Overview

Arguably the most important British post-minimalist composer, Gavin Bryars has worked in classical music, jazz, free improvisation, minimalism, historicism, avant-garde, and experimental music. His style has evolved since his first major piece, The Sinking of the Titanic (1969) and he remains a provocative yet accessible composer capable of working in a variety of different musical genres. Celebrating his 80th birthday in 2023, this new book brings together musicians and academics who have worked with Bryars, each discussing one particular aspect of his work

Full Product Details

Author:   Steve Reich ,  David Wordsworth ,  Leslie East
Publisher:   Kahn & Averill
Imprint:   Kahn & Averill
Dimensions:   Width: 19.30cm , Height: 2.20cm , Length: 25.20cm
ISBN:  

9780995757486

ISBN 10:   0995757488
Pages:   360
Publication Date:   30 November 2023
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Available To Order  
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Table of Contents

Foreword by Steve Reich Preface by David Wordsworth Prologue - an interview with Gavin Bryars 1. Vocal Music - John Potter 2. Choral Music - David Wordsworth 3. Opera - David Wordsworth 4. Jazz and Improvisation - Brian Morton 5. Experimental Music - Virginia Anderson 6. Dance - Roger Heaton 7. Titanic and Jesus' Blood - Brian Morton 8. Orchestral Music - Martin Cotton 9. Notes from a Collaborator - Blake Morrison 10. The Adnan Songbook - Anna Maria Friman 11. The Flower of Friendship - The Gavin Bryars Ensemble - Audrey Riley 12. Bryars and Art School - Simon Strange 13. After Handel's 'Vesper' and the Harpsichord's Dual Life - Mahan Esfahani 14. Tributes - Howard Skempton and Bryn Harrison Epilogue: Career and Evolution - Gavin Bryars Appendices Bryars' Desert Island Discs Catalogue of Works Arrangements by others Discography Contributors Index of Names Acknowledgements

Reviews

'Listening to The Sinking of the Titanic, Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet, Double Bass Concerto (Farewell to St. Petersburg), Cello Concerto (Farewell to Philosophy) and One Last Bar then Joe Can Sing gave me the distinct impression of a thoughtful, committed composer with a very strong personal voice - always the main issue for me.' - Steve Reich; 'The music of Gavin Bryars falls under no category. It is mongrel, full of sensuality and wit and is deeply moving. He is one of the few composers who can put slapstick and primal emotion alongside each other. He allows you to witness new wonders in the sounds around you by approaching them from a completely new angle. With a third ear maybe?' - Michael Ondaatje

Author Information

David Wordsworth has at various times been a teacher, music publisher, promoter of composers, pianist, writer on music, and choral conductor. His association with Gavin Bryars goes back some 25 years, to begin with as his publisher, then as the conductor of several of his works, including a number written especially for him. Leslie East is Editorial Consultant to Kahn & Averill and has contributed editorial support and advice to the publisher on various projects with particular responsibility for the revised edition of James Blades' Percussion Instruments and their History and Giving Voice to My Music, conversations with composers of choral music

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