English composer Paul McGhee’s intriguingly titled ‘Waiting For a Pain Hit!??!!?', is to be used as the set work for the 2010 Swiss National Brass Band Championships to be held in Montreux later this year.

Original

The piece was originally written in November 2006 as an entry in the 2006/7 Swiss Brass Band Associations Young Composers Competition where it gained second prize, and was the first major work written by the composer since graduating from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama the same year.

Nuances

Paul told 4BR: "The piece lasts 15 minutes and aims to explore different textures in timbre by the use of various mutes and dynamic nuances. The primary aims are related to both structural coherence and timbre, and whilst the piece explores the use of rhythm and has technical elements, they were not an initial aim of the piece and grew organically from the primary aims."

The piece draws its inspiration from the music of such diverse artists such as Frank Zappa, The Residents, The Flaming Lips and John Zorn4BR

Frank Zappa

The piece is published by Prima Vista Musikk draws its inspiration from the music of such diverse artists such as Frank Zappa, The Residents, The Flaming Lips and John Zorn.

Structure

Paul further explained: "The structure is underpinned by the use of related tempo markings and metronome modulations which give the piece it's coherence. The music has no themes or motifs and moves from one idea to the next, interacting and reacting to what has preceded it. Starting muted and quiet and ending in the same way, the use of 'tutti'' ff 'hits' bring the music to an interrupted close."

The composer

Paul was born in 1980 in Corby, Northamptonshire and began playing the tuba at age 13 at Beanfield Comprehensive School.

He went on to play with various ensembles, including Youth Brass 2000, Travelsphere Holidays (G.U.S), and most recently the Staffordshire Band. He studied composition at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama under Andrew Wilson-Dickson.