*
banner

Black Dahlia murder inspires A4 success

Cornish composer Daniel Hall's investigation into the psychological make up of the unknown killer in the infamous 'Black Dahlia' case brings him A4 Brass Quartet composition success.

Dahlia
  The infamous 1947 murder still retains a strong hold on the imagination in America

A musical retelling of one of the most gruesome murders in post war America history has won the inaugural A4 Brass Quartet composition competition.

Daniel Hall's sinister take on the infamous 'Black Dahlia' case — the unresolved 1947 murder of 22 year old aspiring actress Elizabeth Short (above) in Los Angeles, claimed the £350 first prize against a strong field of entries from all around the globe.

Unknown killer

The gifted young Cornish composer was inspired by the tale after playing a video game called 'LA Noire' at his girlfriend's house, and wanting to try and recreate the thoughts and actions of the unknown killer as he commits and lives with the immediate aftermath of his crime.

"Yes — it's light-hearted stuff,"he laughed nervously as he told 4BR about the four and half minute work. "It's a terrible tale, but it has also inspired so many books and films.

It's a very disturbing story that still captures the imagination, so I thought I would try to create a short retelling from the killer's perspective. Knowing the talents of the quartet it's very difficult — but I hope they enjoy the challenge of trying to resolve my take on the case!"

Worldwide response

The competition was judged in partnership with David Horne, the renowned composer and head of the RNCM's International Artist Diploma (a scheme which the A4 Brass Quartet currently fly the flag for), and euphonium virtuoso, conductor and Head of Brass Band Studies, Dr David Thornton.

Coincidentally, this is the second time Daniel has found competitive success in writing for the group, after winning the 2016 John Golland Trust Composition Award at the RNCM Festival of Brass with a work entitled 'The Rite of Marie Laveua', in which entrants were asked to compose works for the quartet.

In keeping with the international scope of the competition, the runner-up prize went to Jared McCunnie, a talented young Australian composer and tuba player currently enjoying his time at Salford University, with a melancholic take on current world affairs entitled 'Just Cause'.

It's a story that still captures the imagination, so I thought I would try to create a short retelling from the killer's perspectiveComposer, Daniel Hall

Fantasy winner

With both prize-winners both under the age of 24, the separate under-24 prize designed to encourage a new generation of writers to take up writing for brass instruments went to Toby Carswell, a composition student at Trinity College, London for a characteristic work simply entitled 'Fantasy'.

All of the award winning works will be performed by the group in concerts across their 2018/2019 season, and also will be recorded by the group later in the year.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Wychavon Festival of Brass

Wychavon releases draw details

September 11 • The draws have been made for the popular Wychavon Festival of Brass in November.


aobba

Cheltenham experience added to new AoBBA intake

September 11 • Four musicians will enjoy an insight into the adjudication process at the National Finals in Cheltenham this weekend.


Rockingham

Decade of joint music making to come to end at Rockingham

September 11 • Adam Whittle will step down from his role as Musical Director of Rockingham Band at the end of this year.


NYBBGB C

National Children's Band Summer Course concert to be broadcast

September 10 • You can sit back and enjoy the talents of the National Children's Band of Great Britain as their end of course concert from their recent Summer Course in to be broadcast on YouTube this Friday.


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Epping Forest Band

September 11 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts.. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room.. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm.


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Paul Andrews


Conductor, Band trainer, Adjudicator, Instrument Repairer - Brasstoff


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd