updated 2 November 2022

Richard Barrett

Welsh composer born 7 November 1959 in Swansea, Wales.

Richard Barrett was born in Swansea, Wales, in 1959. He studied genetics at University College, London, from 1977 to 1980, before turning to composition, which he studied with Peter Wiegold and Hans-Joachim Hespos from 1980 to 1983. In 1984, he took a course with Brian Ferneyhough at Darmstadt, where he won the Kranichsteiner Musikpreis in 1986. He won first prize in the Gaudeamus awards in 1989 for his string quartet I open and close and the Chamber Music category of the British Composer Awards in 2003 for another string quartet, 13 Self-portraits. He was a guest of DAAD’s Berliner Künstlerprogramm in 2001-2002.

He taught composition at Middlesex University from 1989 to 1992, electroacoustics and electronic composition at the Institute of Sonology of the Hague Royal Conservatory from 1996 to 2001, where he returned in 2009. Between 2006 and 2009, he was a professor of composition at Brunel University in London. In December 2020, he was appointed to a new professorship in Research in Creative Music at the University of Leiden.

His name is associated both with the New Complexity group of British composers and with free improvisation, which he often practices with Paul Obermayer, with whom he founded the electronic music duo FURT in 1986, and the electroacoustic octet fORCH in 2005. He also has worked with artists such as Ute Wasserman (since 1999) in a vocal-electronics duo, and with the Evan Parker Electro-Acoustic Ensemble (since 2003). Most of his pieces involve live electronics, which the composer creates and performs himself. The codex series, which he began in 2001 and which comprised twenty-one pieces in 2019, leaves room for a great deal of improvisation both from the performers and from the composer using live electronics in performance.

Many of his works are written in large cycles and draw on literary sources for inspiration – Samuel Beckett in Fictions (1986-1996), Paul Celan in the Opening of the Mouth cycle (1992-1997) – or on the visual arts – Roberto Matta for the After Matta cycle (1985-1990) , as well as on sciences, mythology, philosophy, or politics. Since 2003, he has been working on an eight-part cycle titled No, resistance & vision, which includes CONSTRUCTION, which is itself a conglomerate work made up of many interwoven components. The total duration of resistance & vision is over six hours.

Since 1990, Richard Barrett has written most of his work for the ELISION Ensemble, notably Another heavenly day (1989-1990), negatives (1988-1992), Opening of the Mouth (1992-1997), and DARK MATTER (1990-2003). His work has also been performed by Accroche-Note – Lieder vom Wasser (1989-1990) from the Fictions cycle – le Quatuor Arditti - I open and close (1983-1988), Stress (1997), and Faux départs (2000-2003) – the BBC symphony orchestra - Vanity (1990-1994), No, resistance and vision I (1999-2004) - and the Cikada, Köln, Modern, Klangforum Wien, and Nieuw ensembles. The work for musical theater Unter Wasser (1994-1998) was commissioned by Champ d’Action.

In October 2020 he set up the digital label Strange Strings together with harpist Milana Zarić.


