Deborah Pritchard: The classical composer with a Nine Beats connection

Thursday 27th December 2018

John Cheek chats with one of Britain's foremost contemporary composers, DEBORAH PRITCHARD



Continued from page 1

John: That was "Towards The Sun". What was the fourth one?

Deborah: The final track I did, 'Flame', was different to the others; slightly more life enhancing! Perhaps more rhythmically-interesting and energetic. That was written for "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." It has vibrant rhythms and bright harmonies and it was about this idea that whatever life throws at you, you have an inner-strength which holds onto you and burns through you like fire. Through any darkness or persecution, there will always be light at the end of it. Life enhancing and absolutely full of faith.

John: What were your feelings for the 'Nine Beats To The Bar' album?

Deborah: It's a really exciting album. It's international, it's got a global direction: so many different artists with different backgrounds, all coming together with one idea and purpose - the Beatitudes. It was a really great experience for me, because we went to record them near Birmingham. I had a string trio, with two violins and cello. We put it all together and then, to hear the result - the string interludes dispersed in between the songs - it all fitted-in just right. I think that what my music did was provide moments of reflection, as they didn't have words, just shape, gesture and music.

So, with the songs, you've got the words and therefore the story. Then with my pieces, you've got a moment to stop and think, without being told what to think. You have that moment of reflection. That was something I was happy with, in terms of my own contribution. I think that the songs are wonderful; all the artists are superb and so it's an honour to be a part of it. The album has been hugely successful and has been talked about all over the world. An inspiring, strong project. Anything to do with resonating with your faith and spirituality can only serve to illuminate something very, very honest.

John: Do you feel that the Beatitudes have meaning today, for the reader? For you as an individual?

Deborah: I feel I have to renew my faith on a daily basis. Every morning I get up and write music as a reaffirmation of creativity and faith. Every day, I bring myself before God, reflecting. Don't lose yourself to the world around you. . . there are so many pressures in everyday life going on around you. I have to take active responsibility for things and that will help me understand what God's purposes are, for me. And the creative experience is like a prayer, for me. The essence of the Beatitudes is that we are constantly renewed, every day, by them. CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.
About John Cheek
John CheekPreviously from Southend-on-Sea, John Cheek lives in Merseyside and now works as a Baptist pastor and for Flame Radio.


 
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