Dan Phelps
Biography
Dan Phelps is a composer and pianist based in South Wales. Dan has a Post Graduate Diploma in composition from the prestigious Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama as well as a BA (Hons) degree in Music from Bath Spa University College.
Since Dan has been living in Cardiff he has composed music for a number of professional organisations and individuals including Rubicon Dance, India Dance Wales, Elan Wales (a theatre company) and Calon TV (an animation company) amongst others. Dan was also a member and an associate composer of the Cardiff New Music Collective for several years, who specialise in performing contemporary music to new audiences.
List of Work
2005 - Present
Hadrian at Antinoopolis
Small-scale opera composition using text by librettist Simon Rees. The work was first rehearsed by four male vocalists from the WNO Chorus and is currently being adapted for Wind Trio.
Jazz, Blues, Rock 'n Roll
Vocal and Piano composition by Dan Phelps and Dan Curtis
Every Road Led Straight Back to You
Vocal and Piano composition by Dan Phelps and Dan Curtis
What are you Feeling?
Vocal and Piano composition by Dan Phelps and Dan Curtis using a strong Blues line.
Unleashed
Written for Flute, Clarinet in Bb/Clarinet in Eb, Viola, Cello, Guitar and Piano.
Phased
Written for Clarinet in Bb, Cello and Piano. This piece was composed for the Enid Luff birthday celebrations and was premiered in a concert organised by the Composers of Wales in May 2008.
The Dark, Blue Secret
Written for Clarinet, Violin, Cello and Piano. This composition was written for Cardiff New Music Collective and was premiered in 2008.
Repercussions
Written for Flute/Piccolo, Clarinet in Bb/Bass Clarinet, Viola, Cello, Guitar and piano. This piece was commissioned by Cardiff New Music Collective, who Dan was an associate composer of, and was premiered in January 2007.
Stifled
Written for String Quartet. This piece was premiered by the Mavron Quartet at The Gate Arts Centre in Cardiff in June 2007.
Twisted Fairground
Written for Viola and Piano. This piece was premiered in June 2006 at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff by Philip Heyman (of Welsh National Opera) and Zoe Smith.
The Empty Head
Written for two Clarinets and Bassoon. This piece was premiered in Mold in June 2006 by Ensemble Cymru and was then played throughout Wales as part of a six-date tour.
Compromise
Written for Clarinet and Flute. This piece was premiered as part of my wedding service in February 2006
Minimum Vs. Maximum
Written for Piano and Cello. This piece was premiered by the Composersą of Wales in March 2006 as part of the Bangor Music Festival.
Episodic Dreams
Written for Violin and Guitar. This piece was premiered by the Gjylaci Duo at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester in January 2006 and performed again by the Duo as part of the ŚMonday Night Musicalesą season organised by the Royal Northern College of Music in February 2006.
Friction
Written for Piano, Cello, Violin, Clarinets and Flute/Piccolo.
The Dictation
Written for Brass Quintet.
Fears And Dreams
Electronic piece written for Rubicon Dance. This collaborative work was performed at the Gate Arts Centre in Cardiff in May 2005. Exploring the Atmosphere (Tones and Moods) Written for Solo Piano and premiered as part of a composers concert at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in February 2005.
Hyperactive
Written for Piano, Eb Clarinet and Piccolo. Premiered in March 2005 as part of a composersą concert at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff.
The Fly In The Cradle
Written for solo Bass Clarinet.
Knackered
Written for Symphony Orchestra. Performed by the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama Symphony Orchestra in January 2005.
2000 - 2004
Sisters
Written for Piano, Violin and Cello. A set of four miniatures commissioned by a choreographer in Cardiff for a short movement film.
Taming the Clarinet
Written for Clarinet and Piano. This piece was premiered as part of a composersą concert at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in March 2005.
The Curious Hypnotist
Written for Clarinet, Bassoon and Contrabassoon. Premiered as part of a composersą concert at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff in May 2004.
Not Close Enough
Written for Piano, Viola, Guitar, Clarinet in Bb/Clarinet in Eb/Bass Clarinet and Flute/Piccolo. Premiered by the In Transit Ensemble in June 2004 as part of the launch concert for the group at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff.
Bassoon Where Needed
Written for Piano and Bassoon. Premiered as part of a composers concert at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in March 2004.
Mechanical Failure
Written for Clarinet in Bb/Bass Clarinet, Oboe and Bassoon. Premiered as part of a composersą concert at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in December 2003.
The Flamingo
Written for Bass Clarinet, Oboe, Viola, Cello and Harp. Premiered by Okeanos in a performance at Bath Spa University College in May 2003.
Samples
New for April 2011
Fall - From Dan's 'Reflections' CD release (Solo Piano)
Phased (Clarinet in Bb, Cello & Piano)
Repercussions (Flute/Piccolo, Clarinet in Bb/Bass Clarinet, Viola, Cello, Guitar & Piano)
Previous work...
1) Atmospheres (violin, cello and piano)
2) Not Close Enough (flute/piccolo, clarinets, viola, guitar and piano)
3) Rollercoaster (2nd movement from 'Twisted Fairground') (viola and piano)
Contact
a: Llantwit Fardre, Pontypridd, CF38 2PZ
t: 07974 635502
e:dan@phelpsmusic.com
