WELCOME 2022!
Martin Bussey previews exciting performances and recording in prospect for 2022
Click here for a round-up of some future events, including the premiere of Shropshire Lass (more details on the next page)
SHROPSHIRE LASS
New work for Soprano and guitar based on poems of Mary Webb
(click on links to explore Mary Webb & the performers)
The end of 2021 saw the completion of A Shropshire Lass, written for the duo of Holly Teague and Michael Matthews.
This semi-staged piece lasting around 35 minutes tells a story of love, loss and memory, with the Shropshire countryside a significant element as the singer traces her past love and his loss in the 1914-18 war.
Below Martin stands beside the bust of Mary Webb outside Shrewsbury Library.
If you are interested in hosting a performance of Shropshire Lass click here
CAMBRIDGE WEEKEND
MATTHEW SCHELLHORN
FLOREAT COLL REG
Over the weekend of November 19/20 2021 pianist Matthew Schellhorn continued his performances of Martin's Floreat Coll Reg.
Matthew commissioned this work and premiered it at the 2021 Three Choirs Festival.
In these two short pieces, Radliffe's Repose and Ledger's Coranto Martin pays tribute to two important influences from undergraduate days at Cambridge, Philip Radcliffe and Philip Ledger.
The work was played at St Catharine's College on Friday evening then Corpus Christi College on Saturday alongside piano music by Herbert HHowells
Follow this link to access the St Catharine's performance (Floreat begins around 37 minutes in)
THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL PREMIERE!
PIANO MUSIC
July 30 2021 saw the premiere of Floreat Coll. Reg. commissioned and performed by Matthew Schellhorn at Worcester Three Choirs Festival
Read what Matthew and Martin have to say about this new commission here
Go to Composers Edition to view Martin's music for piano and organ including Floreat Coll Reg & links to other works.
Listen to Martin playing his piano music, including Shocklach Sketches here
A BROTHER ABROAD
Pinner Festival premiere success
The first performance of A Brother Abroad at Pinner Music Festival was deemed a resounding success by the festival organisers and an appreciative audience on June 12 2021.
The commission celebrated 700 years since the dedication of St John's, Pinner by Bishop Peter of Corbavia.
The Festival's Director says:
'The performance was a triumph, with the superb and finely crafted score being widely appreciated for the way it brought the person of Peter, his faith and his time to life.'
A Brother Abroad sets a vibrant and spiritually charged text by Anthony Pinching.
Click here to hear Martin and Anthony discuss the work.
The next performance is planned for Chester in 2022.
The score is available now from Composers Edition
Read more about the dynamic performers at the premiere by clicking on their names:
Marcus Farnsworth, baritone
Emma Halnan, flute
George Strivens french horn
Chris Brannick, percussion
TIMELESS FIGURE
The new collaboration with photographer Laurel Turton
'A 45-minute tour de force...imaginative writing for marimba, clarinet and viola...some striking textures...the vocal line being expressive and singer-friendly yet highly wrought.' - planethugill.com, 2020
Upcoming Events
Thu, 01 OctTower of London date tbc 2021- Fri, 25 SeptAldeburgh Parish Church date tbc 2021
BEHIND THE COMPOSER
A life of music, words and gardens
Nourished by the borderlands of England and Wales
Creating music theatre, choral, vocal and instrumental music in a converted Methodist chapel
REVIEWS
MARY'S HAND
The Independent
★★★★★
‘The outstanding Mary’s Hand’
MARY'S HAND
The Stage
★★★★
'The writing is linear, finely wrought and daringly spare'
IN NO STRANGE LAND
BBC Music Magazine
★★★★
'This disc of choral works by contemporary composer Martin Bussey is glorious...Shimmering sound'
THROUGH A GLASS, DARKLY
The Observer
★★★
'An enthralling piece which makes a philosophical exploration of dreams and reality'