© Ircam-Centre Pompidou, 2011

Sources

  • United Music Publishers
  • John Warnaby, Christopher Fox, Grove, Oxford University Press.
  • Solo (excluding voice)
    • Invention 6 for solo piano (1982), 4 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec heard for amplified piano (1985), Inédit
    • elec Ne songe plus à fuir After Matta II, for amplified cello (1985-1986), between 8 mn and 10 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Alba Fictions III , for amplified bassoon (1986-1987), 8 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Nothing elsewhere Fictions IV, for solo viola (1987, 2005), 7 mn, United Music Publishers
    • reticule for solo violin (1988), 2 mn 15 s, United Music Publishers
    • Dark ages Fictions IX, for solo cello with two bows (1987-1990), 7 mn, United Music Publishers
    • basalt for solo trombone (1990-1991), 8 mn, United Music Publishers
    • colloid for ten-string guitar (1988-1991), 8 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Praha for solo cello with two bows (1991), 4 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Air for solo violin (1993), 6 mn, United Music Publishers
    • knospend-gespaltener for solo clarinet in C (1992-1993), 8 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Charon for bass clarinet (1994-1995), 10 mn, United Music Publishers
    • abglanzbeladen/auseinandergeschrieben for solo percussion (1992-1996), 10 mn, United Music Publishers
    • The Light Gleams an Instant for piano (1989-1996), 3 mn 20 s, United Music Publishers
    • elec Tract Fictions VIII, for piano with amplification ad libitum (1984-1996), 25 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Von hinter dem Schmerz for solo cello (1992-1996), 10 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Transmission for electric guitar and live electronics (1996-1999), 18 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Die allerschönste Seite... for bass flute (1998-2000), Inédit
    • Interference for contrabass clarinet (1996-2000), 10 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Blattwerk for cello and live electronics (2002), 25 mn, United Music Publishers [program note]
    • Ecliptic for solo viola (2003), 1 mn 40 s, Inédit
    • Lost for piano (2004), 9 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Adrift improvisation structure for piano and electronics (2004-2007), 20 mn, United Music Publishers
    • vale for solo flute (2005-2011), 9 mn, édition du compositeur
    • dying words (I) for solo performer (female voice and flute) (2011-2012), 9 mn, édition du compositeur
    • fold for solo Redgate-Howarth system oboe (2011-2012), 9 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec life-form for cello and electronics (2011-2012), 55 mn
    • dying words (II) for solo performer (female voice and flute) (2013), 9 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec tendril for solo harp with or without electronics (2013), between 4 mn 40 s and 10 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec dust from world line, for electric lap steel guitar and electronic sounds (2012-2014), 5 mn, édition du compositeur
    • leaf for harpsichord (2014), 2 mn, édition du compositeur
    • calyx from close-up, for solo slide trumpet (2015-2016), 4 mn, édition du compositeur
    • cyme from close-up, for solo harp (2015-2016), 4 mn, édition du compositeur
    • fold version for solo soprano saxophone (2011-2016), 9 mn, édition du compositeur
    • instar from close-up, for solo soprano recorder (2015-2016), 4 mn, édition du compositeur
    • spore from close-up, for solo accordion (2015-2016), 4 mn, édition du compositeur
    • tegmen from close-up, for solo cello (2015-2016), 4 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec entoptic for percussion and live electronics (2017-2018), 12 mn, édition du compositeur
    • filament for piano (2015-2018), 2 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec mask for trombone with optional electronic sounds (2017-2018), 6 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec membrane for trombone and 8-channel electronics (2017-2019), 30 mn, édition du compositeur
    • the world had long ago ceased to exist (natural causes XVI) for solo basset horn (2020), 16 mn
    • linear-A for solo piano (2021), 2 mn, édition du compositeur
    • phaistos for solo tenor saxophone (2021), 2 mn
    • elec heard shadows & watched voices (natural causes XV) for solo performer (violin, voice and movement) and 4-channel electronics (2021-2022), 16 mn, édition du compositeur
    • splinter for solo double bass (2018-2022), 8 mn
  • Chamber music
    • Earth Fictions V, for trombone and percussion (1987-1988), 11 mn 30 s, United Music Publishers
    • I open and close Fictions VI, for string quartet with amplification ad libitum (1983-1988), 19 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Another heavenly day Fictions VII, for clarinet, electric guitar, double bass and electronics (1989-1990), 7 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Inward for amplified alto flute and percussion (1994-1995), 7 mn 30 s, United Music Publishers
    • Binary for two flutes (1996), 1 mn 30 s, United Music Publishers
    • fluxion for five improvising musicians (1996), 10 mn about , Inédit
    • Stress for string quartet (1997), 10 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Liebestod for four recorders and live electronics (1999-2000), 10 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Volkmusik electronic music (2000), 15 mn 30 s, Inédit
    • codex I for improvising ensemble of six to twelve musicians (2001), 10 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Khasma for string quintet and electronics (2001), 13 mn, United Music Publishers
    • 13 Self-portraits for string quartet (2000-2002), 20 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec codex II for oboe, saxophone, piano and live electronics (2001-2002), 15 mn, Inédit
    • elec codex III improvisation structure for bass clarinet, cimbasso and live electronics (2003), 15 mn, Inédit
    • Faux départs for quintet with piano (2000-2003), 15 mn, United Music Publishers
    • fOKT I-III for the FORCH octet (2005), Inédit
