Instrumental Solo

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Anna Downes violinist

Pianist Duncan Honeybourne

The composition of this work was begun while Andrew Downes was studying at the Royal College of music with Herbert Howells, who wrote of Andrew Downes in his report: `In a quiet (but strong) way one of the most effective composers coming to me these days. I have very considerable hopes for him. HH'

First performed by Malcolm Wilson at Birmingham Conservatoire on 5th May 1975.

Included as one of the recommended works for the 1997 International Piano Competition at the Ecole Franco-Italienne, Paris.

Movement 2 performed in the 'Downes Towards the Millennium' concert at St John's Church, Hagley, Worcestershire, by Katie Pickford, in September 1999.

Performance by Duncan Honeybourne, as part of the Birmingham Conservatoire Music Extra Festival in March 2001, recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 3, which went out on July 14th 2001.  Performed by Duncan Honeybourne, together with Herbert Howells' own Sonatina for Piano, in a recital at Birmingham Cathedral on 11th May 2001. Duncan also played the work in a recital at Wednesbury Art Gallery on May 11th 2005. 

Performed by David Trippett on the ‘Festival Musiques en Mer’ Mediterranean cruise, August 2002, and in the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Munster Square, London, as part of the Markson's Pianos Concert Series, in September 2017.

A CD of Andrew Downes' piano music, including this work, was recorded by Duncan Honeybourne on the new Steinway Grand piano in Bournemouth Pavilion on May 15th 2005, on the Lynwood Music label.  This recording has been broadcast many times on Musicians Page Radio, Los Angeles, USA.  

An arrangement of the second movement for guitar and electric bass guitar, entitled Cool Largo, was recorded in July 1999 by Simon Dinnigan and Fred T.Baker for their CD entitled Concerto for Two Guitars, which also includes Andrew Downes' Concerto for Guitar, Electric Bass Guitar and Strings (Classicprint label CPVP013CD).

In November 2016 the Sonatina was rerecorded by Duncan Honeybourne, as part of a 2 CDs set of piano music by Andrew Downes. The CDs, entitled Daybreak in the Fields, after one of Andrew Downes' 7 Preludes for Piano, are on the EM Records label. To purchase this CD, please click on the link above. The launch of the CDs took place in January 2019 at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.  At this event the CD of Andrew Downes' music for violin, viola, and piano, entiltled The God Marduk, performed by Rupert Marshall-Luck and Duncan Honeybourne, was also launched.

This Sonata was first performed by Malcolm Wilson in the Recital Hall of the Birmingham School of Music (now Birmingham Conservatoire) on May 3rd 1978. Malcolm Wilson gave a repeat performance of the work there again in November 1981.

The Sonata was broadcast by Richard Wise, as part of his first prize winning recital in the BRMB Young Musician's competition, in 1983.  It has subsequently formed part of numerous (often prize-winning) recitals by young musicians, in particular by Richard Wise, Clare Russell, Emma Cockbill and other pupils of Beryl Chempin.

Duncan Honeybourne, in his concerts championing the piano music of 20th century British composers, has performed the work at numerous venues, including the Courtyard Theatre, Hereford, as part of the Three Choirs Festival (August 2000); the British Music Information Centre (October 2000); St Martin-in-the-Fields, London (November 2000); Birmingham Cathedral (February 2001); the Birmingham and Midland Institute (October 2001); Wednesbury Art Gallery (November 2001); Weymouth Arts Centre (August 2002); Wey Valley School, Weymouth (October 2002); Clevedon Music Club (September 2002); the Minster Church, Axminster (October 2002); Christchurch, Nailsworth (April 2003); the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Birmingham (July 2003); and a performance at Birmingham Conservatoire recorded for a CD of the Central Composers' Alliance in November 2000. 

The Sonata was performed by David Trippett on the ‘Festival Musiques en Mer’ Mediterranean Cruise in August 2002; by Jonathan French at the English Music Festival in Stratford upon Avon in 2002 and 2005; and by pupils of Duncan Honeybourne - Joshua Weller at Bryanston School (movement 1, February 2005, movements 2 and 3, May 2005), and Alex Hoang at St Peter's Church, Poole (movement 1, July 2009). In February 2019 the Sonata was performed in the Bradshaw Hall of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire by Edward Leung, winner of the Andrew Downes performance prize at the Conservatoire the previous year. In March 2020 the Sonata was again performed at the Andrew Downes Performance Prize Competition, this time by Ling Yu Yen.

