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Composer

David Bedford

1937 — 2011

Albums

Voyage of a Sea-God: The Bassoon Through the 20th Century
Laurence Perkins

David Bedford: A Pioneering Composer

David Bedford was a renowned English composer and musician, known for his innovative contributions to both classical and popular music. Born on August 4, 1937, in Finchley, North London, he was the brother of conductor Steuart Bedford and part of a family with a rich musical heritage.

Early Life and Education

Bedford was educated at Lancing College in Sussex and later studied music at the Royal Academy of Music under Lennox Berkeley. He further honed his skills in Venice with Luigi Nono. His early influences included modernist composers, shaping his unique style in music composition.

Career Highlights

Bedford held the position of Composer in Residence at Queen's College, London, from 1969 to 1981, and taught music in various London schools from 1968 to 1980. He collaborated with notable artists such as Kevin Ayers and Mike Oldfield. His orchestration of Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells is particularly well-known. Bedford was celebrated for his experimental use of unconventional instruments and sounds, such as using everyday objects in his compositions.

Notable Works

Some of Bedford's notable works include "The Garden of Love" for pop band and orchestra, written for Kevin Ayers and his band The Whole World, Percussion Concerto for Dame Evelyn Glennie, premiered in 1999, and "The City and the Stars", a choral work in collaboration with Arthur C. Clarke in 2001.

Venture into the Musical Realm of David Bedford with "STAGE+"

Bedford's idiosyncratic compositions leave an indelible mark on the audience, transporting them to uncharted territories of melodic adventures. Our spotlight in this showcase is the iconic "Voyage of a Sea-God," a musical saga that has helped redefine Bassoon's presence in the 20th century. This masterpiece is a fascinating tapestry of symphonic expressions that marries unconventional structures with romantic influences.

Curated by Laurence Perkins, the highlights of Bedford's work resonate with a peculiar allure, entailing a journey filled with enormous dynamism, playful symphonies, and hauntingly beautiful motifs. Perkins, an acclaimed Bassoonist himself, brings to life the vibrant sonic personalities hidden in each of Bedford's compositions.

Intriguing and innovative, this expedition into the world of the remarkable artist, David Bedford, is not just a tribute but an audio-visual feast that exemplifies the limitless possibilities of music in the hands of a maestro. Make sure to immerse in the captivating world of sound and emotions woven by Bedford, a voyage that is only steps away with "STAGE+".