    • Flechtwerk for clarinet and piano (2004-2006), 13 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Melos for five instruments (2004-2006), 7 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec codex VIII improvisation structure for seven musicians (2007), Inédit
    • fOKT IV improvisational structure for fORCH (8 improvising musicians) (2007), 45 mn
    • elec codex IX improvisation structure for nine musicians (2008), 13 mn, Inédit
    • elec nacht und träume resistance & vision part 7, for cello, piano and electronics (2003-2008), 20 mn
    • fOKT V improvisational structure for fORCH (8 improvising musicians) (2009), 45 mn
    • fOKT VI improvisational structure for fORCH (8 improvising musicians) (2009), 45 mn
    • Hypnerotomachia for two clarinets in A (2005-2009), 7 mn 30 s, Inédit
    • Aurora for quarter-tone bugle and alto trombone (2005-2010), 7 mn 30 s, United Music Publishers
    • Cell resistance & vision part 3, for alto saxophone, accordion and double bass (2007-2010), 14 mn, Inédit
    • elec codex XI improvisation structure for seven musicians (2010), 15 mn, Inédit
    • shade for violin and piano (2010), 3 mn, Inédit
    • Adocentyn for bass flute and bass recorder (2005-2011), 7 mn 30 s, édition du compositeur
    • lens from world line, for quartertone flugelhorn and electric lap steel guitar (2012-2013), 7 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec codex XIV improvisation structure for three percussionists and electronics (2014), 15 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec eiszeiten for horn, trombone, tuba and electronics (2012-2014), 10 mn, édition du compositeur
    • knot from world line, improvisation structure for percussion and electric lap steel guitar (2012-2014), 5 mn, édition du compositeur
    • pauk from close-up, for trumpet in Bb and accordion (2013-2014), 8 mn, édition du compositeur
    • rasa from world line, for flugelhorn, percussion and electric lap steel guitar (2011-2014), 4 mn, édition du compositeur
    • rift from world line, for piccolo trumpet, percussion and (optional) electric lap steel guitar (2011-2014), 6 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec urlicht for 3 percussionists with optional spatialisation (2013-2014), 13 mn 30 s, édition du compositeur
    • elec world-line for piccolo trumpet/quartertone flugelhorn, percussion, electric lap steel guitar and electronics (2012-2014), 30 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec nachtfalter from close-up, for alto recorder, harp, cello and electronic sounds (2014-2015), 6 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec wake for three instrumental trios, electronic sounds and lighting (2014-2015), 15 mn, édition du compositeur
    • pitch-black in sunlight (natural causes I) for lupophon, basset horn, horn and trombone (2016-2017), 8 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec tkiva for clarinet in A/bass clarinet, trombone/alto trombone, cello, piano and electronic sounds (2016-2017), 20 mn, édition du compositeur
    • catastrophe (natural causes II) for horn and percussion (2017-2018), 8 mn, édition du compositeur
    • codex XX for 8 improvising musicians (2018), 18 mn
    • venus for percussion, harp and double bass (2018), 6 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec codex XXI for 5 improvising performers and electronics (2019), 12 mn
    • all night invisibility flickers on & off visibly (natural causes VI) - duo 2 for soprano saxophone and electronic keyboard (2021-2022), 8 mn
    • imprints for 6 instruments (2022), 6 mn
  • Instrumental ensemble music
    • elec Essay in Radiance for ensemble (1981-1983), 12 mn 30 s, United Music Publishers
    • elec Anatomy Fictions I, for ensemble (1985-1986), 7 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Temptation Fictions II, for ensemble and live electronics (1986), 12 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Illuminer le temps After Matta III, for amplified ensemble (1984-1990, 2005), 18 mn, United Music Publishers
    • what remains for flute, bass clarinet and piano (1990-1991), 9 mn 30 s, United Music Publishers
    • elec delta negatives 1, for ensemble (1990-1993), 6 mn 30 s, United Music Publishers
    • entstellt negative 5, for all (1990-1993), 7 mn 30 s, United Music Publishers
    • elec negatives for ensemble of nine amplified instrumentalists (1988-1993), 34 mn 30 s, United Music Publishers
    • Vanity for orchestra (1990-1994), 27 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec ruin Fictions XI, for six times three spatial instruments (1985-1996), 16 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Partikelgestöber for clarinet in C, mandola, guitar and bass koto (1992-1997), 8 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Trawl for small ensemble (1994-1997), 10 mn 30 s, United Music Publishers
    • elec Katasterismoi for ensemble and electronics (1998-1999), 10 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Stirrings for ensemble (1999-2001), 4 h 30 mn, United Music Publishers
    • The Empire of Lights for ensemble (2000-2001), 9 mn 45 s, United Music Publishers
    • NO resistance and vision part 1, for symphony orchestra (1999-2004), 21 mn, United Music Publishers
    • codex V for indeterminate ensemble of twelve or more musicians (2007), United Music Publishers
    • codex VII improvisation structure for seventeen musicians (2007), 18 mn, Inédit
    • elec codex X improvisation structure for around twelve musicians (2009), 15 mn, Inédit
    • elec Mesopotamia resistance & vision part 5, for ensemble and electronics (2004-2009), 25 mn, Inédit
    • IF resistance & vision part 6, for orchestra (2005-2010), United Music Publishers
    • elec heliocentric for 10 instruments and electronics (2005-2011), 15 mn, édition du compositeur
    • news from nowhere for ensemble (2005-2011), 7 mn, édition du compositeur
    • ON for ensemble of five or more improvising performers (2005-2011), 20 mn, édition du compositeur
    • Politeia for ensemble (2003-2011), 9 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec storming for ensemble (at least 10 instruments) and electronics (8-channel fixed media) (2005-2011), 3 mn, édition du compositeur
    • codex XII improvisation structure for five or more musicians (2013), 10 mn about , édition du compositeur
    • elec codex XIII improvisation structure for large ensemble (2013), 30 mn about
