Joseph Phibbs: From Shore to Shore - Contemporary Vocal Composition

Product Information

• UPC/Item Number: RICL00019800
• ISMN: 9790570029242 / 979-0570029242
• Product Type: Musical Score
• Genre: Contemporary Chamber Music
• Instrumentation: Countertenor and Guitar
• Composition Year: 2015
• Difficulty Level: Grade 3
• Language: English
• Publisher: Ricordi

Overview

"From Shore to Shore" is an innovative and exquisitely crafted contemporary composition by Joseph Phibbs, written for the distinctive pairing of countertenor and guitar. Commissioned by renowned guitarist James Boyd with support from Arts Council England, the work stands out not only for its unusual instrumentation but also for its deeply intimate and exploratory musical language. At the heart of From Shore to Shore is a nuanced and evolving dialogue between voice and instrument, in which the countertenor’s ethereal, expressive tone is matched and mirrored by the guitar’s rich palette of colors and textures. Phibbs navigates this pairing with remarkable sensitivity, using the contrast in timbres to create a finely balanced interplay of clarity and resonance, fragility and strength. The work is structured around a sequence of poetic texts that reflect on themes of journey, transition, memory, and the shifting emotional landscapes that lie between destinations—literal and metaphorical. Phibbs responds to these themes with music that is both atmospheric and emotionally charged, allowing the performers to inhabit a shared expressive space where words and music become inseparable.

His writing for the countertenor is lyrical and highly attuned to the natural rhythm and inflection of the text, demanding both technical precision and interpretive subtlety. The guitar part, far from a traditional accompaniment, is an equal partner—its intricate textures, harmonics, and rhythmic vitality forming a dynamic framework in which the voice can move freely and expressively. Phibbs’ harmonic language is refined and contemporary, yet always rooted in a sense of lyricism. The music often unfolds in fluid, organic gestures, creating an immersive experience for the listener—one that is at once contemplative, vivid, and emotionally resonant. From Shore to Shore affirms Phibbs' reputation as a composer capable of pushing expressive boundaries while remaining deeply connected to the tradition of intimate, text-driven chamber music. It is a work that highlights not only his skill as a composer, but also his ability to listen deeply to the voices of both performers and poets, crafting music that bridges the personal and the universal.

Product Features

• Format: Full Musical Score
• Vocal Configuration: Countertenor with Guitar Accompaniment
• Difficulty Level: Grade 3 (Intermediate)
• Composition Style: Contemporary art song
• Performance Requirements: Expressive interpretation and technical precision

Interesting Facts

• Commissioning Context: Supported by Arts Council England's National Lottery scheme
• Premiere Performance: Featured Michael Chance (countertenor)
• Artistic Significance: Part of Phibbs' exploration of contemporary vocal music
• Composer Background: Phibbs is a prominent contemporary British composer born in 1974 Performance Considerations
• Vocal Demands: Requires nuanced countertenor interpretation

Publishers

Published by Ricordi, a prestigious international music publishing house known for supporting contemporary classical music.

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