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- Edward Gregson
Four Études (2016)
- Novello & Co Ltd (World)
Available to purchase from Studio Music here (Score and parts) (Score only)
Programme Note
This work was written during August and September 2016. In it, I wanted to primarily explore the elements of timbre, rhythm, texture and colour. The first three études (or studies) are based on a set of piano pieces I composed in 1982, whilst the last, the longest of the set, was composed specially. My reference point was the Four Études for orchestra of 1928 by Stravinsky, a work I have always admired, and of which the first three also happen to be based on a set of earlier pieces, in his case for string quartet, with the last being a re-arrangement of a work for pianola. I have also borrowed the titles he gave to the individual studies as they seemed to fit the mood of my pieces.
However, the exception is the final study, where instead of the exuberant mood of his colourful portrayal of Madrid, mine was influenced by the terrible human tragedy that was unfolding in Aleppo at the time I was writing it, and thus reflects the violence and barbarism of those events; yet towards the end it does offer a glimmer of hope for humanity with a return to the Canticle (Song) of the first study, and concludes quietly with the chords and bells that began the work. The titles of the Études are Canticle, Dance, Excentrique, and Aleppo. Like Stravinsky’s, the set is relatively short, lasting around 8 minutes.
The Four Études were commissioned by Black Dyke Band and were written specially for the recording marking the conclusion of my year as Composer-in-Residence. The concert premiere will be given by Black Dyke Band, conducted by the composer, at the RNCM Festival of Brass in January 2017.
Edward Gregson
However, the exception is the final study, where instead of the exuberant mood of his colourful portrayal of Madrid, mine was influenced by the terrible human tragedy that was unfolding in Aleppo at the time I was writing it, and thus reflects the violence and barbarism of those events; yet towards the end it does offer a glimmer of hope for humanity with a return to the Canticle (Song) of the first study, and concludes quietly with the chords and bells that began the work. The titles of the Études are Canticle, Dance, Excentrique, and Aleppo. Like Stravinsky’s, the set is relatively short, lasting around 8 minutes.
The Four Études were commissioned by Black Dyke Band and were written specially for the recording marking the conclusion of my year as Composer-in-Residence. The concert premiere will be given by Black Dyke Band, conducted by the composer, at the RNCM Festival of Brass in January 2017.
Edward Gregson
Scores
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Reviews
Written in 1974 it provides the genesis for later motifs and themes with a rigour that retains a remarkable freshness of bite. There is also a striking sense of the present about his ‘Four Etudes’, despite encapsulating a 34 year span from the first three movements based on a set of piano pieces from 1982.
The capricious mini-portraits are inspired by the quirks of mood; the muted timbres of the opening ‘Canticle’ sparse and emerging, whilst the ‘Dance’ that follows is dislocated and troubling. The sardonic wit displayed in ‘Excentrique’ is chilling in its absurdity when balanced against the bristling anger of ‘Aleppo’ - an extended paean to an incomprehensibly barbaric 21st century tragedy that offers a mere glimmer of hopefulness.
The capricious mini-portraits are inspired by the quirks of mood; the muted timbres of the opening ‘Canticle’ sparse and emerging, whilst the ‘Dance’ that follows is dislocated and troubling. The sardonic wit displayed in ‘Excentrique’ is chilling in its absurdity when balanced against the bristling anger of ‘Aleppo’ - an extended paean to an incomprehensibly barbaric 21st century tragedy that offers a mere glimmer of hopefulness.
27th January 2017
Discography
Dances & Arias
- LabelDoyen
- Catalogue NumberDO CD369
- ConductorNicholas Childs
- EnsembleBlack Dyke Band
- SoloistRichard Marshall
- Released27th January 2017
More Info
- Edward Gregson featured composer at RNCM International Brass Band Festival
- 15th January 2025
- The Royal Northern College of Music will celebrate Edward Gregson's 80th birthday by featuring his music at their annual brass band festival.