Portfolio of compositions

Gates, D

Abstract

This portfolio of compositions consists of six works diverse in style and genre. It represents a journey of exploration through the traditional music of various
cultures, imbruing those distinctive flavours of tone, colour and rhythm into my own approach and sound world.
1. Another World
A three movement work for brass quintet with its basis found in fragments of an original melody, Eternal God written by the late Leslie Condon. It is further influenced by my fascination with musical impressionism and minimalism. The piece explores the sonorities of the brass instruments as well as the technical capabilities of the players.
2. Hope
A major work for brass band in three movements exploring the colours of Middle Eastern music through the genre of brass and percussion. The piece is programmatic essentially, reflecting on the nature of war and the plight of the innocents caught up in war. It was premiered by the New York Staff Band of The Salvation Army at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, London in January 2010.
3. Soul Origin
A work for trombone quartet and brass band uncovering the many textural possibilities of the combined ensembles, the lyricism of the trombone and technical dexterity of the soloists. The style finds its origin in Latin rhythms and
jazz with the main body of the piece being a bossa nova. It was written for Bones
Apart at the request of the Enfield Band of The Salvation Army and was premiered in October 2009 at SUohn's Smith Square, London.
4. Unseen Things - Song Cycle
The three songs that comprise this song cycle are poems written by the British poet Fay Inchfawn.
I Child-Soul
II The Flight of the Fairies
III The Home Lights
The music is scored for mezzo-soprano, piano and string orchestra. Highly descriptive, it explores the sonorities and textures available within the ensemble; and the relationship of the music to the text.
5. Soul Reflections
This is a major work for wind band in three movements finding its origin in the poetry of Jalal al-Din Rumi, a 13 th century Persian mystic. The music follows the themes of the poems very closely and delves into the combined sound palette of wood winds and brass.
I The Creek & the Stars
II The Silent Articulation of a Face
III Cup & Ocean
6. The Salvation Army Lass
This extended work for brass band and piano, is a film score, written to accompany the American silent movie, The Salvation Army Lass (1909). The score seeks to reflect the action on the screen. It represents a journey through
style, orchestration and theme development within the constraints of film.

Citation

Gates, D. Portfolio of compositions. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Additional Information: Additional Information : Vol.1 and 2
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2011