music - ensembles

It's such great fun to write for groups of different and original instruments. These pages reflect some diverse examples from a portfolio of ensemble work which has been recently premiered. From a traditional wind quintet format to a percussion group using voices, tables and chairs. I've been lucky to work with some great ensembles like plus-minus • ensemblebash • new london chamber ensemble (nlce)

If you would like better quality sound files or scores please contact me

Wicklow Market to Shannon Flow - click to play extract

performers	plus-minus
instruments	piano, accordian, violin, cello
composer	lawrence reed © 2009
file size	12.95 mb
file type	mp3
duration	16 min

Wicklow Market to Shannon Flow (Irish sketches 2) evokes an east-west cycle journey across Ireland. The two principal themes were inspired by a lively bustling market and the sweeping flow of the Shannon estuary with a number of episodes along the way. At times achingly beautiful, but with magical and sinister undercurrents, the piece has a firm momentum which leaves the listener with the sensation of having been on a journey.

musical score - wicklow market to shannon flow

download complete
score - pdf 740kb

playing notes
- pdf 22kb

Clockwork Thingmajig excerpts - click to play extract

performers	new london chamber ensemble (nlce)
instruments	wind quintet
composer	lawrence reed © 2009
file size	4.56 mb
file type	mp3
duration	4 min 59 secs

Clockwork Thingamajig... just wind it up and let it go! To some extent it's reactions are programmed using arithmetic progressions based around a sturdy jazz bass riff. These progressions accumulate and reverse. But there are random elements too... and the odd surprise!

Clockwork Thingmajig

download complete
score - pdf 580kb

Chattering and whispers - click to play extract

performers	ensemblebash
instruments	percussion quartet
composer	lawrence reed © 2009
file size	7.77 mb
file type	mp3
duration	8 mins 29 secs

Chattering and Whispers uses broken syllables and borrowed percussion objects such as chair legs to create the background burble and hubbub that you might hear when your alone in a crowded bar or on a train. Rising and falling, stopping and starting... never with any meaning.