Recent highlights and forthcoming events:
WIRED (NMC Recordings) CD release Spring 09
Music for Harpsichord and Electronics
PAUL WHITTY seven pages, JAMES DILLON birl, ROGER REDGATE Residua, PAUL DIBLEY INV I & III, PAUL NEWLAND 1-2 & 3-4, MIKE VAUGHAN In Memoriam? (layer 6), SOHRAB UDUMAN Breath across autumnal ground, SAM HAYDEN scintilla
Jane Chapman, harpsichord
NMC D145
www.nmccrec.co.uk
WIRED was developed by the Sonic Art Research Unit at Oxford Brookes University to explore the unique cultural resonance of the timbre of the harpsichord from its sixteenth-century origins to its appropriation by avant garde composers of the twenty-first century and the position that it occupies in this recording as a subject for experiment and transformation.
The sound of the harpsichord is manipulated via various means of electronic devices and effects. ?EBows are carefully placed onto the strings activating a drone; a pedal is depressed releasing a stream of sound-files that connect, disconnect, and re-connect with the sound of the instrument; contact microphones are attached to the mechanism straining to hear the interior sound-world; the keys are depressed but no pitched sound is heard; an onrushing wall of sound; the slap of wood on wood as keys are depressed at ever increasing speeds; a line of signal processors is engaged, tweaked, disengaged, as the sound of the instrument pulses into life?. (Paul Whitty, 2008)
WIRED at the SPITZ - London (recent performance)
Amplification, live interactive electronics, improvisation, exploration of tuning and non pitched materials, innovative compositional techniques, visual imagery, club atmosphere - all very 'baroque' in a 21st century way. These exciting works are by serious and passionate composers who have all ventured into new territory. The harpsichord is made more 'real' in this environment. The interface between live electronics, densely condensed miniature acoustic pieces, and works which explore resonances that go beyond the keyboard is intensified - its intrinsic qualities extended, heightened, explored, and celebrated. This instrument has a distinct presence, so does electronic gear; put them together, and an intriguing world emerges.
Visuals by Norman McBeath
SARU Symposium - Oxford Brookes University
http://ah.brookes.ac.uk/saru/wired/
An ongoing collaborative project with harpsichordist Jane Chapman resulting in the creation of series of new works for harpsichord (WIRED) in a variety of combinations with contact mics, live electronics and MAX-MSP, alongside analogue and digital signal processors.
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REINVENTION
Recitals in America Spring 2008 - future recitals of this programme - Bath Festival 2009, USA 2010
Merkin Concert Hall, Kaufman Centre, New York
The Inventions and Sinfonias by J.S. Bach are amongst his most intense, witty and imaginative pieces. In his introduction Bach is keen to emphasise that they are primarily composed to encourage performers to 'arrive at a cantabile style of playing, while also acquiring a strong Fortaste for Composition'. The perfection of this form, and the variety of ways in which musical ideas are given life, has inspired performers and composers for almost 300 years.
'These pieces suggested to me a perfect starting point for creating a programme, which also contains contemporary harpsichord works of incredible diversity, including what have become contemporary classics by Ligeti. The new pieces explore many 20th and 21st century compositional techniques and influences, including minimalism, jazz, rock, dance, and new complexity, even incorporating elements of romanticism, and the baroque. The modern works are further contrasted with the Bach, which acts as an anchor throughout the programme, creating a microcosm of contrapuntal ingenuity within a larger framework.'
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THREE WINDOWS (Dark Energy Music DEM07) Just released
http://www.threewindows.co.uk/
http://www.chapmanwingfield.co.uk/
"One of the most consistently brilliant and forward-thinking collaborations in years"
Guitar Player Magazine
"Cinematic eloquence"
The Guardian
Mark Wingfield (electric guitar) - Jane Chapman (harpsichord) - Iain Ballamy (sax)
Inspired by transcriptions of tribal African music, 18th century Indian melody, and the fusion of baroque, indian and jazz styles, Wingfield and Chapman have combined their very different stringed instruments in a unique way. Ballamy has woven his own voice into this eclectic music to complete the intoxicating mix. This is a new combination of instrumental textures - the stunning electric guitar sounds, produced using the latest cutting edge modeling technology, and the full and rich acoustic sounds of the harpsichord and sax. Wingfield's innovative compositions create a springboard for this highly imaginative collaboration.
