Barrett, Richard (b. 1959)

[Joseph K]

This discussion by RB of his piece entoptic escaped my notice at the time - it was recorded the day before the concert in London in 2019 I think, which I and a few others on this forum went to and at which this piece was performed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIbF3_FRRBs

[RichardB]

This discussion by RB of his piece entoptic escaped my notice at the time - it was recorded the day before the concert in London in 2019 I think, which I and a few others on this forum went to and at which this piece was performed.

Oh yes I remember that, in a break between increasingly frantic attempts to get the live-electronics setup for the trombone piece in the same concert to work (which in the end it did, most of the time).

[Mandryka]

Richard, I’ve been enjoying your Nacht und Träume this afternoon, so thanks for that!

The recording I have is taken from a BBC broadcast and the announcer says that it’s part of a project called Resistance and Vision. Is this a cycle of music?

[ahinton]

Richard, I’ve been enjoying your Nacht und Träume this afternoon, so thanks for that!

The recording I have is taken from a BBC broadcast and the announcer says that it’s part of a project called Resistance and Vision. Is this a cycle of music?

I believe that it is - eight works in all - but Richard himself will of course be able to tell you more...

[RichardB]

The recording I have is taken from a BBC broadcast and the announcer says that it’s part of a project called Resistance and Vision. Is this a cycle of music?

It is, although it isn't finished yet. Six of its eight components exist: NO for orchestra, cell for saxophone, accordion and contrabass, Mesopotamia for ensemble (17 instruments), IF for orchestra, nacht und träume, and CONSTRUCTION for 3 voices, 15 instruments and electronics. The combined duration of these together with the not-yet-complete parts will be around six hours - under current conditions it's difficult to imagine it being performed as a whole even over several days, but that's sort of inherent in its concept given the concerns announced in its title.

While I'm here: maybe some people might be interested to know that a week or two ago I finished a new composition entitled pektis, for vocalising harpist, on a text by Sappho (fragment 88 for the classicists), which will be premiered on 18 February next year at the Bangor New Music Festival in a concert that will also feature a new electronic piece I'm now working on as well as two harp/electronics duos among other things. (The title refers to a type of lyre that Sappho was said to have invented.) It would be nice to see some forum members there, but I don't believe anyone is within easy distance of the top left-hand corner of Wales. However I believe that there's a good chance that this concert will find its way onto the wireless.

[Joseph K]

While I'm here: maybe some people might be interested to know that a week or two ago I finished a new composition entitled pektis, for vocalising harpist, on a text by Sappho (fragment 88 for the classicists), which will be premiered on 18 February next year at the Bangor New Music Festival in a concert that will also feature a new electronic piece I'm now working on as well as two harp/electronics duos among other things. (The title refers to a type of lyre that Sappho was said to have invented.) It would be nice to see some forum members there, but I don't believe anyone is within easy distance of the top left-hand corner of Wales. However I believe that there's a good chance that this concert will find its way onto the wireless.

Good to hear! I was aware of the piece for vocalising harpist, but not the other electronic piece and the duos. I see the 18th is a wednesday. I would very much like to attend this, it sounds very tempting, and current circumstances mean I probably could, should something happening between then and now not prevent me...

[RichardB]

I see the 18th is a wednesday.

You had me do a double-take there... it's a Saturday!

[Joseph K]

You had me do a double-take there... it's a Saturday!

Oh! Consider me there in which case!

[RichardB]

In case anyone here is interested, my new book is published today:

https://composersedition.com/richard-barrett-transforming-moments

... and elsewhere on the publisher's website there's a little interview about it: https://whatsnew.composersedition.co...improvisation/

[Serial_Apologist]

In case anyone here is interested, my new book is published today:

https://composersedition.com/richard-barrett-transforming-moments

... and elsewhere on the publisher's website there's a little interview about it: https://whatsnew.composersedition.co...improvisation/

Well done Richard - this looks to be essential reading: I might even order up a copy! Anyway, I'll spread the word around. I hope our good friend Joseph K hears of this: I've lost his email details.

And by the way, I hope your move to the Netherlands went hitchless.

[Bryn]

Well done Richard - . . . I hope our good friend Joseph K hears of this: I've lost his email details. . .

I feel quite sure he is well up to date on this.

[Serial_Apologist]

I feel quite sure he is well up to date on this.

Indeed so, thanks Bryn.

[RichardB]

by the way, I hope your move to the Netherlands went hitchless.

Far from it! but there is something at the end of the tunnel, which may be light (or it may just be another tunnel). I'll tell the whole story when the stress has dissipated somewhat... assuming it will...

But anyway I think you may find things to interest you in the book, and Joseph is indeed aware of its appearance.

[Dave2002]

In case anyone here is interested, my new book is published today:

https://composersedition.com/richard-barrett-transforming-moments

... and elsewhere on the publisher's website there's a little interview about it: https://whatsnew.composersedition.co...improvisation/

Is that a physical book, or a digital copy?

[RichardB]

Is that a physical book

Yes. Although all the musical examples are accessible through QR codes printed in an appendix.