Composing and arranging
In my early TV days (see More about me) I was commissioned to do some large-scale arranging and orchestrating, which I have always enjoyed. I was also a keen composer as a student, studying with David Spence-Lyons at Cambridge Tech. and with my Director of Studies, Richard Marlow, at Cambridge (Composition was an obligatory major part of the Cambridge Music Tripos in those days). I also had some sessions with Professor Stanley Glasser while I was teaching at Goldsmiths’ College in the 1980s.
Now, alas, I am too busy to compose, except for my annual one- or two-page Christmas Card offering, as my friends will know. I am full of plans to write more, and have actually managed one movement of a double wind quintet (playable separately as two quintets, or together as a decet) – three more movements to go…
I still take great pleasure in arranging: I orchestrated the late Andrew Worton-Steward’s powerful and moving Requiem (recorded on Decca 436 778-2, scores available from http://www.Fagus-Music.com , where you can also view and listen to sample pages).
I am a member of the British Music Writers’ Council (formerly the Arrangers, Composers and Copyists’ Section of the Musicians’ Union), and of the British Association of Composers, Arrangers and Songwriters. I have worked as a freelance professional copyist, formerly by hand (music and text) and now using Sibelius™ software.
I now mostly arrange for my own amusement, for chamber groups, for specific occasions (which may include a gathering of seven or more bassoons!). One such occasion was a mini-tour with a wind octet plus a solo flute (Ben Pateman), for whom I arranged Massenet’s Mediation from Thaïs. I have plans for a suite of lesser-known Christmas carols for wind decet…
March 3, 2018 at 5:52 pm
Following the death of Andrew Worton-Steward’s sister, I am now in possession of a number of rand new CDs of Andy’s Requiem. I will be selling them for charitable causes. I can be contacted on 0772 505 4389. David Simmons (a long time friend of Andrew)
March 3, 2018 at 6:05 pm
Dear David,
Thanks for letting me know — most kind of you. Sad about Andrew’s sister, whom I remember meeting.
I was quite proud of my orchestration of the Requiem — a privilege to do it for Andrew, who was a special person (and composer).
Good luck with the sales. Of course I have the CD but if you find yourself with unsold copies left over, please let me know.
All best,
Jonathan