    • codex XV improvisation structure for 3 instrumental groups (minimum 9 players) and conductor (2015), 15 mn, édition du compositeur
    • codex XVI improvisational structure for 2 equal instrumental groups (minimum 6 players) (2015), 15 mn, édition du compositeur
    • codex XVII improvisational structure for 2 instrumental groups (minimum 6 players) and conductor (2015), 15 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec close-up for recorder(s), trumpet(s), harp, accordion, cello and electronics (2013-2016), 1 h 6 mn, édition du compositeur
    • codex XVIII improvisation structure for ten or more musicians (2016), 15 mn, édition du compositeur
    • everything has changed / nothing has changed for orchestra (2013-2016), 14 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec šuma for recorder(s), trumpet(s), harp, accordion, cello and electronics (2013-2016), 16 mn
    • codex XIX improvisation structure for ten or more musicians (2017), 30 mn, édition du compositeur
    • museum of found & lost sonic events (natural causes IV) for 16 instruments (2016-2017), 12 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec natural causes I, IV, X, XIV for 16 players and electronic sounds (2016-2017), 32 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec not progressing from nowhere to nowhere (natural causes XIV) for 16 improvising players and live electronics (2016-2017), 32 mn, édition du compositeur
    • codex XXII for 3 or more players (2019), 8 mn
    • 3 chansons for 10 instruments (2021), 10 mn, édition du compositeur
  • Concertant music
    • elec archipelago negatives 3, for solo mandolin and ensemble (1990-1992), 5 mn, United Music Publishers
    • basalt-E , for solo trombone and ensemble (1990-1992), 8 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec colloid-E negatives 2, for solo guitar and ensemble (1988-1992), 8 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Ars Magna Lucis et Umbrae for contrabass clarinet and ensemble (1996-2001), 16 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Island for two solo improvisers and instrumental octet (2006), 11 mn, United Music Publishers
    • wound for solo violin and ensemble (2009-2010), 15 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec after improvisations for cello, electronic sounds and 3 or more instruments (2022), 15 mn, édition du compositeur
  • Vocal music and instrument(s)
    • elec Entfuhrung for voice, ensemble and electronics (), United Music Publishers
    • Principia for baritone and piano (1982-1984), 7 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Coïgitum After Matta I, for mezzo-soprano and ensemble (1983-1985), 15 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Lieder vom Wasser Fictions X, for soprano, clarinet, percussion and double bass (1989-1990), 11 mn 30 s, United Music Publishers
    • Largo for soprano, koto and cello (1994-1996), 6 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Schneebett for solo flute and percussion, soprano, mezzo-soprano, bass recorder and hardanger fiddle (1994-1996), 7 mn 30 s, United Music Publishers
    • elec Opening of the Mouth for soprano, mezzo-soprano and ensemble (1992-1997), 1 h 30 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Tenebrae for voice, ensemble and electronics (1994-1997), 6 mn, United Music Publishers
    • stage Unter Wasser five acts for a singer and thirteen instrumentalists (1994-1998), between 55 mn and 60 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec DARK MATTER for soprano and ensemble (1990-2001, 2002), 1 h 35 mn, United Music Publishers
    • De vita coelitus comparanda for eight or nine performers (1998-2001), 8 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec codex VI for one voice, four instruments and live electronics (2004), Inédit
    • elec codex IV improvisation structure for nine musicians (2004-2006), 10 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Andromakhe for contralto and ensemble (2005-2011), 4 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec CONSTRUCTION resistance & vision, for 3 voices, 16 instrumentalists and electronics (2003-2011), 2 h, édition du compositeur
    • Germania for three voices and 17 instruments (2005-2011), 3 mn
    • Hekabe-alpha for contralto and ensemble (2005-2011), 4 mn, édition du compositeur
    • Hekabe-beta for soprano, contralto, countertenor and ensemble (2005-2011), 4 mn, édition du compositeur
    • Helene for soprano, tenor recorder, triple harp and marimba (2005-2011), 4 mn, édition du compositeur
    • Kassandra for soprano and ensemble (2005-2011), 4 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec Omaggio a Chirico improvisation for 3 voices, violin, viola, cello, double bass and electronics (2005-2011), 6 mn, édition du compositeur
  • A cappella vocal music
  • Electronic music / fixed media / mechanical musical instruments
    • elec The Unthinkable After Matta IV, electronic music (1988-1989), 6 mn 25 s, United Music Publishers
    • elec byproducts electronic music (1991), 1 h 30 mn, Inédit
    • elec disgusting the ones 1 the concert electronic music (1991), 40 mn, Inédit
    • elec allergic electronic music (1992), 1 h 30 mn about , Inédit
    • elec Appendix electronic music (2003, 1992), 12 mn 34 s, Inédit
    • elec bodies of water electronic music (1992), 45 mn, Inédit
    • elec intruder electronic music (1992), 55 mn, Inédit
    • elec The Flesh of Experience multimedia installation (1992), 55 mn about , Inédit
    • elec homunculus electronic music (2003, 1993), 43 mn, Inédit
    • elec Hospital of the Soul electronic music (1993), 50 mn about , Inédit
    • elec Sink electronic music (1993), between 24 mn and 27 mn about , Inédit
    • elec Johannes-Passion electronic music (1993, 2003), 1 h 18 mn 40 s, Inédit
    • elec Terminal electronic music (1994), 35 mn, Inédit
    • elec the insect class electronic music (1994, 1996), 23 mn 47 s, Inédit
    • Trace for two diatonic music boxes (1994), 2 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Unstern electronic music (1994), 22 mn 30 s, Inédit
    • elec angel electronic music (1995), 1 h 10 mn, Inédit
    • elec irregular electronic music (1996), 30 mn about , Inédit
    • elec modern electronic music (1994-1996), 30 mn, Inédit
    • elec Failed Experiment electronic music (1997), 30 mn, Inédit
