John Featherstone
FINALIST OF THE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN COMPOSITION 2009
Composer's Biography
John Featherstone
John Featherstone recently graduated with first class honours from a BA degree in Music at Bristol University (with Geoffrey Poole) and with distinction from a Masters degree in Contemporary Music at Brunel University, London (with Christopher Fox and Richard Barrett). Typically his music is romantically inspired, melodic, uplifting, often lively, and with an implied tonality. The two pieces entered for this competition demonstrate his interest in metres and rhythms that are varied and complex. He aims to challenge all performers and engage their interest. ‘Parthenon’, for oboe and one percussionist, reveals his love of sculpture, Greek culture, and traditional Greek music. A frequent visitor to Greece, he has attended several traditional Greek dance seminars as an enthusiastic amateur. ‘My Diving Boy’, for mezzo soprano and cello, was inspired by a touching scene observed on the island of Amouliani last year. The singer and cellist provide an equal contribution to the drama of the poem by Mary Barnes. These virtuosic pieces lend themselves to an expressive interpretation by professionals. Other compositions are a setting of a poem for flute and SATB chorus (involving choral improvisation), an instrumental sextet, and an octet. Equally important for him has been his work with primary school children and teachers, and with adult amateur musicians. In his amateur choir there are currently no tenors, so his latest composition is a three-part piece for SAB chorus. He plans to compose other pieces for this neglected area of the repertoire in future.
Finalist Works: Advanced Level
| My Diving Boy (for mezzo-soprano and cello) |
| Parthenon (for oboe and one percussionist) |
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