There's been a second big session with the Menai Wind Quintet playing my piece tonight. It has become a long piece. The rough recording I made tonight lasts for 21'30".
It has come on enormously and is beginning to resemble my intentions. I don't think there is much to change musically now, it's just a question of getting in enough rehearsal time for the ensemble. These chaps are very good semi-professional players but even so, some of the instrumental interplay is challenging them.
It’s very hard when you are on the inside, to know how the ensemble should work. The recording I made will assist players, who can now hear the essence without being physically involved and this should help create an aural map to assist their navigation.
They are planning a premiere of my quintet this weekend at St. Mary's Church in Conwy; Saturday 11th May at 7.30 pm is the date. I share the gig with Ligeti, Poulenc and Shostakovich and I'm hoping they'll be up for a beer afterwards, if they are able to come along.
This concert acts as a prelude to the recording, (the point of the collaboration) which is set for Monday 20th May.
It's such a thrill hearing an ensemble give birth to one of your babies. This one just needs a few nappy changes and she'll be perfect! Are pieces of music male of female? Discuss....