A set of 2 CD recordings of Vienna Horns and Piano, made February-May 2001 by the 'Wiener Waldhornverein' (Vienna Horn Association), include this Sonata, played by American pianist, Anne Madison. (The CDs - entitled Messen und Sonaten and Schlosskonzert - also include Andrew Downes' Sonata for Horn and Piano, Sonata for 4 Horns and Suite for 6 Horns). Anne Madison gave the first American performance of Piano Sonata no.1 in Nebraska on 29th November 2001, and the first Austrian performance at a concert of the Austrian Music Association in Vienna on 7th December 2001. Anne Madison has also performed the work in Birmingham Cathedral (April 2002); at a Salon concert organised by the Smrzka family in Vienna (May 2002); at Birmingham Conservatoire (October 2003); and at the Haus der Komponisten, Vienna (June 2004).  The CDs can be purchased by clicking on the link above.

'This thoroughly attractive music, with an accent on charm and a most satisfactory feeling for structure, was well served by Mr Wilson, who gave it a sensitive reading.  Here is a composer who has musical things to say and the technical skill to work them through in contactable contemporary terms.'  BIRMINGHAM POST (following the world premiere by Malcolm Wilson).

'........a triumph for the soloist and for the thoroughly modern composer.'
YORKSHIRE POST

'Andrew Downes has the gift of composing in an easy communicative style without compromising his artistic personality.'
Malcolm Wilson

'Truly beautiful.'
John Ogdon

A CD of Andrew Downes' piano music, including this work, was recorded by Duncan Honeybourne on the new Steinway Grand piano in Bournemouth Pavilion on May 15th 2005, on the Lynwood Music label.  This recording has been broadcast many times on Musicians Page Radio, Los Angeles, USA.  

In November 2016 the Piano Sonata No.1 was rerecorded by Duncan Honeybourne, as part of a 2 CDs set of piano music by Andrew Downes. The CDs, entitled Daybreak in the Fields, after one of Andrew Downes' 7 Preludes for Piano, are on the EM Records label.  To purchase this CD, please click on the link above.   Duncan performed the work as part of the launch of the CDs in January 2019 at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.  At this event The God Marduk CD (music for viola/viola and piano by Andrew Downes, recorded by Rupert Marshall-Luck with Duncan Honeybourne) was also launched. 

Piano Sonata No.2 was specially composed for Duncan Honeybourne and first performed by Duncan at the Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin, on 9th March 2003, with a second performance on 10th March 2003 at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin. 

Subsequent performances have been given by Duncan Honeybourne in Wednesbury Art Gallery, as part of Sandwell Arts Festival (June 2003); Oban Cathedral, Scotland (August 2003); Elgin Library, Scotland (August 2003); Woodwick House, Orkney (August 2003); the Church of St. Lawrence Jewry - London première (1st September 2003); Kidderminster Library (November 2003); the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham (September 2003, and June 2005 - at a concert of Music by Andrew Downes to mark the composer's retirement from Birmingham Conservatoire); Weymouth Arts Centre (March 2004); Dorset County Museum, Dorchester (May 2004); St Mary's Church, Swanage (January 2005); Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery (May 2005); Bournemouth Pavilion (May 2005); Concord College, Church Stretton (May 2005); All Saints Church, Newland, Forest of Dean (June 2005); Harting Music Club, West Sussex (November 2005) and Chichester University (April 2007).  

David Trippett performed the work at the National Portrait Gallery, London, in August 2004.

‘Downes has long loved the writing of Thomas Hardy and the distinctive personality of Hardy’s deeply rural home county, Dorset, a land eloquently depicted and reflected in the poet’s work. He wanted to give the Sonata a Dorset flavour on account of Duncan Honeybourne’s Dorset birth, and the second movement is especially rich in quotations from Downes’ Hardy settings...  This deeply reflective, sensuous and haunting work today receives its world premiere.’   Duncan Honeybourne - programme note to the first performance.

The Sonata was analysed in an illustrated talk given by Michael Jones at the Malvern Hills Piano Holiday in August 2003 and also in the British Music Society News (www.musicweb.uk.net/BMS).

