed papers covering Black British theatre, dance, classical music, carnival, and the impact of the Windrush experience. Contributing writers include, Pawlet Brookes, Eddie Chambers, Philip Herbert, Carol Leeming, Tara Lopez, Maureen Salmon, Kadija Sesay and Stephen Small. Publication date 2020 ISBN 978 - 1 9163965 - 1 - 7
MishMash Productions commissioned the opportunity to write some new music for string trio which could be explored and developed for the creation of new pieces, presented in a theatrical way for children. I was able to write two new works including what started out as ‘Aesop’s Philosophy’ and the other was called ‘Tranquillo.’ This was discussed in November 2020 and the work was created across May - June 2021 and explored over a day in June and 2 further days in July, 2021, with a music director, Lata Nobes
Music provides solace and joy for many, and never more so than in the last year, with Bach being the composer to whom many musicians turned. This new film by Matt Belcher features interviews with musicians and composers about their creative experiences in the time of coronavirus, alongside performances of their favourite solo Bach works and premieres of their personal musical responses. J.S. Bach Violin Partita in D minor: IV Gigue Joe Cutler Ghost Chorales. J.S. Bach Organ Sonata No. 4 : Andante (Adagio) (transcr. August Stradal for piano) Philip Herbert From the embers of silence. J.S. Bach Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major: 1 Prelude. Zöe Martlew G-lude J.S. Bach Violin Partita No.3 in E major: VI Bourée (performed on accordion) Howard Skempton Borrow.