John Pickard's music is characterized by a complex but recognizable tonality that pushes boundaries without alienating listeners, engaging with both past and present.
Performer Biography
Ian Mitchell, the bass clarinettist, was the first and possibly only British clarinettist to perform in North Korea.
Recording & Production
This recording was made possible by the generous financial support of John Grimshaw, as acknowledged by Toccata Classics.
Instruments
The viola used in this recording was once owned by Gustav Holst, a notable English composer, and was loaned by The King's School, Canterbury.
Composer Biography
John Pickard, the composer, developed a rare familiarity with writing for brass instruments through his boyhood experience playing in a local brass band.
Performer Biography
Sophie Harris, the cellist, spent five years with the award-winning Smith Quartet, following her passion for contemporary music.
Composer's Artistic Vision
For composer John Pickard, tonality is an effective way to give coherence to large spans of music, with his pieces often gravitating towards or away from different pitch-centers.
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