Andrew McBirnie - British Composer

British Composers Project
	Andrew McBirnie

Andrew McBirnie combines an active career as a composer with the position of Director of Music at The Oratory School, near Reading. Recently completed works include Three Paraphrases on Hymn Tunes by John Henry Newman (2000-1), premiered by the Duke Quartet at The Oratory School in May 2001, Boyhood's Home (2001), a music theatre work developed at the ENO Studio, and The Moon by Night, for alto flute and piano, premiered by Carla Rees and Charles Wiffen in March 2002. He is currently working on a wind quintet for Harlequin.,

Sonatina for Brass, Ritornel

Sonatina for Brass

Biographical Notes

Born in Portsmouth, UK, in 1971, Andrew McBirnie graduated from the University of Bristol in 1992 with first class honours in music, and subsequently studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London, obtaining London University's MMus degree in 1994, and the RAM's Diploma of Advanced Studies with Merit the following year. In 1997 he completed a PhD in composition at the University of London, with funding from the British Academy.

Former teachers include David Penri-Evans, Adrian Beaumont, Michael Finnissy, Melanie Daiken, and, most importantly and influentially, Justin Connolly.

His music has its origins in the mainstream tradition of the twentieth century, influenced in particular by composers such as Shostakovich, Stravinsky and Tippett, as well as more recent British composers such as Birtwistle and Turnage. There are also touches of jazz and popular styles. More recently, his interest in the post-Schoenberg American serial school has resulted in a more classically pitch-driven approach, although former pre-occupations with rhythm, gesture and timbre have by no means been discarded.

Andrew McBirnie's music has been performed widely in Britain, Europe, the US, Canada, Australia and the Far East, by artists and ensembles including the London Sinfonietta / Martyn Brabbins, the BBC Singers/Simon Joly, the BBC Philharmonic/Martyn Brabbins, the RAM Symphony Orchestra/Elgar Howarth, the Parnassus Ensemble/Peter Sheppard-Skaerved, Onyx Brass, Camerada, the violinist Dinos Constantinides, and the organist Paul Ayres.

His music has been broadcast several times on BBC radio and television, and he was a finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year / Lloyds Bank Composer Award in 1993.

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The chamber opera The Rocking-Horse Winner (1996) was the subject of an academic paper given at an international conference at the University of Nottingham in July 1996, together with a performance of three scenes. In March 2002 a concert featuring four of Andrew's chamber works was held at The Warehouse in London.

Two pieces have been issued on CD: the Sonatina for Brass (1995) was recorded by Onyx Brass on the Intim Musik label (IMCD 058), and the Variation for Joanne Johnson (1997) for organ was included on a CD by Paul Ayres (FAND 102). The Trio I (1988) is shortly to be published by Breitkopf & Hartel.

Andrew spent the summer of 1995 at Tanglewood, USA, as a Fellow in Composition, working with Henri Dutilleux, George Perle, and Oliver Knussen. In 1998 he participated in the Advanced Composition course at Dartington, working with Peter Sculthorpe.

[He is] a very gifted composer who though young is already able to give his pieces dramatic shape and effective large-scale articulation, while not neglecting local detail. Charles Wuorinen

[His] music is striking in its originality and conviction. His work makes use of the heritage of the past, but older shapes and forms are transfigured in often unexpected ways. His use of orchestral colour is bold, and even chamber works are infused with unusual textural nuance. In addition, there is substance in the musical gestures and a strong sense of direction. Louis Karchin

Selected Works

SELECTED WORKS

Opera and Music Theatre

THE ROCKING-HORSE WINNER 1996 (52 mins)

Chamber opera in two acts. Libretto by Bethan Scourse Jones, based on the short story by D.H.Lawrence. Light soprano, mezzo-soprano, light tenor, baritone
(1.1.1.1.1.1.0.0.2perc.pno.hp.1.1.1.1.1.)

