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First name: Malcolm
Last name: Dedman
Dates: 1948
Category: Quartet
Nationality: english
Opus name: Scherzo (2005)
Publisher:
Peculiarities: See: http://www.musiciansgallery.com/start/composers/dedman/price_list.htm
Information: Born in London in 1948, Malcolm Dedman was initially self-taught, having started to compose when he was 12. Although he later had formal violin and singing lessons, it was composition, arising out of improvising at the piano, that he was most interested in pursuing. His first formal lessons in composition were with Patric Standford at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 1973-74, but he did not receive a formal musical qualification until 2005, when he passed with distinction his Masters Degree in Composing Concert Music at Thames Valley University. He considers his compositional style to be an individual one, benefitting from an in-depth understanding of twentieth century trends, ranging from serialism to quasi-aleatoric techniques. He now adopts an individual ‘post-modern’ idiom, based on original modes, that is very personal in approach. Although his music owes much to the music of Messiaen and Bartók, it also integrates music by many other composers as well as music from different cultures. He believes in writing music that speaks directly to the audience, conveying a purposeful message, in a style that is appropriate to this century and without compromising musical quality. He has received performances in various countries, including England, USA, New Zealand and South Africa. Many of these performances have been received well by audiences and critics, including two excellent reviews by Anthony Payne. He has also gained several composition awards; and he now self-publishes his music, along with two CDs, under the name Misty Mountain Music. Major first performances that have been received well by both audiences and critics include: Christmas Cantata– ‘TheWord was Made Flesh’ in 1975; Three Dance Episodes for oboe, guitar and piano at the Wigmore Hall in 1977; String Quartet at the Purcell Room in 1980; Piano Sonata No. 2 – ‘In Search’ at the Purcell Room in 1986 and Two Reflections for piano in 1988, also at the Purcell Room. Malcolm has also gained several composition awards, including theThames Valley University composition prize in 2005 for Scherzo for piano quartet.