'The Sonata was well received by a sizeable audience who regularly support the Wednesbury Music Club and it is refreshing to experience a premiere where the music communicates effectively in the way premieres were regarded at the beginning of the 20th century, when such events were just that - an event. Duncan Honeybourne’s performance was the central point of an excellent recital...'  Michael Jones BRITISH MUSIC SOCIETY NEWS

'Pianist Duncan Honeybourne played Downes' powerful, Hardy-inspired Second Sonata without a hint of self consciousness.  In this work, as in much of Downes' music, short contrasted passages gradually yield to a sense of quiet exaltation - but so naturally that a flashy performance is unnecessary.

'With unaffected and sincere playing, the music speaks eloquently for itself; humane, optimistic and often extremely beautiful...Honeybourne immersed himself completely in Downes' musical language.'  Richard Bratby BIRMINGHAM POST

A CD of Andrew Downes' piano music, including this work, was recorded on 15th May 2005 by Duncan Honeybourne on the new Steinway Grand piano in Bournemouth Pavilion, on the Lynwood Music label.  This recording has been broadcast many times on Musicians Page Radio, Los Angeles, USA.  

In November 2016 the Piano Sonata No.2 was rerecorded by Duncan Honeybourne, as part of a 2 CDs set of piano music by Andrew Downes. The CDs, entitled Daybreak in the Fields, after one of Andrew Downes' 7 Preludes for Piano, are on the EM Records label. To purchase this CD, please click on the link above. The launch of the CDs took place in January 2019 at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. At this event the CD of Andrew Downes' music for violin, viola, and piano, entiltled The God Marduk, performed by Rupert Marshall-Luck and Duncan Honeybourne, was also launched.

For Andrew Downes' 70th birthday concert, on August 20th 2020, Duncan Honeybourne gave an online performance of the Piano Sonata No.2 from his home in Weymouth, Dorset (during the coronavirus pandemic).  The concert raised funds for Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research.

Titles of the Preludes: Solitude; Leaves in Autumn; Winter Lanes; Spring Lambs; Summer calypso; Daybreak in the Fields; Storm Force

These Preludes were specially composed for Duncan Honeybourne who gave the first performance on 2nd March 2006 in the Chapel of the Ascension at Chichester University. This performance was recorded for CD. To purchase CD, click on the link above.   Each of the preludes, played by Duncan at this world premiere, can be heard on YouTube. They have also been broadcast many times on Musicians Page Radio, Los Angeles, USA. To hear them, click on each of the titles above.

Subsequent performances by Duncan at the Dorset Rural Music School in Blandford Forum (April 2006), the Parish Church of St Francis of Assisi, Bourneville, Birmingham (June 2006), Birmingham Conservatoire (November 2006, and November 2010 as part of Andrew Downes' 60th birthday concert), Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery (October 2007) and Prelude 3 (Winter Lanes) at the Royal Northern College of Music (December 2006). 

Three of the preludes were played by Michael Jones at Kidderminster Art Gallery (October 2007) in a concert in which he also accompanied violinist Anna Downes who performed Andrew Downes' The God Marduk and Sonata for Violin and Piano.  Michael Jones has also performed individual movements from the Preludes and other piano works by Andrew Downes on several occasions in the UK Midlands.  In October and November 2018 Clare Bullimore played two of the preludes in concerts in Cambridge: in St Clement's Church, in Trinity College OCR and in Emmanuel United Reformed Church. 

In February 2013, Mark Lockett performed the 7 Preludes in his recital entitled ‘Frontiers’ at Birmingham Conservatoire, and also played a set of his own pieces, one of which was dedicated to Andrew Downes.

In October 2018, Domonkos Csabay won the Andrew Downes Performance Prize at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, playing Andrew Downes' 7 Preludes.

During the Coronavirus lockdown and in celebration of Andrew Downes' 70th Birthday year, Solitude from the Preludes was performed by Jeremy Wilkinson as part of Anna Downes' Chamber Music from Home series, raising funds for 'Music for Sanctuary': charities for the homeless, in May 2020.

