Born in London in 1965, Ian Moore studied music at Goldsmiths, University of London. In 1992 he had composition lessons with Gwyn Pritchard. At the same time, he made detailed analytical studies of modern music, especially the scores of Pierre Boulez. In 1995 after moving back to London, he had composition lessons with James Dillon. Recently he has written two orchestral works for Brno Philharmonic Orchestra and intends to concentrate on orchestral music. He is also the Artistic Director of the Modern Britain series, a concert series that is dedicated to bringing a wider audience to the most challenging aspects of modern music. As Artistic Director, he has programmed a number of world and UK premieres, including works by Karlheinz Stockhausen, Luciano Berio and Richard Barrett (which was recorded by BBC Radio 3 to be broadcast by the ‘Hear and Now’ programme.)
This work is the centre piece of a trilogy which is yet to be completed. Written at a time when I was heavily influenced by the music of Pierre Boulez, the titles of three compositions are reminiscent of 'Le Marteau sans Maitre'; the centre piece is a solo song based on the surrealist poem by Charles Baudelaire and it is framed by a prelude "Avant..." for solo clarinet and pre-recorded material and a postlude "Apres..." for mixed ensemble. Unfortunately, "Avant La Mort Des Artistes" has yet to be completed. The technology and the opportunity in terms of orchestral resources are only now available to me. I believe that I will finish the piece soon.
By 2005, I had spent most of my time writing the series "Etude de Couleur et Lumiere". But after a personal tragedy, I turned my attention to something more etherial. Adieu not only explores the timbre of the oboe and piano but also paints a colourful image. The poem by Guillaume Apollinaire best illustrates the spirit that lies behind the music:
Chantefables are medieval tales of adventure told in alternating sections of sung verse and recited prose. It is from this style of communication,in-between singing and talking, that this work has been inspired. Each gesture represents a concentrated and expressive intonation. It is played beautifully by the virtuoso guitarist, Alan Thomas.
"Empfindsamkeit" started off as a commission from Christopher Redgate. His idea was to write a piece for his Oboe Quintet to appear on an upcoming CD. Unfortunately, it wasn't finished in time for the recording.
Recently, I have discovered a fascinating revelation about the composers we admire so much. That behind many geniuses, there usually is a predecessor lurking in the background. It reminds me of a quote by Pcasso...
Karlheinz Stockhausen is one of the most important composers of the post war era. He is partially responsible for the creation of the post war modernist music. But what is his true legacy? Was he the leading composer in his field?
Initially, I intended to write a series of biographical ‘incidents’ outlining significant events in my life. But then, it turned into an observation about the whole concept of self-image. Many of us are familiar with the story of Narcissus.
The Flute Sonatine came at the height of my obsession with the works of Pierre Boulez. In 1947, he wrote a Flute Sonatine for piano and flute as a result of a suggestion by his then teacher, René Leibowitz. with whom he was later to have a notorious falling out.
Helmut Lachenmann is relatively unknown outside of Germany. Nevertheless, he is a figure who is growing in significance in modern music circles. Despite his wide experience, his lack of broad appeal is, in my opinion, largely due to the individuality of his music.