Steve Goss

composer

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Landscape and Memory

2023 | 10 mins | for two guitars and string quartet

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Landscape and Memory is based on Simon Schama’s history book unlike any other. In a series of journeys through space and time, Schama examines our relationship with the landscape around us – rivers, mountains, forests – the impact each of them has had on our culture and imaginations, and the way in which we, in turn, have shaped them to answer our needs. In my single-movement piece, musical material suggesting these three landscape types interacts, overlaps, and diverges. The piece was originally for two guitars and string orchestra.

Landscape and Memory was commissioned by Adam Cicchillitti and Steve Cowan with funds from the Canada Council for the Arts and CALQ. The first performance took place on 19th March 2022 at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, Ottawa, Canada, where Adam and Steve were joined by Ottawa-based chamber orchestra Thirteen Strings. Landscape and Memory is published by Doberman-Yppan.

Wynwood Walls

2023 | 25 mins | for guitar and string quartet

Bathers at Asnières
I want my time with you
Sunflower Seeds
Nighthawks
No Woman, No Cry
#Lamentation
Selfie with Sunflowers
Infinity Room
Seurat’s Bathers

“‘Wynwood Walls’, a sort of Pictures at an Exhibition for guitar and string quartet, takes inspiration from Seurat, Hopper’s Nighthawks, a neon sign by Tracey Emin, and others. None of this background information should deter the adventurous listener, since all is intriguing, while obviously repaying repeated attention.” British Music Society

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Wynwood Walls was commissioned by Mesut Özgen for the 2023 Miami GuitART Festival with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. The piece was originally scored for guitar, strings, and percussion and that version received its premiere on February 23rd 2023 as part of the festival. This version for guitar and string quartet received its first performances at La Sala, Bogota, Colombia, on 22nd January 2024. Wynwood Walls is based on 20th and 21st century artworks, which give their titles to the nine sections. Wynwood Walls is published by Doberman-Yppan. Recorded by Francisco Correa and the Asaka Quartet on Landscape and Memory, Deux-Elles (DXL 1202© 2024)

Paganini Variations

2023 | 5 mins | for violin, mandolin, and guitar

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The Paganini Variations are based on a theme from the first of Paganini’s Centone di Sonate MS112. The variations are scored for violin, mandolin, and guitar – the three instruments which Paganini played. The piece was commissioned by the Paganini Guitar Festival and the first performance will take place in Parma on 27th May 2023 with Giulio Plotino – violin, Carlo Aonzo – mandolin, and Giampaolo Bandini – guitar. The piece is also available in a version for violin and guitar, edited by Max Baillie.

Crunch Time

2019 | 10 mins | for viola, bass clarinet, and piano

Slow
Free (viola cadenza)
Fast

Score

Commissioned by Trifarious. The first performance took place on 10th May 2019 as part of the Guildford International Music Festival.

The Flower of Cities

2012 | 26 mins | for violin, two guitars, double bass, and percussion

Broadgate Sculptures
Tower Bridge (guitar 2 solo)
Finsbury Circus
London Bridge (violin solo)
Bunhill Fields
Southwark Bridge (double bass solo)
The Cries of London
Millenium Bridge (guitar 1 solo)
Bartholomew’s Fair
Blackfriars Bridge (percussion solo)
Inner Temple Garden

“The music is marvellous, ranging from mysterious and evocative to rollicking. Every moment is enjoyable.” Soundboard

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Commissioned by John Williams for the 50th Anniversary of the City of London Festival. The first performance took place at the Fishmongers’ Hall, London on July 10th 2012, Max Bailie – violin, John Williams and Craig Ogden – guitars, Tim Gibbs – bass, and Tristan Fry – percussion. Published by Doberman-Yppan © 2013.

Northern Lights

2010 | 17 mins | for flute, bass clarinet doubling B flat clarinet and optional soprano saxophone, and guitar

Echoes of Silence
Revontulet
Nocturne in Blue and Silver
Valkrior

“Northern Lights hangs like East Coast fog, clarinet and flute in sparse, unhurried collusion akin to a meditative Feldman work.” The Independent

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Reflections on the Garden of Cosmic Speculation

2010 | 20 mins | for flute (doubling piccolo & alto flute), bass clarinet (doubling C clarinet and soprano saxophone), and guitar

Quark Walk
The Snail Mound
Soliton Gates
The Nonsense
The Symmetry Break Terrace
Octagonia
The Snake Mound
Two Ways to Paradise

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This piece is a set of reworkings by Susie Hodder-Williams, Chris Caldwell and Graham Roberts, of ‘The Garden of Cosmic Speculation’ (2005)

Variations on a Burns Air: Scherzo

2009 | 2 mins | for piano quartet

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Commissioned by The Primrose Piano Quartet for a set of variaitions by several different composers on the Robbie Burns’ air: ‘By yon castle wa’ at the close of day’. Other composers include James MacMillan, Sally Beamish, Piers Hellawell, Zoe Martlew and John Casken. First performance 18th October, 2009 Tunbridge Wells Green Room Concerts. CD released on the Meridian label at King’s Place, London, 21st February 2010.

