Ludwig (2006 / 2007)
โ a tribute to Beethoven in music and film
s sax, b cl, tpt, tbn, pno, 2 perc, 2 vln, vla, vcl, db
Duration: c. 60 minutes
Inspired by Beethovenโs Symphony No7, the programme features music created by some of the most exciting composers working today; Graham Fitkin, Robert Moran, Patrick Nunn and Orlando Gough.
The programme also includes Beethovenโs little known work for Glass Harmonica (tuned glass bowls), written in 1815. Specialist percussionist Alasdair Malloy (via film) accompanies the live chamber orchestra performing a new set of variations composed by Charlie Barber.
First performed at The Gate, Cardiff 24 February 2006 with James Mainwaring (soprano saxophone), Massimo di Trolio (bass clarinet), David Geoghegan (trumpet), Gwyn Daniels (trombone), Semra Kurutaรง (piano), Matthew West (percussion), Jonathan Helm (percussion), Jonathan Burnett (violin), Katy Rowe (violin), Rebekah Brown (viola), Sharon McKinley (cello), Georgina Poad (double bass)
CD recording information here
Images
Video
Press
โUltimately, it matters little whether you get the musical references, though some are obvious, rather itโs the thought process that counts here, Beethovenโs, Barberโs and yours, the listener. Barberโs fascination with the idea of taking fragments of existing music and using them as a basis for some entirely new has continued and there are now six pieces inspired by Beethoven. The notion of evoking something of the spirit of the original composer through quotations is rather romantic given such a robust and often uncompromising style of music, yet there is a definite resonance in the pulse and rhythm which makes for compelling listening. Barber has a neat way, too, of picking up on associations with words which in turn lead him to play with intriguing musical ideas.โ Rian Evans, Musical Opinion, January 2008
Performances
| 24.02.06 | CARDIFF | The Gate Arts Centre |
| 25.02.06 | ABERYSTWYTH | Arts Centre |
| 26.02.06 | HOLYHEAD | Ucheldre Centre |
| 27.09.07 | TENBY | Festival, De Valance Pavilion |
| 29.09.07 | MOLD | Clwyd Theatr Cymru |
| 30.09.07 | CARDIFF | Chapter Arts Centre |
| 02.10.07 | LONDON | Southbank Centre, Purcell Room |
| 10.10.07 | BRADFORD-ON-AVON | Wiltshire Music Centre |
| 11.10.07 | ALSAGER | Arts Centre |
| 14.10.07 | SWANSEA | Music Festival, Taliesin Arts Centre |
| 20.10.07 | LLANTWIT MAJOR | St Donats Arts Centre |
| 23.10.07 | LAMPETER | University |
Programme
Credits
Produced by Sound Affairs with the financial support of: Arts Council of Wales, Foyle Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Hinrichsen Foundation, Holst Foundation, Oakdale Trust, RVW Trust
Related content
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