NMR Artist Spotlight: EXCLUSIVE Interview with Classical Choral Composer David Warin Solomons

NMR Artist Spotlight: EXCLUSIVE Interview with Classical Composer David Warin Solomons


David Warin Solomons is a lyrical neo-classical composer who uses various styles, including European (in various modes), Jewish, Chinese and Japanese. He has written chamber, solo, choral, vocal and orchestral music.

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR MUSIC? 

My music is inspired partly by the rhythms and feelings of poetry and religious texts and partly by my own improvisations.

DOWNLOAD PSALM 23 TODAY AT CD BABY


WHAT IS YOUR STORY? 

I was born in 1953 to two poetic and artistic parents and soon found myself writing music, initially for classical guitar and then for various chamber music and choral ensembles, while singing with choirs in churches and cathedrals in England, Ireland and France.

WHAT MAKES YOUR MUSIC EXTRAORDINARY/DIFFERENT? 

I am self-taught as a composer, guitarist and singer, so, although I follow many of the dictates of tonal classical music, I make it my own and use various modes (especially Dorian (as in Dawn in the Room and Psalm 23) and
Octatonic (as in my string quartet) as well as the more well-known major and minor modes.

Psalm 23 - The Lord is my Shepherd (in Dorian mode) by Johannebergs Vokalensemble

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR? 

I plan to continue composing and also arranging, for instrumental and vocal ensembles. I don't have plans to perform myself, apart from in my local church choir in which I sing alto. Depending upon my finances and commissions I have a large back-store of compositions waiting for professional performances.

MORE ABOUT THE MUSIC OF DAVID WARIN SOLOMON


 More from Classical Composer David Warin Solomon at iTunes

About Dawn in the Room


This piece, a composition of consolation in the Dorian mode, is based on a poem by my mother. The CD includes various versions and interpretations.

 AVAILABLE AT iTUNES

The pale gold light creeps into my silent room touching my face I know that you are here.
Softly contours form as the colours take the place of grey
Translucent gold hits the mirror and reaches my lonely bed.
Dispels the grey mist which lingers on the window pane
Deepens the image and I see you. Pale blond light where your hair once shone.
Lonely shadow of my former self I languish here.
But then your dear voice calls with comfort, love and says "I have not left, while your fond memories remain." I think of you and you are here beside and within
Your image fades but you are still here in me. You must you must come back if only at dawn.
See through the tears of gold, you are here once more Your ghostly presence fills my poor heart,
searching my mind once more to be as one,
here is your body so close to my own in this spectral world we share our thoughts.
My soul now quiet at last my yearnings on hold.
The golden glow brings me peace and I might face another day (c) E M Solomons


TEXT FOR PSALM 23

Dorian mode setting of Psalm 23 by David W Solomons 
(English version) 
Sung by Johannebergs Vokalensemble 
under Jan K. Delemark on 4 December 2017 
at the Johannebergskyrkan, Göteborg, Sweden 

 The Lord is my shepherd I shall lack nothing 
He makes me lie down in green pastures 
He leads me along the still waters. 
He restores my soul and makes me walk 
within the paths of righteousness 
for His name's sake 
Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale yet I will fear no evil 
for you are with me your rod and your staff comfort me still 
you have furnished my table in the presence of my foes 
my head you anoint with oil and my cup overflows 
Goodness and mercy all my life shall surely follow me 
and my dwelling place shall be in God's house evermore.

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