    • elec Landschaft mit Umenwesen electronic music (1996-1997), 15 mn 3 s, United Music Publishers
    • elec RIGOR electronic music (1997), 14 mn, Inédit
    • elec Zungenentwurzeln electronic music (1996-1997), 5 mn 33 s, United Music Publishers
    • elec Involuntary I electronic music (1999), 1 mn 13 s, United Music Publishers
    • elec Involuntary III electronic music (1999), 4 mn 33 s, United Music Publishers
    • elec ULTIMATUM electronic music (1999), 45 mn, Inédit
    • elec go WHERE? electronic music (1999-2000), 35 mn about , Inédit
    • elec implant electronic music (2000), 15 mn, Inédit
    • elec Plint electronic music (2001), Inédit
    • elec problem electronic music (2001), Inédit
    • elec Involuntary II music for the film Entrance by Rosie Pedlow (2002), 3 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec M87 for solo live electronics (2002), 25 mn, Inédit
    • elec mice electronic music (2002), 40 mn about , Inédit
    • elec sad fantasy electronic music (2002), 32 mn 30 s, Inédit
    • pralaya electronic music (2003), 10 mn about
    • elec OMNIVM electronic music (2004-2005), 1 h 10 mn about , Inédit
    • elec half-life electronic music (2006), Inédit
    • SIMORGH electronic music (2010), 11 mn, Inédit
    • elec strange lines and distances electronic music (2005-2011), 2 mn
    • elec arboreal from life-form, electronic music (2012), 8 mn 30 s
    • elec quasicrystal electronic music (2012), 3 mn 6 s
    • elec EQUALE collaborative composition with Kees Tazelaar (2013), 16 mn 16 s
    • elec nervous system for solo electronics (2014), 12 mn about , édition du compositeur
    • elec epiphtye electronic music (2016), 4 mn
    • elec disquiet electronic music (2018), 26 mn 54 s
    • elec Vermilion Sands electronic music (2017-2018), 10 mn
    • elec hylozoon for live electronics (2019), 8 mn
    • elec luminous electronic music (2019), 14 mn 1 s
    • elec eye-blink (1) electronic music (2020), 17 mn 30 s
    • elec sphinx collaborative composition with Milana Zarić (2020), 9 mn 55 s
  • 2022
  • 2021
    • 3 chansons for 10 instruments, 10 mn, édition du compositeur
    • linear-A for solo piano, 2 mn, édition du compositeur
    • phaistos for solo tenor saxophone, 2 mn
  • 2020
  • 2019
    • elec codex XXI for 5 improvising performers and electronics, 12 mn
    • codex XXII for 3 or more players, 8 mn
    • elec hylozoon for live electronics, 8 mn
    • elec luminous electronic music, 14 mn 1 s
    • elec membrane for trombone and 8-channel electronics, 30 mn, édition du compositeur
  • 2018
    • elec Vermilion Sands electronic music, 10 mn
    • catastrophe (natural causes II) for horn and percussion, 8 mn, édition du compositeur
    • codex XX for 8 improvising musicians, 18 mn
    • elec disquiet electronic music, 26 mn 54 s
    • elec entoptic for percussion and live electronics, 12 mn, édition du compositeur
    • filament for piano, 2 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec mask for trombone with optional electronic sounds, 6 mn, édition du compositeur
    • venus for percussion, harp and double bass, 6 mn, édition du compositeur
  • 2017
  • 2016
    • calyx from close-up, for solo slide trumpet, 4 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec close-up for recorder(s), trumpet(s), harp, accordion, cello and electronics, 1 h 6 mn, édition du compositeur
    • codex XVIII improvisation structure for ten or more musicians, 15 mn, édition du compositeur
    • cyme from close-up, for solo harp, 4 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec epiphtye electronic music, 4 mn
    • everything has changed / nothing has changed for orchestra, 14 mn, édition du compositeur
    • fold version for solo soprano saxophone, 9 mn, édition du compositeur
    • instar from close-up, for solo soprano recorder, 4 mn, édition du compositeur
    • spore from close-up, for solo accordion, 4 mn, édition du compositeur
    • tegmen from close-up, for solo cello, 4 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec šuma for recorder(s), trumpet(s), harp, accordion, cello and electronics, 16 mn
  • 2015
    • codex XV improvisation structure for 3 instrumental groups (minimum 9 players) and conductor, 15 mn, édition du compositeur
    • codex XVI improvisational structure for 2 equal instrumental groups (minimum 6 players), 15 mn, édition du compositeur
    • codex XVII improvisational structure for 2 instrumental groups (minimum 6 players) and conductor, 15 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec nachtfalter from close-up, for alto recorder, harp, cello and electronic sounds, 6 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec wake for three instrumental trios, electronic sounds and lighting, 15 mn, édition du compositeur
  • 2014
    • elec codex XIV improvisation structure for three percussionists and electronics, 15 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec dust from world line, for electric lap steel guitar and electronic sounds, 5 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec eiszeiten for horn, trombone, tuba and electronics, 10 mn, édition du compositeur
    • knot from world line, improvisation structure for percussion and electric lap steel guitar, 5 mn, édition du compositeur
    • leaf for harpsichord, 2 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec nervous system for solo electronics, 12 mn about , édition du compositeur
    • pauk from close-up, for trumpet in Bb and accordion, 8 mn, édition du compositeur
    • rasa from world line, for flugelhorn, percussion and electric lap steel guitar, 4 mn, édition du compositeur
    • rift from world line, for piccolo trumpet, percussion and (optional) electric lap steel guitar, 6 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec urlicht for 3 percussionists with optional spatialisation, 13 mn 30 s, édition du compositeur
    • elec world-line for piccolo trumpet/quartertone flugelhorn, percussion, electric lap steel guitar and electronics, 30 mn, édition du compositeur
  • 2013
    • elec EQUALE collaborative composition with Kees Tazelaar, 16 mn 16 s
    • codex XII improvisation structure for five or more musicians, 10 mn about , édition du compositeur
    • elec codex XIII improvisation structure for large ensemble, 30 mn about
