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Sea story video

Making Waves

GHO in-house composer Christopher Wood has underlined his growing collaboration with the worlds of art and film with the release of a new video project. Sea Changes marks a liaison with long-time associate Andrew Lawrence, pairing Chris’s 11-minute long evocation of the changing moods of the sea, with marine-influenced paintings of Warwickshire-based artist Lawrence.

 

The video takes the viewer through a volatile single day, moving from a tranquil sunrise through to a violent storm; the toll of the storm is suggested in the requiem which follows, before the opening tranquillity returns as the light fades. Only the sight of a lone young widow reminds us of the restless power of nature.

The project is all the more remarkable as the music was originally composed as ballet music. ‘Due to a happy quirk of fate we found a close affinity between our music and pictures,’ the composer recalls. ‘It was a pleasure to work with a talented artist who is also a long-time friend.’

 

 

Despite the glowing reviews Sea Changes is receiving the composer is still hoping for the dance idea to be realised. ‘I want my music to be illustrative and evocative, whatever the context,’ says the composer. Andrew Lawrence (pictured) adds: ‘I paint pictures that reflect a range of moods from wild seascapes to tranquil landscapes and the human condition from exhilaration and high energy to calm intimate moments. I enjoy exploring new ways of using light, tone, colour, composition and ways of laying down paint to bring my stories to life.  

The video was created and edited by film maker David Lawrence, son of the artist. See the Sea Changes video here on the GHO Music page of this website.

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Lost in Life

Lost in Life (dedicated to those who died on September 11) was the most moving piece in the concert. You exactly hit the mood of the time. Congratulations!

John Austin
Fine Arts Sinfonia

Conversation Piece

Great care and thought had obviously gone into the highly atmospheric Conversation Piece by Christopher Wood. The oboe’s announcement of the legato opening subject was well molded, controlled and serious, setting the tone for a warm dialogue with expressive strings. Fluctuations of tempo sounded natural and inevitable and silence was dramatically effective, the parlando musical argument always clear, played with ravishing sound quality. An original twist concluded the dialogue, ensuring an unusual ending to a lovely piece.

Ruth Goslett
Croydon Advertiser

String Quartet

Lovely string playing made the String Quartet by Christopher Wood a joy to hear. Its lyrical opening, with the musical argument effortlessly and eloquently passing from viola, violins and cello, was deeply felt. Pauses were atmospheric and contrapuntal writing cleverly handled. Rhythm was taught and well-sprung in the contrasting middle section and the ending was ethereal.

Ruth Goslett
Croydon Advertiser

Carter in Crisis

Tinged with a deep autumnal melancholy, it tells of an ageing man’s obsession with the bust of a beautiful young Adonis. I found myself mulling over its meaning long after Carter’s valedictory cri de coeur had been sounded.

Donald Madgwick
Croydon Advertiser
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Any singers interested in joining GHO should contact Paddy Cockshutt on 078908 18508

Chris Wood on 077 905 143 77
or 020 8715 4436

Orchestral players should email: newtowncom@gmail.com