1983-2018
Howard Skempton Party Piece (1993)
For piano quartet
1 minute
Party Piece is dedicated to fellow-composer, David Matthews. It was one of a sequence of pieces by various friends composed to mark David's 50th birthday and included in a concert of his music by The Schubert Ensemble at Southbank Centre in April 1993. Party Piece is brief, its liveliness and syncopation reflecting the character of its dedicatee.
© Howard Skempton
Howard Skempton Barzelletta (2006)
For violin, viola, cello, double bass and piano
2 minutes
Barzelletta was composed in December 2006. The plan was to follow Party Piece with something equally vivacious, hence the title, which means "a joke or funny story". Perhaps the joke is on the composer because this music for strings alone is not without gravity. Something to smile about but unlikely to raise a laugh.
© Howard Skempton
First performed by the Schubert Ensemble at Howard Skempton's 60th Birthday Concert at the Purcell Room, South Bank Centre, London on 8th February 2007.
Howard Skempton Birthday Bundle (2013)
For violin, viola, cello, double bass and piano
2 minutes
A playful piece written as a surprise birthday present for the Schubert Ensemble in celebration of their 30th anniversary. First performed at Kings Place, London on 9th March 2013.