In November 2016 the 7 Preludes were rerecorded by Duncan Honeybourne, as part of a 2 CDs set of piano music by Andrew Downes. The CDs, entitled Daybreak in the Fields, after the sixth of these 7 Preludes for Piano, are on the EM Records label. To purchase this CD please click on the link above.  The launch of the CDs took place in January 2019 at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.  At this event the CD of Andrew Downes' music for violin, viola, and piano, entiltled The God Marduk performed by Rupert Marshall-Luck and Duncan Honeybourne, was also launched.

In August 2020, for Andrew Downes' 70th birthday year, Duncan Honeybourne's recording of Daybreak in the Fields from 7 Preludes for Piano on this CD was shared online. 

On Sunday January 15th 2023, following the passing away of Andrew Downes (on January 2nd 2023), the first 2 movements, Prelude and Fanfare for Organ, were performed in the Eucharist service at St George's Church, Edgbaston, Birmingham, by organist Phil Ypres Smith.

Titles of the Postludes: Dusk; Twilight; Evensong; Owls; Nightfall; Flight of the Bats; At Midnight

These Postludes were specially composed for Duncan Honeybourne, who gave the first performance on 30th October 2016 in St Lawrence Chapel, Ashburton, Cornwall. Duncan included the final postlude, At Midnight, in his recital at the Church of St James, Piccadilly, London, in November 2017.

In November 2016 the 7 Postludes were recorded by Duncan Honeybourne, as part of his 2 CDs set of piano music by Andrew Downes. The CDs, entitled Daybreak in the Fields, after one of Andrew Downes' 7 Preludes for Piano, are on the EM Records label.  To purchase this CD, please click on the link above.  The launch of the CDs took place at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in January 2019.  At this event the CD of Andrew Downes' music for violin, viola, and piano, entiltled The God Marduk, performed by Rupert Marshall-Luck and Duncan Honeybourne, was also launched.

In March 2020, Duncan Honeybourne performed Nightfall from the Postludes as part of his online Piano Soundbites series during the Coronavirus lockdown.

This short work for solo piano was composed for a special recital given on 11th July 2008 in St Mary's Church, Lydney, Gloucestershire, by pianist, Duncan Honeybourne, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the death of Herbert Howells. 

Andrew Downes studied Composition with Herbert Howells at the Royal College of Music from 1972 to 1974.  Howells wrote of Andrew Downes in his report: 'In a quiet (but strong) way one of the most effective composers coming to me these days. I have very considerable hopes for him. HH'

Herbert Howells was born and grew up in Lydney, Gloucestershoire.  The recital by Duncan Honeybourne, given as part of the 2008 Lydney Festival, took place in association with the Royal Forest of Dean Herbert Howells Society.

Subsequent performances by Duncan Honeybourne include ones at All Saints Church, Newland, Gloucestershire (July 2008), St Mary’s Church, Weymouth (June 2009), St Michael’s Church, Lyme Regis (June 2009), the Baptist Church, Lydney (November 2009), Radley College, Oxfordshire, as part of the English Music Festival (May 2013), Lydney Parish Church (June 2016) and St Alphege Church, Solihull (November 2023. This performance was Duncan's memorial tribute to Andrew during Andrew's 'Year of Remembrance').

In November 2018 the work was performed at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire by Domokos Csabay, who had won the Andrew Downes Performance Prize in October of that year, playing Andrew Downes' 7 Preludes for Piano 

In January 2024, towards the end of Andrew's 'Year of Remembrance', Michael Jones performed In Memoriam Herbert Howells at St Mary's Church, Moseley, Birmingham.

In November 2016 this work was recorded by Duncan Honeybourne, as part of a 2 CDs set of piano music by Andrew Downes. The CDs, entitled Daybreak in the Fields, after one of Andrew Downes' 7 Preludes for Piano, are on the EM Records label.  To purchase this CD, please click on the link above.  The launch of the CD took place at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in January 2019.  At this event the CD of Andrew Downes' music for violin, viola, and piano, entiltled The God Marduk, performed by Rupert Marshall-Luck and Duncan Honeybourne, was also launched.

This work was commissioned by distinguished Midlands pianist, Michael Jones, for his concerts in celebration of his 50 years as a professional musician.

Andrew entitled his piece Kinver Landscape, because of Michael’s connections with St Peter's Church, Kinver, where he was organist.  The premiere was to take place at the church in September 2020.  Andrew absolutely loved the area and was inspired by its landscape, paricularly Kinver Edge.  The piece is a beautiful representation of his memories of walking there.  

