Commissioning a new work

 

Music is part of our lives—for some people more than for others. If you feel that a special occasion, person or instrument deserves something exciting, new, and unique, you might be in the right state of mind to commission some music.

It is quite simple, highly satisfying and more affordable that you might think. At least if I am the one writing for you :)

Testimonials

Beyond an experience for French/German television—that I wouldn't call a commission—I have worked with two performers in the past year and have thoughly enjoyed it.

Here is what they have to say:

Don’t let the fact that he’s French and a composer fool you: Thomas doesn’t have the slightest bit of pretention, personally or musically. He is quite rare among young composers these days for putting substance, melody, and expression at the heart of his music. When I first spoke with Thomas about composing a piece for me, I was immediately enthusiastic about his idea to combine soprano saxophone, vibraphone, and cello. I was even more impressed by the patience and genuine curiosity with which Thomas sat down and listened to me play the soprano sax and his thoughtful interrogation of the instrument’s capabilities. The result, Delicate Structures, I believe fulfills today’s need for contemporary classical music that can connect with broader audiences without compromising on artistic quality. Not only did the geometry of the trio create an enticing new sound, but Thomas’s piano reduction works just as well. Delicate Structures will undoubtedly be in my performance repertoire for years to come, and I’m hoping Thomas will compose more music for saxophone.

David Pearson, saxophonist

 

In the winter of 2011, I contacted Thomas to compose a song cycle for me. I knew some of his work, and was a fan of his music. Thomas set up a meeting right away, and his preparation and expertise put me so at ease that I gave him complete artistic freedom with regard to the song texts and instrumentation. What resulted from this collaboration were Thomas’s hauntingly beautiful Outer Borough Songs for Lyric Coloratura Soprano and Electric Guitar. In addition to the unique pairing of voice and instrument (perhaps the first of its kind!), these songs are remarkable for their thoroughly modern text setting and exciting rhythmic and coloristic shifts combined with a timeless lyricism. In addition, Thomas made the entire process a pleasure. He was determined to make sure that the music suited my voice perfectly and sat in on coaching sessions to hear what my voice “liked to do.” Thomas also involved me in every step of the composition process and was open to the performers’ input during rehearsals and after performances. In addition, Thomas is extremely proactive, so in addition to programming the piece myself, Thomas offered several opportunities to sing his music in fantastic venues to great acclaim. This was my first commission from any composer, and I am so thrilled to have asked Thomas to write for me. I would highly recommend this exciting young composer to anyone looking to commission a piece of music that is truly their own.

Lauren Alfano, lyric coloratura soprano

Let's talk!

So let's have tea in the city (or meet on Skype) and talk about the piece that you would like me to write, whether it is a song cycle based on your poetry, an instrumental piece to showcase your cello chops, or a choral piece in honor of your choirmaster. My music is available for listen here and I'll answer your questions if you write here:

I'm looking foward to hearing from you!

—Thomas Deneuville

Website: http://www.thomasdeneuville.com
Blog: http://www.icareifyoulisten.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thomasdeneuvillemusic
Twitter: @tonalfreak