'Three of the UK's most innovative players together on an adventurous, inspiring album. Contemporary jazz guitar, saxophone and harpsichord - the sensitivity and considered harmonies of ECM jazz with the excitement and drive of rock and Nu-Jazz, fused with strands of classical and world music.'
'Three distinct musical worlds and personalities connected by one music.'
'Cutting edge technology - tradition and history redefined - compelling composition and improvisation'
'Bridges and pathways - jazz, classical, and world music taken on a unique journey'
Performances include: Cosmo Rodewall Hall, Manchester, Handel House, London,Turner Sims concert Hall, Southampton
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Recent projects with SPNM:
SPNM SOUND SOURCE - Cargo Club, London
A new project with electroacoustic composers and video artists (H+) which was launched at the SPNM Sound Source series at Cargo Club, London.
'The harpsichord becomes a magical box of sound and visual images. The actual instrument comes alive, as the tradition of decoration and representative art is transported to the present day reflecting and interacting with the whole spectrum of contemporary works composed for this original event.'
This is a unique body of collaborative work which brings together sound and image, tradition and technology through live performance, with great audience appeal. Harpsichord H+ project provides a unique opportunity for the integration of a historic artistic tradition encompassing elements from music, theatre and design with new creative realms involving audiovisual technology and time-based media. Shaping, synthesising and engaging with these various elements makes this a challenging and fascinating performance. It's also a lot of fun!
With DJ - Anakonda
SPNM SOLO SPOTLIGHT- Wapping Hydraulic Power Station, London E1 3ST
Works by Ligeti, Dillon, SPNM composers (works include percussion and voice), collaboration with software designer Nick Rothwell, and multimedia artist Julia Bardsley. Premiere by Rhian Samuel
'I have often had the image of the harpsichord as a magic box; three sets of plucked strings creating the most incredible variety of sounds. My programme examines these different sonorities, and looks at the ways in which composers have entered into this intriguing and challenging world. An extra dimension is created through the delicate and haunting world of small percussion, and voice, reinforcing and contrasting the harpsichord's unique timbre. The mysterious resonance of the actual strings themselves, played from the inside, and the sense of the instrument as a theatrical presence with a real soul, enters new expressive worlds. It is silent - sleeping, waiting for the performer to breathe life into it, and then finally after all has been heard, it has a restless dream....'
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KEYNOTE+
The ensemble Keynote+ (Kate Ryder and Jane Chapman) was launched with a sellout concert in the prestigious BMIC Cutting Edge Concert Series in London.
A unique multi-keyboard project, it explores the interface between early and modern instruments and cutting edge new music, and examines the fascinating sound world and subtle sonorities of prepared piano, harpsichord, clavichord, and
miniature instruments with visual imagery and sound installations.
Premieres by: Paul Davies, Cindy Cox, Evelyn Ficarra, Yumi Hara Cawkwell, John Lely, Stephen Montague, Hilda Paredes, Jeremy Peyton Jones, Roger Redgate, Colin Riley, Errollyn Wallen, Paul Whitty, Mark Wingfield. With video by Paul Whitty, Ian Winters, Jane Wingfield.
As well as taking part in the cutting edge tour, Keynote+ were musicians in residence at Berkeley, University of California in 2007, returning in 2008, giving performances at CNMAT, and Hertz Concert Hall.
Keynote+ are also musicians in residence at Goldsmiths College, University of London, and have given seminars and performances at the Royal Academy of Music, Oxford Brookes and Southampton University.
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HARPSICHORDFEST - Manchester (NWNMP)
Jane performed the Gorecki Concerto and a new commission by Graham Fitkin with harpsichordist Pamela Nash. She also gave the British premiere of Reich's Piano Phase for two harpsichords with Adam Swayne. A duo CD with Pamela Nash is planned for 2009.
Performance at Kings Place, London, Spring 09
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Music Theatre
AGAINST OBLIVION - Toynbee Theatre, Whitechapel, London
Directed by Emma Bernard with original music by Jeremy Peyton Jones Against Oblivion, Part 1 is the first section of a full-length music theatre work for 8 musician/performers about memory and hope. Using texts from the history of the 20th Century, its conflicts and its migrations the piece focuses on the increasing reliance on forgetfulness to engender oblivion as a mechanism for psychological defence in an age of atrocity and brutality
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Recent concerts and premieres not listed above:
Corsham Festival - Smith Quartet (Nyman harpsichord concerto)
Fenton House, London - Premiere of 'Copper Ribbons' by Rhian Samuel
Turner Sims, Southampton - Poulenc Harpsichord Concerto
Transit Festival, Belgium - Traumwerk II for violin and harpsichord by James Dillon
King of Hearts, Norwich - Premiere of 'Gat and Brodszky' by Jeremy Peyton Jones
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Performances Autumn 2008
Major new project launched with the RCM Studios in collaboration with David Burnand, Michael Oliva and Edward Jessen. Initial performance/seminar dates tbc.
