'Connections'

Peter Byrom-Smith
Nov 4
2 min read

As composer, I’ve been very pleased to be able to work with so many wonderful musicians, on both live performances and recordings.

At a reflective time I thought I’d share a few details and anecdotes from a selection of my personal favourite recordings which feature works of mine.

So, first off is ‘Connections’ a whole CD dedicated to a number of small intimate chamber works which feature the guitar. Below are links to two of the tracks.

It’s quite a personal recording, as some of the titles refer to specific thoughts of mine at the time, including personal relationships, the feeling of loss, changing seasons, etc, etc - which are all good stimulants to a composers palate - also, the intimate relationship of the instrumental tones too.

I remember that I had just returned from Utrecht, where the premiere of an orchestral work of mine ‘Three Way Mirror’ had taken place, when a few friends and colleagues suggested that I should release some of my work on disc.

Well, never the one to say no to a musical project idea, I got to it straight away. I had known John Mackenzie (guitar) for some years John commissioned and premiered my concerto for Guitar and String Orchestra - ‘Three Ages of a City’; the work ‘Landscape with Trees’ for Guitar Quartet; and also continues to perform ‘Summer Moods’ at many of his recitals.

So, being both excited and inspired, we discussed the possibility of recording a few of my works, then bringing Cathy and Harriet on board with us proved a great plan, particularly as they had both premiered the piece ‘Connections’ at a live concert and were quite keen to join us.

Everyone was happy at the result of our musical collaboration and we launched the CD at a concert in York and excitingly shops were happy to sell our recordings too.

Track list:

‘Summer Moods’ - Solo Guitar.

‘Connections’ - Flute, Violin, and Guitar.

‘Elegy’ - Solo Flute.

‘Winter Sketches’ - Flute and Guitar.

Performers:

John Mackenzie - Guitar

Cathy Roberts - Flute

Harriet Bradley - Violin

The CD was released on the WDIO Records label.

The recording was made at Submarine Studios in York by Andrew Wass.

Artwork by Colin Hawxby.