Part of the series: Sussex Lectures

About

Distant voices, living music: hearing the past and writing the present.

A public lecture by Ed Hughes, Professor of Composition in Music, School of Media, Film and Music.

Classical composers are often trained to think that originality means devising new ideas and methods, and precludes quoting the past. Yet many composers find their voices by building on the work of past musicians. In this lecture I will discuss ways in which a knowledge of 16th century English music helped me to compose my 'Sinfonia' (2018), exploring the tension between tradition and innovation from a personal perspective.

Ed Hughes's lecture will be illustrated with musical examples from the 16th century and from his own work, performed live at Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts by the New Music Players: Darragh Morgan (violin), Joe Giddey (cello), Helen Whitaker (flute), Fiona Cross (clarinet), Mary Dullea (piano).

The Sussex Lectures promote our excellent research and teaching, and provide opportunities for alumni, friends and our wider community to celebrate the work at the University. These lectures are open to the general public and are free to attend. You can link to the full list here.