13 October Turner Sims Concert Hall, Southampton
Harpsichord Seminar
15 October, 10.30 RCM, London (Durrington Room)
REINVENTION - New Music for Harpsichord (keyboard seminar series)
22 October Belfast Festival
Gorecki - Harpsichord Concerto
Ligeti - Continuum, Hungarian Rock
23 October, 6.30 - 7.30 Handel House, Brook St, London
The Measured and the Free
Jane Chapman (harpsichord, vocals) and John Habron (percussion, vocals) perform pieces by Handel, Ligeti and Adam de la Halle, as well as a new work which they have composed together. Baroque and modern styles of improvisation combine with stricter modes of music-making in a thoroughly collaborative concert, which will interpret free preludes, recitatives, folk song and sound poetry in ways which have not been heard before.
Tickets: £9/ £7.50 concession
15 November Rome, Italy
A recital of works by British baroque composers (tbc)
27 November, 7.00 RCM, London (Inner Parry Room)
Skeletons and Toasting forks? - Seminar on Contemporary repertoire
29 November, 1.30pm Huddersfield Festival
New London Chamber Choir (Kagel)
Spring 2009
London launch recital for contemporary solo CD WIRED (date and venue tbc)
21 February The Workshop, Lewis, Sussex
Mixed solo recital
Nature and Myth
3 March 2.00 Wallace Collection, London
Promenade Series (free)
Pastoral Idylls
10 March 6.30 Handel House, Brook Street, London
'All in a Garden Green' Booking line: 020 7399 1953
The natural and mythical world of the harpsichord
From the terrifying spectre of Rameau's Cyclopes, and Forqueray's Jupiter, hurling thunder and lightening from the heavens, to the peaceful Pastourelle by Louis Couperin, and the delicate harmonies of Karen Tanaka's Lavender, Jane chapman explores the natural and mythical world of the harpsichord. This colourful programme also includes works by Byrd, Farnaby, Sweelick, Rameau, F. Couperin and Takemitsu.
17 March 8.00 Kings Place, London
Harpsichord duo with Pamela Nash - works by Fitkin and others
Multiplier Series
www.kingsplace.co.uk
1 - 3 April Kings Place, London
NMC Song Book
April 1st - two evening recitals including new works for voice and harpsichord, and solo pieces by Elizabethan Virginalists and contemporary composers
www.kingsplace.co.uk
NMC Songbook page in Kings Place website: http://www.kingsplace.co.uk/music/weekly-themes?theme=37
20 April Turner Sims, Southampton
solo lunchtime 1.00 (free)
6 centuries of harpsichord music
29 April Sounds New Festival, Canterbury
lunchtime recital including works by new Polish composers
25 May In Tune (BBC Radio 3)
Interview - performances of Bach Inventions, works by Cage, Tanaka, Wingfield
5 June Mission Theatre, Bath Festival
Bach and Beyond...
Bach Inventions and contemporary works
6 June St Andrew's Church, Chew Magna, Bath Festival
Bach and Beyond
Bach Inventions and contemporary works
2 July, 19.00 St George's Church, Hanover Square, Mayfair
25 Brook Street - a new oratorio (world premiere)
5 July Handel House, Brook Street, London
Afternoon recital for spinet and harpsichord
'The Lady's Banquet'
MAJOR NEW PROJECT
WIRED 2 - Dance collaboration with Gregoire Meyer, new works: Newland, Rothwell, Whitty
12 November The Warehouse, 13 Theed Street, London SE18ST
Solo miniatures and works with electronics from the WIRED collection
World premiers with dance by Paul Newland, Nick Rothwell, Paul Whitty
Contemporary classic (with dance) by Louis Andriessen
This project continues the exciting and innovative development of repertoire for harpsichord and electronics, bringing new audiences to contemporary music.
Following the recent release of WIRED by NMC - the first CD of it's kind by a British harpsichordist, my aim is to build on its success and creative inspiration, and to place the harpsichord in yet another context.
