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Near Midnight : A piece for large orchestra commissioned by the Halle Concerts Society as part of H.Grime's role as Associate Composer with the Orchestra. The work was premiered in the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester on 23 May 2013 conducted by Sir Mark Elder and broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.

Near Midnight

Context: My most recent work for large orchestra was completed in 2013 as part of my role as Associate Composer with the Hallé Orchestra. Having had the opportunity to work with the orchestra on some of my existing orchestral and chamber repertoire and also get to know their playing through spending time listening in rehearsals and concerts, I wanted this piece to be tailored to the strengths and unique sound quality that is inherent in their playing. An orchestral setting provides the perfect opportunity for me to play with layering and material unfolding at different speeds and this is something that drives the piece. A work of approximately twelve minutes, in Near Midnight I have been able to take some of the ideas and techniques explored in earlier orchestral and chamber works further and in more depth.

Research objectives: Contrasting layers and fast moving material within a tightly controlled through-written structure of four main sections were at the forefront for Near Midnight. I was concerned with creating a sound world which is transparent and focused, where everything can be heard, but often in a detailed, multi-textured and polyrhythmic style. The challenge was to create varied instrumental groupings distinct in their timbre, texture, rhythmic profile and register and combine them in a way which underlines and enriches the material rather than producing a cacophonous, muddy texture, which is something that completely opposes my aesthetic.

Research significance: This piece consolidates many of the techniques and compositional aims that have been central to my musical thinking over recent years. Commissioned by the Hallé during my time as Associate Composer, the piece was given its premiere in the Bridgewater Hall conducted by Sir Mark Elder and broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. Future performances are scheduled for 2014, yet to be announced.