Here is my first ever piece for Brass Quartet, 'Hymns and Things for the End of the World (Part 20 1/2)', written for 'Exit Brass' and featured on their new album 'The Arrival'.

In nine sections that run continuously, the music explores stories from around the internet that I found towards the end of 2012 relating to the coming end of the world.

Four stunningly talented players playing all new music by some of the brass band movements leading composers - you can purchase the album from:

info@exitbrass.com

ENJOY!!

Hymns And Things For The End Of The World (Part 20 1/2)

I began playing the Tuba aged 13 at Beanfield Comprehensive School in Corby, Northamptonshire.  Like millions before, I practised, I got better and I joined other ensembles..... I've been lucky enough to play at all the major brass band contests but at 17 I discovered that I had an ability to write music.  This new found form of self expression was instantly appealing and I happily fell head first into writing; if for no other reason, it meant I could ditch Tuba scales and flexibility studies and go out and look at the world!!

After only two years of writing I was lucky to get into the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff.  My composition tutor, Andrew Wilson-Dickson, was a massive influence on me as both a composer and a person.  I have to admit that I'm no academic and found the conforming aspects of institutional life rather hard!!  But having four years to write music is an experience I wouldn't swap for anything else in the world.

Music in general is not an easy profession to make a living but you can never grumble, getting by in life by conjuring sounds which have only ever occurred in your head is a great feeling..........

Professor euphonium at the Lemmens Institute - LUCA School of Arts - Leuven, Belgium.
Conductor and brass teacher in Norway.

Hymns And Things For The End Of The World (Part 20 1/2)

Paul McGhee