Reimagining Grainger Through Composition

Grainger Reimagined explores the ways in which Grainger’s outputs as composer, arranger, and performer have been recast in the contemporary moment. Such reimaginings as Alright Jack, Home Service’s folk rock version of Lincolnshire Posy, George Shearing and Mel Tormé’s lounge jazz-inflected performance of Brigg Fair, and experimental composer Jon Rose’s Perks and Skeleton in the Museum have all continued to facilitate the crossing of musical borders, enabling and promoting cross-genre music making, and acting as a refreshing alternative to prevailing musical discourses.

Each of the three online presentations in the series is given by leading musical practitioners who will explore their individual responses to Grainger’s influence in the fields of arrangement, performance and composition.

The third presentation in the series is given by composer Michael Markowski. Of this presentation, Reimagining Grainger Through Composing, Michael Markowski writes:

“In this presentation I will explore Grainger’s love for folk songs and share how his philosophies have affected his own compositions. In particular, we will take a deep dive into Desert Sage, a four-movement suite inspired by field recordings of early American “cowboy songs.”

Michael Markowski has received commissions from a number of organizations, including the College Band Directors National Association, the Consortium for the Advancement of Wind Band Literature, the Lesbian and Gay Band Association, the Durham Medical Orchestra, and the Florida College Music Educators Association. His music has been performed around the world, and by such groups as the United States Air Force bands, the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own”, the Phoenix Symphony, the Memphis Symphony, and the Arizona Musicfest Symphony Orchestra.