COMMISSIONS

the opening of a jazz piece for brass octet (shown is the piano score) for an eightieth birthday - delivered as a recording © STOLL 2007

Although it is well known that companies and individuals still act as patrons in the visual arts, commissioning paintings and sculptures and even founding libraries, it is not widely recognised today that music also offers such an opportunity for patronage or sponsorship. And at a wide range of levels.

So, for the opening of a new business venture.

Or a friend's 50th Birthday.

Or a god-daughter's wedding.

For a remembrance service.

For special occasions.

Or just to participate in the creation of a new piece of music . Why not commission a new piece of music which will carry the name you choose to give it?

excerpt from a large choral work commissioned in memory of the head of a philosophical academy in New York , performed in concert © STOLL 1998

What do you get? Well, in addition to joining the ranks of the great patrons of history, you will receive a copy of the printed score, inscribed and signed. And a few manuscript sketches of the composer's early ideas (valuable if the work becomes famous). You will also have the right to arrange for the first performance.

I write music in a wide variety of styles and moods, from classical to popular (including jazz), from instrumental to vocal, from electronic to orchestral, from piano to brass quintet. My credits include music for Royal Shakespeare Company productions, BBC and Independent television, for schools, businesses and individuals. Concert commissions have come from the PRS Foundation, the Arts Council, the Ralph Vaughan Williams Trust and the Britten-Pears Foundation.

What sort of music will it be? You will have the opportunity to hear some examples of work in advance and give some guidelines on what you require, and you will be able to say what sort of style or mood you want for the piece and how long you want it to last. The commissioned music could be written for professional performance or tailored to meet the abilities of amateur players of any standard.

How long will it take to write? Again, that depends on the length and complexity of the piece, but deadlines will be agreed in advance.

What about performance? A commission may be only for the music to be written, but it is also possible for other things to be included in the contract. For example, you can ask the composer to arrange for musicians and singers to perform the work at your event and even record it for CD.

Who owns the music? The copyright is retained by the composer. But you will have the name and dedication of your choice mentioned on all printed music, recordings and concert programmes.

What are the costs? These will be affected by the duration of the music and the instruments chosen.

How do you find out more? Call me to discuss your ideas and requirements.

from reviews of David Stoll's SHAKESPEARE SUITE:

"An attractive palette of tonal colour, mood and thematic treatment" (Hampstead and Highgate Express); "Contemporary yet accessible, witty and imaginative" (HMV Choice).