    • dying words (II) for solo performer (female voice and flute), 9 mn, édition du compositeur
    • lens from world line, for quartertone flugelhorn and electric lap steel guitar, 7 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec tendril for solo harp with or without electronics, between 4 mn 40 s and 10 mn, édition du compositeur
  • 2012
    • elec arboreal from life-form, electronic music, 8 mn 30 s
    • dying words (I) for solo performer (female voice and flute), 9 mn, édition du compositeur
    • fold for solo Redgate-Howarth system oboe, 9 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec life-form for cello and electronics, 55 mn
    • elec quasicrystal electronic music, 3 mn 6 s
  • 2011
    • Adocentyn for bass flute and bass recorder, 7 mn 30 s, édition du compositeur
    • Andromakhe for contralto and ensemble, 4 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec CONSTRUCTION resistance & vision, for 3 voices, 16 instrumentalists and electronics, 2 h, édition du compositeur
    • Germania for three voices and 17 instruments, 3 mn
    • Hekabe-alpha for contralto and ensemble, 4 mn, édition du compositeur
    • Hekabe-beta for soprano, contralto, countertenor and ensemble, 4 mn, édition du compositeur
    • Helene for soprano, tenor recorder, triple harp and marimba, 4 mn, édition du compositeur
    • Kassandra for soprano and ensemble, 4 mn, édition du compositeur
    • ON for ensemble of five or more improvising performers, 20 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec Omaggio a Chirico improvisation for 3 voices, violin, viola, cello, double bass and electronics, 6 mn, édition du compositeur
    • Politeia for ensemble, 9 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec heliocentric for 10 instruments and electronics, 15 mn, édition du compositeur
    • news from nowhere for ensemble, 7 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec storming for ensemble (at least 10 instruments) and electronics (8-channel fixed media), 3 mn, édition du compositeur
    • elec strange lines and distances electronic music, 2 mn
    • vale for solo flute, 9 mn, édition du compositeur
  • 2010
    • Aurora for quarter-tone bugle and alto trombone, 7 mn 30 s, United Music Publishers
    • Cell resistance & vision part 3, for alto saxophone, accordion and double bass, 14 mn, Inédit
    • IF resistance & vision part 6, for orchestra, United Music Publishers
    • SIMORGH electronic music, 11 mn, Inédit
    • elec codex XI improvisation structure for seven musicians, 15 mn, Inédit
    • shade for violin and piano, 3 mn, Inédit
    • wound for solo violin and ensemble, 15 mn, édition du compositeur
  • 2009
    • Hypnerotomachia for two clarinets in A, 7 mn 30 s, Inédit
    • elec Mesopotamia resistance & vision part 5, for ensemble and electronics, 25 mn, Inédit
    • elec codex X improvisation structure for around twelve musicians, 15 mn, Inédit
    • fOKT V improvisational structure for fORCH (8 improvising musicians), 45 mn
    • fOKT VI improvisational structure for fORCH (8 improvising musicians), 45 mn
  • 2008
    • elec codex IX improvisation structure for nine musicians, 13 mn, Inédit
    • elec nacht und träume resistance & vision part 7, for cello, piano and electronics, 20 mn
  • 2007
    • elec Adrift improvisation structure for piano and electronics, 20 mn, United Music Publishers
    • codex V for indeterminate ensemble of twelve or more musicians, United Music Publishers
    • codex VII improvisation structure for seventeen musicians, 18 mn, Inédit
    • elec codex VIII improvisation structure for seven musicians, Inédit
    • fOKT IV improvisational structure for fORCH (8 improvising musicians), 45 mn
  • 2006
    • Flechtwerk for clarinet and piano, 13 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Island for two solo improvisers and instrumental octet, 11 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Melos for five instruments, 7 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec codex IV improvisation structure for nine musicians, 10 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec half-life electronic music, Inédit
  • 2005
    • elec OMNIVM electronic music, 1 h 10 mn about , Inédit
    • fOKT I-III for the FORCH octet, Inédit
  • 2004
    • Lost for piano, 9 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Medusa for vocalist and live electronics, Inédit
    • NO resistance and vision part 1, for symphony orchestra, 21 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec codex VI for one voice, four instruments and live electronics, Inédit
  • 2003
    • Ecliptic for solo viola, 1 mn 40 s, Inédit
    • Faux départs for quintet with piano, 15 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec codex III improvisation structure for bass clarinet, cimbasso and live electronics, 15 mn, Inédit
    • pralaya electronic music, 10 mn about
  • 2002
    • 13 Self-portraits for string quartet, 20 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Blattwerk for cello and live electronics, 25 mn, United Music Publishers [program note]
    • elec Involuntary II music for the film Entrance by Rosie Pedlow, 3 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec M87 for solo live electronics, 25 mn, Inédit
    • elec codex II for oboe, saxophone, piano and live electronics, 15 mn, Inédit
    • elec mice electronic music, 40 mn about , Inédit
    • elec sad fantasy electronic music, 32 mn 30 s, Inédit
  • 2001
    • Ars Magna Lucis et Umbrae for contrabass clarinet and ensemble, 16 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec DARK MATTER for soprano and ensemble, 1 h 35 mn, United Music Publishers
    • De vita coelitus comparanda for eight or nine performers, 8 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Khasma for string quintet and electronics, 13 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Plint electronic music, Inédit
    • Stirrings for ensemble, 4 h 30 mn, United Music Publishers
    • The Empire of Lights for ensemble, 9 mn 45 s, United Music Publishers
    • codex I for improvising ensemble of six to twelve musicians, 10 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec problem electronic music, Inédit
  • 2000
  • 1999
    • elec Involuntary I electronic music, 1 mn 13 s, United Music Publishers
    • elec Involuntary III electronic music, 4 mn 33 s, United Music Publishers