This concert presents new aspects of the harpsichord combined with contemporary dance. It builds on an ever evolving repertoire and creative approach to performance developed by leading artists and composers. From the short, intense, finely-wrought acoustic miniature, to the physical, sensual quality of the sound produced by the strings alone, the harpsichord becomes something almost unrecognisable; a clattering humming percussive instrument, a distorted sound box.
Dancer, musician and composer collaborate to explore new worlds.
Thursday 12 November, 8pm
Part of CUTTING EDGE 2009
Jane Chapman & Gregoire Meyer: WIRED 2
Jane Chapman’s wired-up harpsichord clatters, hums, pulses with feedback in an electrifying partnership with Meyer’s visceral dance. From finely-wrought miniatures to sonic shards, space and sound are transformed.
Venue: The Warehouse, 13 Theed Street, London SE1 8ST
Tickets £7 (+ booking fee) online / £10 on door
Book online via www.ticketweb.co.uk or phone 0844 477 1000 (24 hrs).
Further information: www.soundandmusic.org
Jane Chapman - harpsichord - with electronics/acoustic/amplified
Gregoire Meyer - dance
Tim Hand - sound/lighting
Paul Newland, Nick Rothwell, Paul Whitty - visuals/premieres
Norman McBeath - photography
Melanie Simpson/ Gregoire Meyer - choreography
PART 1
Harpsichord/Electronics
birl James Dillon (1.05)
for solo harpsichord
seven pages Paul Whitty (3.51)
for harpsichord, contact microphones, signal processors
INV III Paul Dibley (7.55)
for harpsichord and Pure Data
Breath across autumnal ground Sohrab Uduman (7.32)
for harpsichord and live electronics
In Memoriam..(layer 6) Mike Vaughan (7.00)
for harpsichord and live electronics
Thimble Trance Kasia Glowicka (4.30)
for amplified harpsichord, harpsichordist and recording
PART 2
Dance/Harpsichord/Electronics
Seven pages 3 Paul Whitty ** (5.00)
for dance, harpsichord, contact microphones, signal processors
Scintilla 1 Sam Hayden * (2.00)
for amplified harpsichord
5 Paul Newland ** (6.00)
for dance, harpsichord, EBow, electronics
Overture to Orpheus Louis Andriessen ** (12.00)
for harpsichord with dance
Shard Nick Rothwell ** (7.00)
for dance, harpsichord, software
** World premieres
This event is supported by the RVW Trust
WIRED 2
From the short, intense, finely-wrought acoustic miniature, to the physical-sensual quality of the sounds produced by the strings alone, the harpsichord becomes magical box, radiating a mysterious energy. The transformation of the sound through electronics and amplification leads us into different environments, sometimes climaxing into something brutal and uncompromising, sometimes delicate, haunting, breathy... Chameleon-like and rhythmically pushy, this vast palette of sound liberates the instrument and the performers. Dancer, musician and composer collaborate to explore and create new worlds. Visual imagery supports and enhances; completing and commenting.
Projects:
INTIMATE HANDLING - Royal College of Music
Harpsichord and theatre - Birminham University
Conference:
Surrey University - Collaborative Processes in Music Making - Recital - Nov 11 2009
Future premieres 2010:
Complete performance of 'Residua' by Roger Redgate
Solo harpsichord - Cindy Cox
Harpsichord and Orchestra - Emily Hall
Harpsichord and electronics - Emily Hall
Harpsichord and electronics - Michael Zev Gordon
Harpsichord and electronics - Duncan Mcleod
Harpsichord and Electronics - Alex harker
Solo harpsichord - Timothy Salter
Chamber piece - Andres Franco
Oslo, Norway (tbc) - new works by young composers and video artists
Set of Inventions by Robert Keeley
Performances 2010
Feb 1 - Kings Place - Works by Ligeti, Roderick Watkins and new work by Mikhail Karikis
Feb 8 - Turner Sims Concert Hall - Southampton - lunchtime concert - Bach Concerto for 2 Harpsichords in C major BWV 1061
March 28 - Music Sources - California - USA - Reinvention programme and Cindy Cox premiere
April 21 - Sinfonia Viva - Orchestral premiere by Emily Hall
April 22 - Handel House - Brook Street, London - Premiere by Duncan McLeod
May 2 - Kettle's yard - Cambridge - Electroacoustic programme with premieres by Michael Zev Gordon and Emily Hall
May 9 - York Late Music - Premiere by Alex Harker
May 15 - Sounds New - Canterbury - Opera by Mikhail Karikis
June - Savile Club - Baroque Programme
September - Ultima Festival - Norway
