Martin, Philip

Martin, Philip, Irish composer, pianist, and teacher; b. Dublin, Oct. 27, 1947. He went to London and studied composition (with Gardner and Reizenstein) and piano at the Royal Academy of Music, and then completed his training in composition with Berkeley, Maconchy, and Richard Rodney Bennett. He has appeared as a pianist primarily in England, but he has also appeared in the U.S., mostly notably in Pittsburgh and at Tanglewood, where he has given both recitals and master classes. He teaches composition and piano at the Birmingham Cons, in England. Martin is a member of Aosdána, the Irish state-sponsored academy of creative artists. His works favor classical formats, colorful harmonies, and concise rhythms.

Works

dramatic:Avebury, sequence for radio for 2 Speakers, Children’s Chorus, Orch., and Wind Effects (1991); Thalassa, children’s /community workshop piece for Baritone, Mixed Chorus, Children’s Chorus, and Instrumental Ensemble (1991–92). orch.: Through Streets Broad and Narrow for Trumpet, Piano, and Strings (1980); 2 piano concertos: No. 1 (1986) and No. 2, A Day in the City (Dublin, June 21, 1991); Elegies and Dances 2 for Violin and Strings (1989); Beato Angelico (1990); Harp Concerto (1993; Dublin, Feb. 25, 1994). chamber: Violin Sonata (1988); Anna Livia Plurabelle: A River’s Journey for Oboe, Violin, Viola, and Cello (1990); 2 piano trios (Serendipity, 1993; The Maids of Mitchelstown Fancy, 1997); Suite for Cello (1996; rev. 1997); Sonata for 2 Violins (1997; rev. 1998); Silver Strand for Viola (1999). piano:Soundings (1995); Dialogue for 2 Pianos (1997); Marden Moods (1998). vocal: 4 Poems for Tenor, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Cello, Piano, and Percussion, after E.A. Robinson (1981); In Dublin’s Fair City for Soloists, Chorus, and Orch. (1999–2000).

—Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire