Mark Simpson – Israfel (World Première)

by 5:4

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Michel Sicco

Thank you! Until recently I was reluctant to listen to contemporary classical music. Things have changed a lot since I read your blog. The number of contemporary composers I’ve discovered here is amazing!

Graham

I enjoyed the exuberant Mark Simpson piece but what is one to make of the MacMillan 2nd piano concerto which shared the same programme? Humourless, grotesque, crude….

Chris L

I’m not convinced Simpson would be flattered by the comparison, but to my ears this sounds in parts like a highly compressed version of Maw’s Odyssey. However, speaking of British composers of a more “traditional” bent, one composer whom Simpson certainly doesn’t sound like is his near-namesake but (presumably) non-relation, Robert…

Chris L

I also hear the odd hint of Ades, whom I know Simpson admires, although of course he relies much less on overt allusion than does that composer.

Chris L

BTW, is there any scope for stepping away from the Proms fray to discuss Simpson’s The Immortal, a jaw-dropping and frankly terrifying piece currently available on iPlayer?

Udeni

Thank you for this nuanced review, Simon. I work in Salford and wandered into the BBC Philharmonic’s open rehearsal of Mark Simpson’s Israfael today. I was blown away. I came away wanting to learn more about the composer and the work. Thank goodness for your website! I know little about contemporary music and will enjoy learning more through your mix tapes. Keep up the good work!

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