Prelude and Gnossienne

2008 | 10 mins | for cello, piano and double bass

Prelude after Gershwin
Gnossienne after Satie

These reworkings were devised in rehearsal with Graham Caskie, Thomas Carroll and Laurence Ungless.

Uneasy Dreams

2006 | 8 mins | for saxophone quartet

Tideland
A Blues for Sam Lowry
The Fisher King

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Frozen Music

2006 | 18 mins | for guitar, violin, viola and cello

The Menuhin Hall
Ronchamp Chapel
The East Stand
Grand Central Waltz
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Fallingwater
The Gherkin

“I have come to expect outstanding originality in the work of Stephen Goss, and I was not disappointed. ‘Frozen Music’, for guitar and string trio, is his reponse to seven buildings that have meant something to him. A corresponding variety of styles has been employed by the composer, adding significantly to the interest. Extensive quotation, allusion and reference are hallmarks of Goss’s current style; while his works remain essentially modern, they do give the untrained ear something to hang on to while it assimilates the new and the unfamiliar. His new piece underlines my belief that Stephen Goss is good news for the guitar.” Colin Cooper, Classical Guitar

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Commissioned by the Yehudi Menuhin School, with funds provided by Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones. The first performance was given on the 90th anniversary of Lord Menuhin’s birth, 22nd April 2006, in the new Menuhin Hall. Tom Ellis was the soloist with string players from the Yehudi Menuhin School. Recorded on Frozen Music CACD0711© 2007. Published by Doberman-Yppan © 2014.

Drums and Trumpets

2005 | 1 mins | for six trumpets and timpani

Commissioned by the University of Surrey for the installation of Prof Christopher M Snowden as Vice-Chancellor of the University. First performed by University Trumpets at Guildford Cathedral on 28th September 2005.

The Garden of Cosmic Speculation

2004 | 25 mins | for violin, cello, bass clarinet, and piano, or, violin, viola, cello, and piano

The Black Hole Terrace
The Snail Mound
Soliton Gates
The Nonsense
Quark Walk
Two Ways to Paradise
Jumping Bridge
The Garden of the Six Senses
The Symmetry Break Terrace
Octagonia
The Snake Mound

“The Garden of Cosmic Speculation feels timeless – at once prehistoric and futuristic. And despite being inspired by intellectual rigour, the atmosphere is peaceful, even playful." The Times

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Commissioned by the Gemini Ensemble and based on Charles Jencks’ garden in Scotland. First performance 9th March 2005 at the Guildford International Music Festival. Jencks’ garden and Stephen Goss’ music were featured on an edition of The South Bank Show, broadcast on ITV1 on 3rd April 2005. Recorded on The Garden of Cosmic Speculation (CACD0604© 2006). Published by Doberman-Yppan © 2015.

Spin

2003 | 32 mins | for six dancers, flute, soprano saxophone, piano, guitar, sitar, video and electronics

A collaborative work with composer Tom Armstrong, choreographers Jennifer Jackson and Noni Jenkyn-Jones, and video artist Deveril. Funded by Arts Council England and first performed at the Guildford International Music Festival, 8th March 2003.

Tango: The White Queen

2003 | 5 mins | for violin, bandoneon, guitar, piano and double bass

Commissioned by Tango Volcano who gave first performance at the Bolivar Hall, Grafton Way, London NW1, 29th November 2004.

Trumpets and Clocks

2002 | 2 mins | for four trumpets, two trombones and timpani

Notes

Commissioned by the University of Surrey to celebrate its 35th anniversary. First performed by Surrey Brass in Guildford Cathedral, 29th May 2002 and subsequently by the University of Surrey Symphony Orchestra 17th November 2002. Published by Tantallon Music © 2002.

Tango

2001 | 6 mins | for clarinet, accordion, vibraphone, marimba, suspended cymbal and double bass and dancers

Notes

Commissioned by the Guildford international Music Festival. First performed at the University of Surrey, 3rd March 2001, with choreography by Kate Lawrence.

One-Nil

1994 | 2 mins | for brass quintet

written for the wedding of Katy Clark and David Moody. First performed 18th July 1994.