Description
Prima Facie is proud to present a powerful and evocative new collection of works by Ian Pillow -- a composer whose music speaks with quiet authority, lyrical depth, and a uniquely British sensibility.
Ian Pillow has devoted the majority of his life to music, primarily as a professional violist with leading UK symphony orchestras. His orchestral career has taken him from the vibrant concert halls of London to the rich musical heritage of Liverpool, and most significantly to Bournemouth, where he became a well-known and deeply respected figure. In addition to his performing work, Ian presented pre-concert talks, led outreach and educational projects, and championed community engagement with classical music. Alongside his performing career, Ian is a gifted communicator and writer. His humorous and insightful Pillow Talk column in Classic FM Magazine became a favourite among readers, offering an insider's perspective on orchestral life with warmth and wit. He has also written for national newspapers, further demonstrating his breadth of understanding and passion for music.
As a composer, Ian's output includes vocal, choral, instrumental, and orchestral works. While he often composed for specific events or ensembles, his music has reached far beyond those initial settings. His works have been performed across the UK and internationally -- from the United States and Canada to France, Spain and even Slough -- each performance a testament to the emotional resonance and craftsmanship of his writing. When asked about the origins of this new collection, Ian remarked: "I still find this all a bit surreal -- I've never really seen myself as a 'real' composer. So much of what I've written has been for a particular occasion or ensemble, and that's naturally meant writing in a fairly conservative style, one that fits the moment and the audience. Having spent most of my life immersed in orchestras that played predominantly romantic repertoire -- from Beethoven and Brahms to Mahler and Shostakovich -- I suppose those influences are deeply woven into my musical language, whether I'm conscious of it or not." Ian's humility is characteristic of his personality -- but make no mistake, he is very much a composer in the truest sense.
This collection is a revelation: a body of large-scale, emotionally rich works that reflect a lifetime of musical experience, deep introspection, and a profound love of the art form. The music is exquisitely performed and recorded, and there's an unmistakable thread of melancholia and lyricism running throughout. It's deeply expressive, quietly powerful, and unmistakably British in tone -- at times pastoral, at times stark, always honest. Ian uses dissonance in a a subtle way and is obviously influenced by Jazz which results in a unique eclectic style. Listening to these pieces, I found myself profoundly moved. There's a depth and sincerity in Ian's writing that's all too rare -- music that doesn't shout, but speaks directly to the heart. It reminded me of why we turn to music in the first place: for comfort, reflection, and connection. It's an honour to release this work. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. Steve Plews Prima Facie Records
