DMA portfolio

Childs, NJ

Abstract

I have chosen to be assessed as an interpreter and conductor of New Music
for British Brass Band. This critical evaluation represents a summary of my
work on the four required projects of the DMA course, in which I hope to
demonstrate a high level of creative interpretation. This evaluation will also
demonstrate my ability to show original insights into certain musical works
and formulate sound critical judgments in order to elicit performances which
have been critically acclaimed by my peers within this chosen medium.
Project One aims to demonstrate a capacity for producing perceptive and
imaginative musical interpretations in preparing and conducting the first
commercial recording of brass music of Arthur Butterworth (DOYCD130).
As will be argued elsewhere, Butterworth is a nationally recognized figure
with a wide range of musical publications, and this recording includes four
world premiere recordings of the composer's work and a new commission,
Sinfonia Concertante.
Project Two is a further CD recording entitled The Brass Music of Michael
Ball 1 (DOYCD135). This presents a programme of highly crafted pieces of
the composer's wide style and approach. There are five world premiere
recordings which offer new insights into the composer's work as well as new interpretations of his work in fine performances. This project also
includes an examination of a new work, A Cambrian Suite, jointly
commissioned by the Black Dyke Band and the Brass Band Heritage Trust,
first performed at the Royal Concert Hall at the RNCM on the 18th February
as part of the Festival of Brass 2002.
Project Three consists of two live recordings, produced digitally, and stored
on single Compact Discs. The two works Sinfonia Concertante Arthur
Butterworth and Atlantic Philip Wilby were premiered respectively at the
Harrogate International Music Festival, July 28 th 2001 and The Festival of
Brass January 18th 2002. Both these composers enjoy high status as
nationally recognised composers, and their premiere performances offer
significant first insights into the works in question. I would argue that this
demonstrates a capacity for eliciting imaginative musical interpretations
from a highly talented group of musicians.
During my DMA registration I have performed ten world premieres:
Masque, Danceries, and Alchymist's Journal by Kenneth Hesketh., Sinfonia
Concertante Opus 111 by Arthur Butterworth, Atlantic and Concerto 1945
by Philip Wilby, Call of the Cossacks by Peter Graham, The Sword and the
Crown by Edward Gregson, A Cambrian Suite by Michael Ball and
Trombone Concerto by Martin Ellerby. This range of performances displays
my commitment to developing the repertoire of the Brass Band Movement.
I have also undertaken eight studio recording projects, The Eternal Quest
QPRL 21 ID, The Essential Dyke Vol. Ill DOYCD121, Spectacular Classics Vol. IIOBR876, The Music of Arthur Butterworth DOYCD130, The Music of
Michael Ball DOYCD135, Black Dyke Plays Verdi OBR883, The Heaton
Collection SP&S100, Call of the Cossacks DOYCDI38.
These projects represent an endeavour to unveil and demonstrate the level of
expertise and flexibility available in the current British Brass Band
movement, which draws its influences from sources as diverse as Classical,
Contemporary, Popular, and World Musics.
Project Four A public performance will be given by the Black Dyke Band
conducted by myself as part of the National Brass Band Championship of
Great Britain, in the Royal Albert Hall on 19 th October 2002. This will give
the examiners the opportunity to judge my abilities for themselves.

Citation

Childs, N. DMA portfolio. (Thesis). Salford : University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2002