    • elec Katasterismoi for ensemble and electronics, 10 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Transmission for electric guitar and live electronics, 18 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec ULTIMATUM electronic music, 45 mn, Inédit
  • 1998
    • stage Unter Wasser five acts for a singer and thirteen instrumentalists, between 55 mn and 60 mn, United Music Publishers
  • 1997
    • elec Failed Experiment electronic music, 30 mn, Inédit
    • elec Landschaft mit Umenwesen electronic music, 15 mn 3 s, United Music Publishers
    • elec Opening of the Mouth for soprano, mezzo-soprano and ensemble, 1 h 30 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Partikelgestöber for clarinet in C, mandola, guitar and bass koto, 8 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec RIGOR electronic music, 14 mn, Inédit
    • Stress for string quartet, 10 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Tenebrae for voice, ensemble and electronics, 6 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Trawl for small ensemble, 10 mn 30 s, United Music Publishers
    • elec Zungenentwurzeln electronic music, 5 mn 33 s, United Music Publishers
  • 1996
    • Binary for two flutes, 1 mn 30 s, United Music Publishers
    • Largo for soprano, koto and cello, 6 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Schneebett for solo flute and percussion, soprano, mezzo-soprano, bass recorder and hardanger fiddle, 7 mn 30 s, United Music Publishers
    • The Light Gleams an Instant for piano, 3 mn 20 s, United Music Publishers
    • elec Tract Fictions VIII, for piano with amplification ad libitum, 25 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Von hinter dem Schmerz for solo cello, 10 mn, United Music Publishers
    • abglanzbeladen/auseinandergeschrieben for solo percussion, 10 mn, United Music Publishers
    • fluxion for five improvising musicians, 10 mn about , Inédit
    • elec irregular electronic music, 30 mn about , Inédit
    • elec modern electronic music, 30 mn, Inédit
    • elec ruin Fictions XI, for six times three spatial instruments, 16 mn, United Music Publishers
  • 1995
    • Charon for bass clarinet, 10 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Inward for amplified alto flute and percussion, 7 mn 30 s, United Music Publishers
    • elec angel electronic music, 1 h 10 mn, Inédit
  • 1994
    • elec Terminal electronic music, 35 mn, Inédit
    • Trace for two diatonic music boxes, 2 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Unstern electronic music, 22 mn 30 s, Inédit
    • Vanity for orchestra, 27 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec the insect class electronic music, 23 mn 47 s, Inédit
  • 1993
    • Air for solo violin, 6 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Hospital of the Soul electronic music, 50 mn about , Inédit
    • elec Johannes-Passion electronic music, 1 h 18 mn 40 s, Inédit
    • elec Sink electronic music, between 24 mn and 27 mn about , Inédit
    • elec delta negatives 1, for ensemble, 6 mn 30 s, United Music Publishers
    • entstellt negative 5, for all, 7 mn 30 s, United Music Publishers
    • elec homunculus electronic music, 43 mn, Inédit
    • knospend-gespaltener for solo clarinet in C, 8 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec negatives for ensemble of nine amplified instrumentalists, 34 mn 30 s, United Music Publishers
  • 1992
    • elec Appendix electronic music, 12 mn 34 s, Inédit
    • elec The Flesh of Experience multimedia installation, 55 mn about , Inédit
    • elec allergic electronic music, 1 h 30 mn about , Inédit
    • elec archipelago negatives 3, for solo mandolin and ensemble, 5 mn, United Music Publishers
    • basalt-E , for solo trombone and ensemble, 8 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec bodies of water electronic music, 45 mn, Inédit
    • elec colloid-E negatives 2, for solo guitar and ensemble, 8 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec intruder electronic music, 55 mn, Inédit
  • 1991
    • Praha for solo cello with two bows, 4 mn, United Music Publishers
    • basalt for solo trombone, 8 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec byproducts electronic music, 1 h 30 mn, Inédit
    • colloid for ten-string guitar, 8 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec disgusting the ones 1 the concert electronic music, 40 mn, Inédit
    • what remains for flute, bass clarinet and piano, 9 mn 30 s, United Music Publishers
  • 1990
    • elec Another heavenly day Fictions VII, for clarinet, electric guitar, double bass and electronics, 7 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Dark ages Fictions IX, for solo cello with two bows, 7 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Illuminer le temps After Matta III, for amplified ensemble, 18 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Lieder vom Wasser Fictions X, for soprano, clarinet, percussion and double bass, 11 mn 30 s, United Music Publishers
  • 1989
    • elec The Unthinkable After Matta IV, electronic music, 6 mn 25 s, United Music Publishers
  • 1988
    • Earth Fictions V, for trombone and percussion, 11 mn 30 s, United Music Publishers
    • I open and close Fictions VI, for string quartet with amplification ad libitum, 19 mn, United Music Publishers
    • reticule for solo violin, 2 mn 15 s, United Music Publishers
  • 1987
    • elec Alba Fictions III , for amplified bassoon, 8 mn, United Music Publishers
    • Nothing elsewhere Fictions IV, for solo viola, 7 mn, United Music Publishers
  • 1986
    • elec Anatomy Fictions I, for ensemble, 7 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Ne songe plus à fuir After Matta II, for amplified cello, between 8 mn and 10 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec Temptation Fictions II, for ensemble and live electronics, 12 mn, United Music Publishers
  • 1985
    • Coïgitum After Matta I, for mezzo-soprano and ensemble, 15 mn, United Music Publishers
    • elec heard for amplified piano, Inédit
  • 1984
    • Principia for baritone and piano, 7 mn, United Music Publishers
  • 1983
  • 1982
    • Invention 6 for solo piano, 4 mn, United Music Publishers
  • Date de composition inconnue
    • elec Entfuhrung for voice, ensemble and electronics, United Music Publishers

