Sound and Music

John Marlow Rhys is an spnm shortlisted composer. Since beginning composing in his late thirties he has written orchestral music, chamber music, music for percussion, songs – some with orchestra – and music-theatre works.  Stylistically, the music has ranged from early influences of Berg, Xenakis and Carter and later on, for example in Paladoro for four amplified sopranos and ensemble, the influence of American minimalism becomes quite strong.  His more recent work is in some ways simpler and clearer in form and expression. His works have been performed and broadcast in many countries and he has developed a special connection with Hungary where performances, broadcasts and several television presentations have brought him some success. His work has been recognised with several awards:- The Special Chandos Award in Musica Nova, Glasgow 1977; the Ian Whyte Award from the Scottish National Orchestra; the Hungarian Composers’ Union Millennium Prize in 2000; and Primavera for soprano and orchestra was one of four works chosen from over four hundred submissions at the Tansman Festival in Poland in 2006.  September for orchestra was also chosen for performance in the New Composers Forum in York in 2002. As Head of Music in various colleges he wrote and arranged and conducted lots of music for his students.  That’s how he learned the craft of composition!   He has an MA from Oxford University and a D.Phil. in composition from York University. www.geocities.com/johnmarlowrhys