The forthcoming 90th birthday (27th May) of the renowned Scottish composer Thea Musgrave is being celebrated at the BBC Proms this year.

The BBC Symphony Orchestra will mark the occasion on August 7th under the baton of conductor Richard Farnes with a performance of 'Phoenix Rising' (1996).

Worldwide reputation

She has gained a worldwide reputation for the rich, powerful musical language which has illuminated her orchestration style in works that encompass historical figures such as 'Mary Queen of Scots' and 'Simon Bolivar', to more abstract interpretations such as the paintings in 'The Seasons' and 'Journey through a Japanese Landscape'.

Described as a composer with "...a personal voice that commands respect... what distinguishes her oeuvre is its craftsmanship and sense of dramatic pace", Musgrave has written just one work for the brass band movement, when the Scottish Amateur Music Association commissioned 'Variations'- the first non-tonal work to be published for the medium, in 1966.

Variations

The seven minute long 'Variations' — a 'solemn' theme followed by five variations marked, 'Restless', 'Mysterious', 'Lively', 'Noble' and 'Brilliant' was given its world premiere by the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland in 1966.

It was later used as the set-work at the 1984 National Youth Championships of Great Britain.

The seven minute long 'Variations' — a 'solemn' theme followed by five variations marked, 'Restless', 'Mysterious', 'Lively', 'Noble' and 'Brilliant' was given its world premiere by the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland in 19664BR

Intrigued

The composer said that she was, "...intrigued by the unusual colouring which the brass tones offered"- something which is shown by its innovative explorations and fascinating effects based on a simple original theme.

When frequently asked to comment on being a woman composer, Musgrave is reported to say, "Yes, I am a woman; and I am a composer. But rarely at the same time."

We wish her many happy returns on her birthday and hope that she will still consider writing for the brass band medium again…