Nigel Bartram

I am particularly concerned with recollection, and my music often uses sounds recorded from a particular environment, or is inspired by a particular place.

My current work also includes an interest in folk song and bringing this into new musical contexts. This for me functions as an extension of recollection: recalling stories from the past, but known in a particular place. The relevance is enhanced by the writing of new music for the words and/or including sounds (often environmental) from the present.

I write in a tonal context with an interest in extended harmonies inspired by French impressionism, jazz, and contemporary composers such as Karen Tanaka, Steve Reich, Graham Fitkin, and Stephen Sondheim.

To date I have written electro-acoustic pieces mixing sampled sounds, electronics and music for piano/keyboard and ‘cello. Follow the link below to see my projects:

I have also written for solo piano and currently am writing for SATB choir, 3 pieces for ‘cello and piano inspired by a holiday on Islay, and an electro-acoustic composition using recording of East-Riding of Yorkshire folk-songs with recorded ‘cello and synthesiser.

Although not a film-maker as such I have composed two pieces with film I have made on location primarily to recall and inspire.  ‘Shades of Blue-Green’ for ‘cello and recorded sounds (2018) and ‘Colours at Dawn’ (2021).  In both works the music can also be performed independently. Follow the link below to see my music with film work:

I am a performer with the Ensemble on both piano/keyboard and ‘cello. I have performed many works by the composer and Artistic Director of the group, John Stead.  John’s works (such as the ‘Play series) have developed my interest and skill in performing indeterminate scores often employing extended instrumental techniques and a requirement to work successfully with live electronics. These pieces have used live keyboard/synthesiser and currently we are working with ‘cello and electronics.

In addition to performing my own works I have a small but developing repertoire for piano and ‘cello.  My repertoire has included works by Karen Tanaka (‘Water Dance’ for piano and ‘Song of Songs’ for ‘cello and electronics), and I have performed pieces by Takemitsu, Messiaen, and Koh.