| Summary: | I have chosen to be assessed as an interpreter and conductor of New Music for British Brass Band. This critical evaluation represents a summary of my work on the four required projects of the DMA course, in which I hope to demonstrate a high level of creative interpretation. This evaluation will also demonstrate my ability to show original insights into certain musical works and formulate sound critical judgments in order to elicit performances which have been critically acclaimed by my peers within this chosen medium. Project One aims to demonstrate a capacity for producing perceptive and imaginative musical interpretations in preparing and conducting the first commercial recording of brass music of Arthur Butterworth (DOYCD130). As will be argued elsewhere, Butterworth is a nationally recognized figure with a wide range of musical publications, and this recording includes four world premiere recordings of the composer's work and a new commission, Sinfonia Concertante. Project Two is a further CD recording entitled The Brass Music of Michael Ball 1 (DOYCD135). This presents a programme of highly crafted pieces of the composer's wide style and approach. There are five world premiere recordings which offer new insights into the composer's work as well as new interpretations of his work in fine performances. This project also includes an examination of a new work, A Cambrian Suite, jointly commissioned by the Black Dyke Band and the Brass Band Heritage Trust, first performed at the Royal Concert Hall at the RNCM on the 18th February as part of the Festival of Brass 2002. Project Three consists of two live recordings, produced digitally, and stored on single Compact Discs. The two works Sinfonia Concertante Arthur Butterworth and Atlantic Philip Wilby were premiered respectively at the Harrogate International Music Festival, July 28 th 2001 and The Festival of Brass January 18th 2002. Both these composers enjoy high status as nationally recognised composers, and their premiere performances offer significant first insights into the works in question. I would argue that this demonstrates a capacity for eliciting imaginative musical interpretations from a highly talented group of musicians. During my DMA registration I have performed ten world premieres: Masque, Danceries, and Alchymist's Journal by Kenneth Hesketh., Sinfonia Concertante Opus 111 by Arthur Butterworth, Atlantic and Concerto 1945 by Philip Wilby, Call of the Cossacks by Peter Graham, The Sword and the Crown by Edward Gregson, A Cambrian Suite by Michael Ball and Trombone Concerto by Martin Ellerby. This range of performances displays my commitment to developing the repertoire of the Brass Band Movement. I have also undertaken eight studio recording projects, The Eternal Quest QPRL 21 ID, The Essential Dyke Vol. Ill DOYCD121, Spectacular Classics Vol. IIOBR876, The Music of Arthur Butterworth DOYCD130, The Music of Michael Ball DOYCD135, Black Dyke Plays Verdi OBR883, The Heaton Collection SP&S100, Call of the Cossacks DOYCDI38. These projects represent an endeavour to unveil and demonstrate the level of expertise and flexibility available in the current British Brass Band movement, which draws its influences from sources as diverse as Classical, Contemporary, Popular, and World Musics. Project Four A public performance will be given by the Black Dyke Band conducted by myself as part of the National Brass Band Championship of Great Britain, in the Royal Albert Hall on 19 th October 2002. This will give the examiners the opportunity to judge my abilities for themselves.
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