An Interview with Scott McLaughlin

Wed 17 Sep 2008

Composer of the Month September 2008: Scott Mclaughlin

Scott McLaughlin talks on video to Michael Quinn about a range of subjects, from compositional ideas and methods to his musical background and working with performers.

 

Listen to the full interview:

Episode 1:

 

  • Moving away from traditional notation
  • The decision to become a composer
  • Listening habits
  • Basing compositions on object relationships
  • Working closely with musicians

Music excerpts used:
0:15 Five Bells for Elliott Carter [Sonar String Quartet] ©Scott McLaughlin
4:00 Dunes [SPELK] ©Scott McLaughlin
9:10 Penumbra [COMA Yorkshire Ensemble] ©Scott McLaughlin
15:15 Primes [Amy Whitman (vn)] ©Scott McLaughlin

Episode 2:

  • Finding affinity with fellow composers
  • The work 'Inner Shadow' for the Beckett Centenary
  • Giving performers control over a piece
  • Rejecting the orchestral model
  • Working on his doctorate

Music excerpts used:
4:00 Inner Shadow [Concorde] ©Scott McLaughlin
8:05 Whitewater [Iain Harrison (sax), Scott Mc Laughlin (electronics)] ©Scott McLaughlin
13:36 Moraine II [Chris Addington (db), Simon Anderson (db)] ©Scott McLaughlin
16:11 Torsion [Stephen Altoft (tpt)] ©Scott McLaughlin
 

Scott McLaughlin was interviewed on video by Michael Quinn Contemporary Music Centre, Dublin, on 29 May 2008.

The views expressed in this interview are those of the persons concerned and are not necessarily those of the Contemporary Music Centre.

 

Download the interview here: