Introduction to Rhythmical Horizons – Background, Foundations and Analysis

speaker: Dr Zack Reading (Freelance composer and Bangor University Alumni)

This presentation will discuss Reading’s upcoming Bangor Music Festival premiere, Rhythmical Horizons for clarinet, violin, cello and piano, which was commissioned as part of the William Mathias Composition Prize 2024. The piece is inspired by visual artist Chris Holley’s triptych of the same name and will feature in a programme of counterpart pieces to Holley’s work.

In this seminar, Reading will discuss his compositional approach in this piece and will examine influences, particularly the rhythmic designs of progressive metal band Periphery, and his interpretation of the artwork. The main thematic and structural elements of the work will be analysed with reference to wider artistic ideals of the composer within the context of his compositional background and output so far.