Liens Internet

(liens vérifiés en octobre 2022).

Bibliographie

  • Julian ANDERSON, « Richard Barrett: Vanity », Tempo, new series, n° 201 1997p. 55-57.
  • Richard BARRETT, « Improvisation notes 2005 », Contemporary Music Review, n° 25/5-6, 2006, p. 403-404.
  • Richard BARRETT, « Essay on Blattwerk: composition/improvisation/collaboration », Contra n° 2/5, 2002.
  • Richard BARRETT, Music of Possibility, Londres, Vision Edition, 2019.
  • Richard BARRETT, « Notation as liberation », in Tempo, volume 68, mars 2014, pages 61-72.
  • Christopher FOX, « Music as Fiction: A Consideration of the Work of Richard Barrett », Contemporary Music Review, 13, n° 1 « Aspects of Complexity in Recent British Music », 1995, p. 147-157.
  • Robin FREEMAN, « Richard Barrett, compositeur maudit manqué », Tempo n° 190, 1994, p. 41-46.
  • Bob GILMORE, entretien avec Richard Barrett, magazine en ligne Paris Transaltantique, http://www.paristransatlantic.com (lien vérifié en octobre 2022).
  • James HARLEY, « The New Nihilism: l’objet sonore and the music of Richard Barrett », Musicworks n° 72, 1998.
  • Mario LIMA BRASIL, Rafael ANDRINO BACELLAR, « A comprovisação Hiatos: perspectivas contemporâneas sobre a interação entre improvisação e composição », in OPUS, Vol. 26, no. 1, p. 1–28.
  • Tim RUTHERFORD-JOHNSON, « Everything is connected: Richard Barrett at 60 », in Tempo, volume 74, juin 2020, pages 70-81.
  • Richard TOOP, « Nachdenken über den Tod. Richard Barretts Vanity»*, Musik und Ästhetik*, 1998, n° 5, p. 44-61.
  • Richard TOOP, « Four Facets of the “New Complexity” », Contact n° 32, 1988, p. 4-8.
  • John WARNABY,  « Barrett, Richard », The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, seconde édition, édité par Stanley Sadie et John Tyrrell, Londres, Macmillan Publishers, 2001.
  • Arnold WHITTHALL,  « Resistance and Reflection: Richard Barrett in the 21st Century » Musical Times 146, n° 1892, 2005, p. 57-69.

Discographie

  • Richard BARRETT, Evan PARKER, « 2001 », 5 fichiers FLAC Strange Strings, 2021.
  • Richard BARRETT, life-form ; nacht und träume ; Blattwerk, dans « Music For Cello And Electronics », 2 CD æon, 2016, AECD 1648.
  • Richard BARRETT, « Colophony », 1 CD Creative Sources, 2013, CS 229 CD.
  • Richard BARRETT, The empire of lights ; Transmission I ; Khasma ; Transmission II ; De vita coelitus comparanda ; Transmission III ; Ars magna lucis et umbrae/Transmission IV ; Transmission V ; Katasterismoi ; Sounds ; Transmission VI, dans « Dark Matter », 1 CD NMC, 2012, NMC D183.
  • Richard BARRETT, Tolur ; Tricav ; Ankpla ; Uettet ; Creens ; Il…, Han-Earl Park : guitare électrique, dans « Numbers », 1 CD Creative Sources, 2012, CS 201 cd.
  • Richard BARRETT, Aurora, dans « strange forces », ensemble Elision, Tristram Williams : bugle, Benjamin Marks : trombone alto, avec des œuvres de Liza Lim, Klaus K. Hübler, Evan Johnson, Aaron Cassidy et Timothy McCormack, 1 cd HCR 2010, n° 03.
  • Richard BARRETT, « Adrift » : Adrift ; codex IX ; codex VII, Sarah Nicolls : piano, ensemble Elision, Richard Barrett : électronique , 1 cd Psi, 2010.
  • FURT, sense, 1 cd psi records, 2009, psi records, 2009, psi 09 08.
  • Richard BARRETT, « negatives  » : ne songe plus à fuir ; EARTH ; another heavenly day ; negatives, ensemble Elision, direction : Sandro Gorli, 1 cd Nmc, 2009, D143.
  • FURT plus, equals, 1 cd psi records, 2008, n° 08 02.
  • Richard BARRETT, « Opening of the mouth », ensemble Elision, 1 cd  ABC Classics, 2008 (premier enregitrement : 1999, n° 476 3174.
  • fORCH, spin networks, 1 cd psi records, 2007, n° 07 05/6.
  • Richard BARRETT, Vanity, BBC Symphony Orchestra, direction : Arturo Tamayo, 1 cd Nmc, 2006.
  • FURT, OMNIVM, 1 cd psi records, 2006, n° 06 09.
  • Richard BARRETT, « transmission », knospend-gespaltenertransmission ; air ; abglanzbeladen-auseinandergeschrieben ; interference, ensemble Elision, 1 cd Nmc, 2006, D117.
  • FURT, dead or alive, 1 cd psi records, 2004, n° 04 09.
  • FURT, defekt, 1 cd Matchless Recordings, 2002, MRCD50.
  • Richard BARRETT, Tract, dans « Tracts », Ian Pace : piano, avec des œuvres de Brian Ferneyhough, James Erber, Christopher Fox et Chris Dench, 1 cd NMC DO 66.
  • FURT, angel, 1 cd JdK Productions, 1999, JdK 04.
  • FURT, Live in Amsterdam 1994, 1 cd X-OR, 1995, FR2.