Performances:

14:07:96 Workshop performance of three scenes and other short excerpts by Suzanna Marks (soprano), Natalia Burtt-Jones (soprano), Leigh Melrose (baritone), Janet Winstone (piano) at the 6th International D.H.Lawrence conference, Djanogly Recital Hall, University of Nottingham

Orchestra

GOWER BEACH 1992 (15 min)

(4.3.3.3;4.4.3.1;timps.perc.hp.pf.strings)

Performances:

12:12:93 by the London Sinfonietta, conducted by Martyn Brabbins, at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London, at the final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year/Lloyds Bank Composer Award

Broadcasts:

04:04:94 on BBC2 television, as part of the Young Composer documentary

HERR BERG'S SNOWSTORM 1994 (14 min)

(4.3.4.2sax.3;4.4.3.1;timps.5perc.hp.pf/cel.accdn.strings)

Performances:

17:03:95 by the Royal Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Elgar Howarth, at the R.A.M.'s Ligeti Through the Looking Glass Festival
25:10:97 by the BBC Philharmonic, conducted by Martyn Brabbins, at the BBC/SPNM Composers' Platform, Manchester

Broadcasts:

20:01:96 by the Royal Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Elgar Howarth, on BBC Radio 3 Youth Orchestras of the World
02:98 by the BBC Philharmonic, conducted by Martyn Brabbins, introduced by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, on BBC Radio 3

Works for String Orchestras

SINFONIETTA 1995

Re-orchestration of Chamber Symphony for chamber orchestra
(2.2.2.2;2.2.0.0.timps.strings).
Dedicated to Adrian Beaumont

Choral

RIO 1993 revised 1994 (12 min)

A capella choir with semi-chorus (original version only) and high baritone solo, to words by A.J.C. Reger. Dedicated to 'Jack' Reger

Performances:

24:03:94 by the BBC Singers, conducted by Simon Joly, at the Schnittke at 60 Festival, Royal Academy of Music, London (originl version)

Broadcasts:

20:11:94 by the BBC Singers, conducted by Simon Joly, on BBC Radio 3

Competitions:

Honourable mention in the 1995 Choral-Composition Contest, Roger Wagner Center for Choral Studies, California State University

Ensemble

CHAMBER SYMPHONY 1991 (18 min)

Ensemble (1.1.1.1;1.1.1.0.pno.2.2.2.2.1). 1. Maestoso - Allegro; 2. Lento piangevole - Allegro; 3. Vivace - Moderato.

Performances:

08:05:91 by Bristol University New Music Ensemble, conducted by Adrian Beaumont, in the Great Hall, Wills Memorial Building, at a University lunchtime concert
2. 15:03:92 by Bristol University New Music Ensemble, conducted by Adrian Beaumont, in the David Russell Theatre, Portsmouth Grammar School, as part of Tempo '92
3. 23:11:93 Readthrough by the Manson Ensemble of the Royal Academy of Music

CITY 1999 (10/11 mins)

For ensemble (cl/sax 1, cl/sax 2, flute/bass gt, trp, trb, vn, elec gt, piano, perc, drumkit). Composed for, and dedicated to, Tim Adnitt and Avenue A.

Performances:

1. 27:06:00 by Avenue A at The Oratory School

RITORNEL 2000 (7 mins)

For ensemble (fl/picc, alto sax/sop sax, cl/bass cl, piano, 2 vn, vla, vc.) Composed for, and dedicated to, Lisa Osmialowski and the Bennelong Ensemble.

Performances:

1. 25:05:00 by the Bennelong Ensemble at the British Music Information Centre, London
2. 03:04:02 by the Bennelong Ensemble at the Purcell Room, London

Voice and ensemble

THAT NOTE YOU HOLD 1991(20 min)

Cycle of four poems by Philip Larkin for soprano, piano and seven solo strings (2.2.2.1).

Performances:

29:11:91 by Bristol University musicians (inc. Lucy Ann Brown, soprano; Ceri Simpson, piano; conducted by Andrew McBirnie) at Music Department Composers' Concert, Reception Room, Wills Memorial Building
23:06:95 by RAM musicians (inc. Suzanna Marks, soprano; Julietta Demetriades, piano; conducted by Andrew McBirnie) at Wraysbury Musikfest

ETERNAL ICE 1994 (12 min)

Soprano solo, organ, percussion (two players). Words from the poem Apocalypse by Bethan Jones. Commissioned by and dedicated to Mme. Yvonne Loriod to mark the dedication of the Royal Academy of Music's new Van den Heuvel organ.

