Fresh from winning a prestigious British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA) Award for 'Muckle Flugga', Rory Boyle has revealed to 4BR that he would love to write a major new work for brass bands — despite having in his words, to think about taking out 'abuse insurance!'

Quip

The light-hearted quip came as he spoke exclusively about the more upsetting level of 'crap' he received from some quarters about the award-winning composition both before and after the European Championship set-work was performed in Perth in May 2014.

"It was a great honour — and surprise — to win such a prestigious award.

I would love to write for the medium again, as it's such an exciting musical palette to work from,"he said, before adding with a chuckle, "...although in future I think I would have to take out some form of abuse insurance!"

Startled

He explained further: "I was startled that even after hearing eleven fabulous performances in Perth that some people could be quite as rude and offensive.

It was terribly tiresome to read crap from people who it transpired had neither played 'Muckle Flugga' or took the opportunity to listen and understand it."

Perspective

Thankfully, Rory has a wonderful perspective about things.

"I've been told that it's a bit of a badge of honour though to be slagged off by dyed in the wool brass band traditionalists,"he said, before adding; "On the other hand though, I have to say that I have also enjoyed a great deal of goodwill and support about 'Muckle Flugga'."

He continued: "I have to thank the Scottish Brass Band Association for asking me to write a work for such a high profile international event as the European Championship — it was incredibly brave of them.

My heartfelt thanks also go to Bryan Allen who guided me through the compositional structures, and for the support of so many people whose opinions I value — especially conductors and players who have since tackled the work. It gives me great hope for the future."

Heartfelt opinion

The experience though has reinforced a heartfelt opinion.

"Arthur Butterworth once told me that brass bands desperately need to be exposed to new voices and ideas otherwise they would wither and die — and I think that's true.

I do hope other contemporary composers write for the medium — it could open up so many exciting musical possibilities for brass bands."

I would love to write for the medium again, as it's such an exciting musical palette to work from…although in future I think I would have to take out some form of abuse insurance!Rory Boyle

Elephant in the room

Following his acceptance speech at the British Film Institute (BFI) in London, Rory revealed that he had spoken as well as heard from former Brass Band /Wind Band category winners and composers, such as Judith Bingham and Gavin Higgins, who also stated that their works had also been subject to rather poisonous remarks.

"I was fascinated to hear their experiences at what was a memorable evening — but saddened that it rather strengthened my view that there is a huge reluctance in brass banding to recognise the compositional 'elephant in the room' so to speak.

The best brass bands are technically phenomenal — and like displaying it. That's fantastic, but they also seem determined to become musically isolated. Contemporary composers can help unlock their wonderful potential."

Acclaim

As for the future, he concluded by saying; "Some bands and conductors are exploring things and it's gaining widespread critical acclaim,"before adding with a coda of warm-hearted wit: "I just hope others follow suit.

I would be delighted to play my part if asked again, even with that insurance at the ready!"