|
13/10/2025 A Fresh Breath of Stillness: Andy Scott’s And Everything is Still... Returns in a Composer-Refined EditionRead NowIn the world of brass music, where every note balances tradition and innovation, few pieces capture quiet introspection like Andy Scott’s And Everything is Still.... Originally composed in 2008 for flute and piano and premiered by flutist Carla Sousa and pianist Lucy Colquhoun at the Royal Northern College of Music, this lyrical gem has since been transcribed for various instruments, resonating with performers who seek to explore subtle shades of expression. Today, we’re thrilled to unveil a new edition for flugelhorn and piano, carefully revised by the composer himself—crafted specifically for the exceptional flugelhornist Imogen Whitehead. At Astute Music, we’re dedicated to bringing fresh perspectives to timeless works, and this edition ensures And Everything is Still... speaks powerfully to today’s audiences.
Andy Scott, one of the UK’s most prolific and versatile composers, is celebrated for blending contemporary techniques with accessible lyricism. With over 300 commissions—from solo pieces to large-scale ensembles—his catalog spans brass, woodwinds, and more, often weaving personal reflections into music that’s both technically engaging and emotionally profound. His work as a founder of the Apollo Saxophone Quartet and his teaching at the Royal Northern College of Music have solidified his status as a leading voice in new music. Yet And Everything is Still... stands out as a meditative haven. Inspired by a poem from Lemn Sissay’s children’s book The Emperor’s Watchmaker, it paints a sonic portrait of stillness: gentle, flowing lines that unfold like a held breath, with subtle harmonic shifts that invite performers to dwell in the spaces between notes. Clocking in at around 3:30 minutes, the piece is a single, seamless movement that balances control and vulnerability—think wide, singing intervals for the flugelhorn, paired with a sparse yet supportive piano accompaniment, like echoes in a quiet hall. Written originally for flute to honor the retirement of RNCM Principal Edward Gregson, it quickly won hearts for its understated beauty. Imogen Whitehead, a trailblazing brass performer and Principal Trumpet of Britten Sinfonia, brought remarkable sensitivity to her 2024 performance of the flugelhorn version. As Andy Scott shares, “Imogen’s interpretation unlocked new dimensions—her phrasing inspired me to refine the score for even greater clarity and impact.” This new edition reflects a thoughtful collaboration between composer and performer. Drawing on Imogen’s insights, Andy Scott has fine-tuned the flugelhorn and piano score to enhance its expressive flow. The revisions highlight the instrument’s lyrical warmth, making the piece feel both fresh and timeless while staying true to its introspective heart. Whether you’re a conservatory student exploring emotional depth or a seasoned recitalist seeking a moment of quiet connection, this edition invites you to experience the music’s serene beauty in a new light. The proof is in the playing. We’ve embedded Imogen Whitehead’s captivating performance video on the product page, a rendition that sends shivers with its poised elegance. Hearing it alongside this revised score, you’ll feel how the updates amplify the music’s quiet power. It’s a reminder of why revisions matter: they keep cherished works alive, evolving with the artists who bring them to life.Ready to explore this refined edition? Visit our shop to stream the full performance video, preview the score, and secure your copy today. Digital downloads offer instant access, with print options for those who love the feel of paper under their fingers. Shop *And Everything is Still...* Now Have you played or heard And Everything is Still... before? How does a revised edition change your approach to a familiar piece? Share your thoughts in the comments—perhaps a story from your own performances! For more on Andy Scott’s expansive catalog, including his latest commissions and educational resources, visit his composer page on Astute Music.
0 Comments
6/10/2025 Spotlight on Claire Cope: Introducing Through the Spiral – A New Voice in Brass Band RepertoireRead NowAt Astute Music, we’re thrilled to showcase bold new works that redefine the brass band landscape, and today, we’re proud to present Through the Spiral by the award-winning composer Claire Cope. This dynamic, narrative-driven piece, premiered by the renowned Fairey Band earlier this year, is a testament to Claire’s unique ability to weave contemporary flair into the rich tradition of brass music. We’re honored to publish some of her remarkable compositions, and Through the Spiral is a standout addition to our catalog.  Claire Cope is a rising star whose career bridges contemporary classical and jazz with seamless artistry. Celebrated for her evocative storytelling, she’s garnered accolades like the 2022 Marvin Hamlisch International Music Award and a place in the 2024 Three Choirs Festival New Voices Composer Academy, where her choral work In Its Light captivated audiences. Her selection for the 2025 Edward T. Cone Composition Institute at Princeton, where the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra premiered her orchestral piece Agita, further cements her as a major compositional voice. Claire’s work extends to her 11-piece jazz ensemble, Ensemble C, whose album Every Journey (released on Adhyâropa Records) has earned praise from outlets like Textura (“a tremendous realization of her vision”) and All About Jazz (“a powerful album”). Her collaborations with artists like saxophonists Andy Scott and Rob Buckland, trumpeter Lucy Humphris, and the Apollo Saxophone Quartet (featured at the 2024 LunArt Festival) showcase her versatility across genres.Through the Spiral embodies Claire’s signature “journeying” style, crafted specifically for brass band. This 6-minute, four-movement work takes listeners on a sonic voyage, spiraling through layers of texture and emotion inspired by the concept of growth and transformation. Picture soaring cornets weaving intricate motifs, brooding euphoniums grounding the harmony, and percussive bursts that evoke a cosmic helix. Claire’s own words capture its essence: “Spirals represent that endless cycle of reflection and renewal, much like the improvisational heart of jazz meeting the structured beauty of classical forms.”  The Fairey Band’s premiere brought Through the Spiral to life with electrifying energy, highlighting its balance of technical precision and emotional depth. Audiences were captivated by its accessible yet innovative sound, with many noting how its memorable motifs lingered long after the performance. This is a musical story that invites players to explore their own narratives through its dynamic arcs.We’re proud to publish this work as part of our commitment to championing composers like Claire, whose music pushes boundaries while resonating with performers and audiences alike. Ready to add Through the Spiral to your repertoire? Visit our shop to listen to the full audio sample (performed by the Fairey Band) and download your copy today. Whether you’re a conductor seeking fresh concert material or a player eager for a new challenge, this piece will bring a vibrant twist to your program.
Shop *Through the Spiral* Now What do you love about contemporary brass band music? Have you performed or heard Claire Cope’s work before? Share your thoughts in the comments – we’d love to hear your stories! Follow Claire’s journey at clairecopemusic.com for updates on her upcoming premieres, including a flute and piano duo for the 2025 National Flute Convention. |
Archives
October 2025
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed