After the release of the Chamber Ensemble of London recording “Quiet Summer evening” (Somm recordings) on which I played three pieces including my composition “Everything Is Somewhere Else” for bassoon, there has been an exciting amount of activity, which I have to say has taken me by surprise.
With plays on Radio in several countries (including BBC Radio three and Lyric FM) and some very nice reviews (including in the Gramophone magazine) it’s all been quite something!.
The album itself is a beautiful tribute to light music, and the sound of the Chamber Ensemble, lead by the amazing violinist Peter Fisher is as distinct and special as ever. Peter also appears on the album as a soloist, notably in the gorgeous piece by Don Shearman “Quiet Summer Evening. Other pieces that have been standout for me are, are Clive Jenkins’ 5 pieces for clarinet and string orchestra played by Peter Cigleris. Clarinettists have a listen!. I think this is a lovely addition to the clarinet repertoire.
This has all felt a bit like a whirlwind, and we’re only a couple of weeks in from the release date.
What has astounded me particularly has been the really positive reviews and feedback about my bassoon playing. I have been mainly known as a composer over the last thirty or so years and feel very comfortable with that. Playing the bassoon (or any instrument) has very much taken a back seat.
I had to really work hard before the recording to get my technique back, I don’t EVER remember practicing that much, even at the Royal College of Music!. I was frankly very nervous, but the whole experience has injected some confidence into my playing again, and maybe the belief that I do remember which way up the bassoon goes after all. I am so grateful for this.
Thank you Peter for inspiring me to write for your extraordinary orchestra, and thank you Clive for not only being an amazing composer, but an enabler and encourager to us all.
After the release of the Chamber Ensemble of London recording “Quiet Summer evening” (Somm recordings) on which I played three pieces including my composition “Everything Is Somewhere Else” for bassoon, there has been an exciting amount of activity, which I have to say has taken me by surprise.
With plays on Radio in several countries (including BBC Radio three and Lyric FM) and some very nice reviews (including in the Gramophone magazine) it’s all been quite something!.
The album itself is a beautiful tribute to light music, and the sound of the Chamber Ensemble, lead by the amazing violinist Peter Fisher is as distinct and special as ever. Peter also appears on the album as a soloist, notably in the gorgeous piece by Don Shearman “Quiet Summer Evening. Other pieces that have been standout for me are, are Clive Jenkins’ 5 pieces for clarinet and string orchestra played by Peter Cigleris. Clarinettists have a listen!. I think this is a lovely addition to the clarinet repertoire.
This has all felt a bit like a whirlwind, and we’re only a couple of weeks in from the release date.
What has astounded me particularly has been the really positive reviews and feedback about my bassoon playing. I have been mainly known as a composer over the last thirty or so years and feel very comfortable with that. Playing the bassoon (or any instrument) has very much taken a back seat.
I had to really work hard before the recording to get my technique back, I don’t EVER remember practicing that much, even at the Royal College of Music!. I was frankly very nervous, but the whole experience has injected some confidence into my playing again, and maybe the belief that I do remember which way up the bassoon goes after all. I am so grateful for this.
Thank you Peter for inspiring me to write for your extraordinary orchestra, and thank you Clive for not only being an amazing composer, but an enabler and encourager to us all.
