Paul Newland studied Composition at the Royal Northern College of Music with Anthony Gilbert and Sir Harrison Birtwistle, and at the Royal Academy of Music with Michael Finnissey. He has also studied with Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, James MacMillan, Oliver Knussen, Colin Matthews, Milton Babbitt, Martin Butler and Gerald Barry. He has received a number of prizes including a Paul Hamlyn Foundation Award in '93, and a Special Mention in the '95 International Gaudeamus Music Week Composition Prize. In '95 Gÿorgy Ligeti awarded him the Royal Academy of Music's Josiah Parker Prize. His music has been performed by the Asko Ensemble, Ives Ensemble, Ixion, Psappha, English Northern Philharmonia, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Jane's Minstrels and has featured on BBC Radio 3's The Music Machine and Hear and Now. He is co-founder and Artistic Director of the ensemble [rout].

Programme Note: Some Like Horror Show Music for a Malenky Bit of the Old U.V. (A Lament for the Death of Linus)

This piece is subtitled, A Lament for the death of Linus. According to Greek Mythology, Linus is reputed to have invented rhythm and melody and I took pulse and drone as my respective starting points in an attempt to write a kind of prototypical music. There are several versions as to how Linus met his death. Some attribute his death to Heracles who, becoming bored with the music lessons of Linus, beat his teacher to death with a lyre.

Robert Graves suggests Linus symbolizes the spirit of the flax plant (linos), and the method in which it was harvested, dried, and beaten. The celebration of the flax harvest involved music and dance, 'plaintive dirges, and pounding rhythms.' This is reflected in the piece, which is formed from juxtaposed sections in an attempt to create an imagined ritual, the funeral rite of Linus, or perhaps the celebration of the flax harvest. The harvesting of the flax called for enormous physical exertion, the death of Linus was a particularly violent and bloody one. The main title of the piece is in 'Nadsat', the dialect spoken by Alex, the main character in Anthony Burgess A Clockwork Orange. Violence and freedom are the two main themes of the book. Violence is one of the two intense pleasures of Alex's life, the other being music, particularly 'the great Ludwig van'. The title is simply the way Alex would say, 'some good music to accompany little acts of extreme violence', or 'ultra violence', (the U.V. of the title). This piece then is a tribute to, and a lament, for Linus. An imagined funeral rite or pagan ritual with Alex listening in.

First Performance Details

The first performance of A Lament for the death of Linus was given on 23rd November 1993 at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, England.

The work was performed by Psappha and conducted by Christopher Gayford.

A Lament for the death of Linus was commissioned by Psappha, with funds provided by North West Arts Board.

First Broadcast Details

The first broadcast of the work was given on BBC Radio 3 10th May 1996 by Jane's Minstrels conducted by Roger Montgomery.

First Recording Details

The work was recorded by Psappha for CD on 15th December 1997 and will be released on the British Music Label BM026 on 23rd March 1998. See Psappha Debut CD for details.

Contact Details

Paul Newland can be contacted at:

Wards Farm

Leuchars

Fife

Scotland, KY16 0DP

United Kingdom
Tel: +44 1334 83 8399