Fairey Band solo baritone player Rob Richardson will premiere a new work this week from the pen of one of the brass band world's most inventive composers.
Black Light
Accompanied by the University of Salford Brass Band, he will be the featured soloist on 'Black Light' by Paul McGhee, as part of its 'Collision Theory' concert to be held at Peel Hall on Wednesday (15th February), conducted by Tom Davoren.
The work was commissioned through the University, and is designed to incorporate the brass band as the soloist's 'effects' pedal — using material from the solo line to create the harmonic texture and featuring the full range of possible dynamics from the baritone.
Fantastic opportunity
Not surprisingly, Rob told 4BR that he was extremely excited about the work: "I've been a fan of Paul's compositions for a long time, so this was a fantastic opportunity to premiere a new work by him.
Working together on the piece, we discussed the special sound the baritone can make, especially at the extreme ranges of the dynamic spectrum. This has resulted in a very difficult work, but one which I think perfectly suits the unique character of the instrument.
This is the first of a number of commissions I will be working on over the next few months, which I believe will take the baritone repertoire even further."
Push boundaries
In reply, Paul told 4BR: "It's been a great opportunity to work with Rob, Tom and the band — all who have given so much commitment to working on the piece.
I'm very pleased to create a new work that will, hopefully, be seen as a major addition to the baritone repertoire and hope it follows the path of euphonium commissions that have pushed forward technical and musical boundaries.
It takes some playing — but I know Rob is such a wonderful player."
I've been a fan of Paul's compositions for a long time, so this was a fantastic opportunity to premiere a new work by himRob Richardson
The concert will be held at Peel Hall, University of Salford, at 7.00pm on Wednesday 15th February. A further performance of the work will take place on Friday 24th February at Birmingham Conservatoire.