Performances:

18:05:94 by Emma Silversides (soprano), Kimberley Marshall (organ), Scott Bywater and Joe Cooper (percussion), and conducted by Justin Connolly, at the Messaien Festival, Royal Academy of Music, London

RINGS OF GRAIN 1994 (35 min)

Cantata for soprano solo, organ, brass (two horns, two trumpets, two trombones), two harps and percussion (4 players). Composed at the request of Mme. Yvonne Loriod.
1. Prelude; 2. Summer Dawn (William Morris); 3. Hurrahing in Harvest (Gerard Manley Hopkins); 4. Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening (Robert Frost); 5. The Trees (Philip Larkin); 6. Postlude. Dedicated to Mme. Yvonne Loriod

Instrumental chamber

TRIO I 1988 (11/12 min)

Clarinet in Bb, cello, piano.

Performances:

07:07:89 by Joy Farrall, Jonathan Williams and Shelagh Sutherland of the London Sinfonietta at the Young Composers' Workshop in the Menuhin Room, Portsmouth Central Library, as part of Tempo '89 2. 03:05:91 by the de Saram Trio at Bristol University Dept. of Music

STRING QUARTET No. 1 1989 (7/8 min)

Performances:

04:05:90 Readthrough by the Britten Quartet at Bristol University Dept. of Music
03:02:91 Workshop performance by the Kreutzer Quartet in Portsmouth Cathedral, as part of Tempo '91

STRING QUARTET No. 2 1991 (12 min)

1. Prologue; 2. Dance; 3. Epilogue

Performances:

1. 08:05:92 Workshop performance by the Uro Boros Ensemble, Bristol University Music Department
27:10:94 by the Thamesis Quartet at Homewood Road United Reformed Church, St. Albans
25:11:94 by the Thamesis Quartet at a 'Mainly New' Concert, RAM, London
01:03:95 by the Thamesis Quartet at the British Music Information Centre, London
19:03:02 by the Emanon Quartet at The Warehouse, London

OBOE QUARTET

Oboe, violin, viola, cello. Duration: approx. 9 minutes. Composed February 1993.

Performances:

17:04:93 by Camerada at the Michael Nott Rotunda, Portsmouth Grammar School
13:08:95 by Tanglewood Fellows at the Seiji Ozawa Hall, Tanglewood Music Center, Massechusetts, USA

Broadcasts:

12:07:96 by Tanglewood Fellows on Hear and Now, BBC Radio 3 Tanglewood Weekend

STRING QUARTET No. 3 ("Mini-Variations") 1993 (11 min)

Violin, viola, 2 cellos. Commissioned by the Parnassus Ensemble and dedicated to Peter Sheppard and the Parnassus Ensemble

Performances:

21:10:93 by the Parnassus Ensemble (dir. Peter Sheppard) at the Trinity Theatre and Arts Centre, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

TRIO II 1994 (5/6 min)

Violin, clarinet in Bb, piano.

Performances:

12:08:95 by Tanglewood Fellows (Vivienne Kim, Derek Bermel, Naomi Niskala) at Tanglewood, Massechusetts, U.S.A.

SONATINA FOR BRASS

Brass quintet (two trumpets in Bb, horn in F, trombone, tuba). Composed July - August 1995. Duration: approx. 12 minutes. 1. Allegro assai con spirito; 2. Lento; con tenerezza; 3. Moderato quasi allegro molto. Dedicated to Amos Miller and Onyx Brass.

Performances:

16:03:96 by Onyx Brass at Spitalfields Market Opera, London
22:06:96 by Karelia Brass at the Michael Nott Rotunda, Portsmouth Grammar School (first movt. only)
28:11:96 by Karelia Brass at the British Music Information Centre, London (first movt. only)

Recordings:

1. By Onyx Brass on the Intim Musik label (IMCD 058)

LYRAE I 1997 (7 mins)

Violin and cello duo.
1. Moderato delicamente; 2. Allegro meccanico; 3. Lento; 4. Moderato, quasi poco allegro, ma non alla frenesia

Performances:

03:98 by Peter Sheppard and Neil Heyde in the Psaphos Municipal Theatre, Cyprus
14:06:00 by Camerada at the Conway Hall, London

LAMENT FOR BASSOON AND STRINGS 1999 (7 mins)

Bassoon and string quartet. Written for, and dedicated to, Aidan Twomey.

