As part of Piano Circus’ role as Associate Artists at Brunel University, this year we have been working with 3rd year undergraduate composers writing pieces for multiple keyboards. In January Piano Circus gave a workshop on four new compositions under the direction of composition tutor Colin Riley (who has also written some of his own, magical, pieces for Piano Circus!)
We were really impressed with the variety, colour and energy of the students’ new music. We worked in detail with them on how to clearly notate music of rhythmic complexity, issues of balance within an ensemble of similar instruments, and adding textural variety and development within a minimal aesthetic.
We will be back at Brunel in May this year for a performance of the finished works as part of the annual music department showcase.