Informationen zu "Tony Osborne Impressions of Elgar Double Bass Quartet"
Verlag: Recital Music
Verlagsnummer: RM749
EAN: 9790570457496
ISMN: M-57045-749-6
Beschreibung
Tony Osborne writes: 'This piece commemorates the 150th anniversary of the
birth of Sir Edward Elgar (1867-1934), without doubt one of the most popular
of all composers, whose artistic mastery of melody, harmony, orchestral
colour and timing, together with his vision of the expression of beauty, from
the simplest to the grandest and most rousing, are legendary. In this suite I
have embarked on a journey of unashamed indulgence into Elgar's world - here
we find cottages, rolling countryside, old motor cars, bicycles, small dogs
and majestic moustaches - the more ordinary side of Elgar's life -
circumstance but little pomp! The first movement (Simple Pleasures) opens in
a light gentle, swirling stream of 6/8 which is reminiscent of the delightful
'Serenade for Strings', also of ice-cream and parasols by the bandstand in
the park. There follows a much deeper and reflective section taking us into a
more intimate and slightly more melancholic mood. Both themes are restated
and the movement closes with a further brief reference to the opening. The
second movement (Scenes & Dreams: English Pastures) is a tender, flowing and
romantic melody. A more intense treatment develops, but the movement closes
with a return of the initial tranquility. This might reflect Elgar's love of
the Malvern Hills, or his innermost feelings. The third movement (Grace &
Nobility) is in a more march-like and brighter mood - a brisk walk, a
convivial gathering of Elgar's circle of friends, or a trip to London to hear
the premiere of one of his celebrated, majestic works for orchestra. Like the
2nd Symphony - his last known during his lifetime - this suite ends quietly
and contemplatively in celebration of one of music's greatest forces.'
Tony Osborne is an important educationalist and prolific composer who has
made a significant and unique contribution to the double bass repertoire over
the past 35 years. His solo music for young bassists is included by many
international examination boards, and his many ensembles pieces are performed
at workshops and concerts throughout the world. Tony Osborne notes the
influences of Gershwin, Copland and Bernstein, alongside some of the Russian
masters, on his music, which he combines with a jazzy, rhythmic and energetic
style that has been popular with players and audiences worldwide. Born in
1947 into a musical family, Tony Osborne studied at the Royal Academy of
Music (London) with John Walton (double bass) and Richard Stoker
(composition), and divides a busy career between composing, teaching and
performing. A very prolific composer and arranger, Tony's original
compositions include works in almost every genre, notably Chaconne
Syncopations and Wainwright's Ways for brass quintet, Celebration Fanfare for
brass ensemble, the musical A Fine Time for Wine, a beautiful and dramatic
Requiem and many works for string orchestra. In 2001 Tony Osborne was
elected an ARAM (Associate of the Royal Academy of Music) for his pioneering
and important work for double bass, and has been a featured composer at
Bass-Fest for the past decade. He was a very successful BIBF
Composer-in-residence in 2002-3 and wrote a number of impressive and
innovative works for the project. He has been a judge for the British
Composer Awards over the past few years and has been a judge for the BIBF
Composition Competition since 1999. Recital Music held a concert of Tony
Osborne's music in 2012, to celebrate the composer's 65th birthday, and has
formulated a 10-year project to publish all his works for double bass.
www.tony-osborne.com
