Writing for recorder

Posted on Monday, January 18, 2010

I've been wanting to write more for recorder for some time. I included some recorders in Push! but they were played by non-recorder players and were more of an added splash of colour than a genuine exploration of the instrument. But I've long felt they deserve a greater role in chamber music and I've heard some amazing players in my time. The latest such player is Daphna Mor, whom I met on my last trip to NYC, when she made a blistering cameo appearance at a concert some friends were playing in Brooklyn.

So when Metropolis Ensemble asked me if I would arrange some music for string quartet their forthcoming chamber concert this April, I asked if they would allow me to include a part for Daphna.

I'm setting a mixture of Dowland pieces, and I'm really enjoying exploring more of the colours available from the instrument(s). Hopefully this will be not only an exciting project but also lead to more original work for recorders in the future.

Details of the Metropolis Ensemble concert here, which includes premieres by Anna Clyne and Timo Andres.

For an example of some astonishing recorder playing, check out this video of Giovanni Antonini with Il Giardino Armonico playing a Vivaldi recorder concerto.

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