Performances:

1. 01:06:99 by Aidan Twomey and RIAM students and graduates at the Royal Irish Music Academy, Dublin
2. 19:03:02 by Aidan Twomey and the Emanon Quartet, The Warehouse, London

SONATINA FOR TWO RECORDERS 2000 (7 mins)

For two treble recorders. Composed for, and dedicated to, Kathryn Bennetts and Peter Bowman.
1. Allegro ma non troppo; 2. Molto lento; 3. Con moto

THREE PARAPHRASES ON HYMN TUNES BY JOHN HENRY NEWMAN 2001 (9 mins)

For string quartet. 1. Regina Apostolorum; 2. Regulars and St. Philip; 3. Conversion 2001

Performances:

1. 02:05:01 by the Duke Quartet at the Newman Memorial Chamber Concert, The Oratory School

Solo instrument with keyboard accompaniment

DAVIE GELLATLEY'S DANCE 1994 (6 min)

Recorders (one player - sopranino, descant, treble, tenor) and harpsichord (or piano).
Dedicated to Louise Tombleson

Performances:

25:11:94 by Louise Tombleson and Elizabeth Boyle at a 'Mainly New' concert, Royal Academy of Music, London

EX URBE BRISTOLIENSE 1995 (14 min)

Clarinet in Bb and piano (with additional piano on pre-recorded tape).
1. Mid-afternoon in Brighton Road; 2. Royal Fort House; 3. Leigh Woods. Dedicated to Bethan Jones

Performances:

29:09:99 by Neil Greig-Smith and Nicholas O'Neill at St Bride's Church, Fleet Street, London EC4
17:05:00 by Neil Greig-Smith and Nicholas O'Neill at the Holywell Music Room, Oxford

...UNTIL THE BREAKING OF THE DAY 1996 (18 mins)

Cello and organ. Commissioned by and dedicated to Faye Clinton, with funds from the Ralph Vaughan Williams Trust.

Performances:

18:11:96 by Faye Clinton (cello) and Peter Wright (organ), lunchtime concert at Southwark Cathedral, London

PASTORAL 1998 (4 mins)

Versions for violin and piano, and flute and piano.

Performances:

03:98 by Peter Sheppard in the Munwha Ibo Hall, Soeul, South Korea (violin version)
07:05:98 by Daniel Kessner and Dolly Eugenio Kessner at the BMIC, London (flute version)

Solo instrument (not keyboard)

FOUR PIECES FOR SOLO VIOLIN 1991 (6/7 min)

1. Quasi improvisato; 2. Con molto espressione; 3. Scherzando; 4. Calmato.
Dedicated to Peter Sheppard

Performances:

19:09:92 by Peter Sheppard at the Royal Over-Seas League, London
21:04:95 by Peter Sheppard at the Amadeus Centre, London

ETUDES EN RONDEAU 1995 (4 mins)

For solo violin. Dedicated to David Penri-Evans, on his fortieth birthday

Performances:

1. 18:01:96 by Gabrielle Painter at the David Penri-Evans 40th birthday concert, British Music Information Centre, London
2. 08:03:96 by Dinos Constantinides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
3. 23:06:96 by Peter Sheppard at the Purcell Room, London

Solo keyboard

PIANO SONATA 1988 (15/16 min)

Performances:

08:07:89 by John Longley at the PDCA Concert in the Menuhin Room, Portsmouth Central Library as part of Tempo '89
08:06:95 by Philip Howard at the British Music Information Centre, London
11:11:95 by Philip Howard at the Michael Nott Rotunda, Portsmouth Grammar School

EIGHT VIGNETTES 1995 (15 min)

For organ. Written for Paul Ayres, and dedicated to 'all those depicted herein'

Performances:

1. 21:01:96 by Paul Ayres at Washington National Cathedral, USA
2. 24:01:96 by Paul Ayres at St. Timothy's Anglican Church, Ridley Boulevard, North Toronto
3. 07:02:96 by Paul Ayres at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church, Norman, Oklahoma
4. 11:02:96 by Paul Ayres at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Oklahoma City
5. 13:02:96 by Paul Ayres at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Fort Worth, Texas
6. 23:02:96 by Paul Ayres at Grace Cathedral, Topeka, Kansas
7. 11:03:96 by Paul Ayres at St. Michael's, Cornhill, London EC3

YET DARKER 1999 (8/9 mins)

For piano solo. Written for, and dedicated to, Kate Ryder.

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