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, unfortunately, the premiere had to be postponed.  It finally took place on 16th August 2023 in St John's Church, Hagley, Worcestershire, as part of the 'Music for Sanctuary' recitals series, raising funds for the homeless.  This was sadly after the death of the composer.  It formed part of a year of Andrew Downes Memorial concerts.  Michael gave a second performance in St Thomas's Church, Stourbridge, on 20th June 2023, also as part of the Memorial concerts.

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Other works with piano:

SONATA FOR 2 PIANOS

SONATA FOR 8 PIANISTS

5 MOVEMENTS FOR PIANO QUARTET

LOST LOVE - Soprano, Cello, Flute and Piano

DREAMLAND - Soprano, Soprano Saxophone, Piano

CONCERTO FOR PIANO AND ORCHESTRA

CONCERTO FOR 2 PIANOS & STRINGS

A ST LUKE PASSION - baritone solo, SATB choir, piano duet, percussion, string orchestra 

SONG CYCLES FOR VOICE AND PIANO

Commissioned and published by the Incorporated Society of Organists in their Millennium Organ Book (ISMN M9002031). 

Recorded by Paul Hale for Incorporated Society of Organists CD entitled Fanfare for the Millennium. 

Premiered by Paul Hale at Southwell Minster on 4th November 2000. 

Numerous subsequent performances and broadcasts include ones by Thomas Trotter in Birmingham Cathedral in December 2000; by Christopher Totney on the organ of Durham Cathedral, on Easter Sunday  and in July 2005; by Anthony Cairns at Christ Church, Leatherhead (2008); Paul Evans in St John's Church, Hagley (including a performance  in 2019 as part of the 'Music for Sanctuary' concert series supporting Homeless charities); and performances by David Bruce Payne and Duncan Honeybourne in the South West of England.

In October 2020 this work was recorded by Robin Walker on the Organ of Ely Cathedral for CD of organ works by Andrew Downes, entitled 'The Forest at Dawn (Regent Records).  In December 2020 Paula Downes interviewed Robin Walker about the recording in her podcast series, no 34, which can be heard by clicking on the 3rd link beneath the 'Organ' section title above.

The CD launch took place online on 12th November 2021, featuring extracts and comments from the composer, soloist Robin Walker and recording engineer Myles Eastwood.

Robin Walker performed the work as part of his recital in Worcester Cathedral in April 2022.

The Forest at Dawn was performed at the funeral of Andrew Downes on 6th February 2023 in St John's Church, Hagley, Worcestershire, by Duncan Honeybourne

Duncan Honeybourne has transcribed this work for piano, and has included it in this form in many piano recitals, including a performance in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, on June 21st 2005, at a concert of Music by Andrew Downes to mark the composer's retirement from Birmingham Conservatoire.  Duncan has included this work on his CD entitled Piano Music from the Midlands (see Discography).  This version has been broadcast many times on Musicians Page Radio, Los Angeles, USA, several times on Classic FM South Africa, and was broadcast for the first time on Classic FM UK on May 11th 2014.

Commissioned by Robert Green, who gave the world premiere at St David’s Cathedral, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK, on Wednesday 22nd August 2007.

In October 2020, this work was recorded by Robin Walker on the Organ of Ely Cathedral for CD of organ works by Andrew Downes, entitled 'The Forest at Dawn  (Regent Records).  In December 2020 Paula Downes interviewed Robin Walker about the recording in her podcast series, No 34, which can be heard by clicking on the 3rd link beneath the 'Organ' section title above.

The CD launch took place online on 12th November 2021, featuring extracts and comments from the composer, soloist Robin Walker and recording engineer Myles Eastwood. 

In January 2022, Robin Walker performed the Sonata as part of his recital in St George's Hanover Square, Mayfair, London.

Commissioned by American organist Carson Cooman, who premiered the work at the Memorial Church, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA on 22nd June 2008, and has given subsequent performances at Christ Episcopal Church, Portola Valley, California, (July 2008); at First Unitarian Society, Newton, Massachusetts (July 2008); at Christ United Church, Worcester, Massachusetts (August 2008); and at Salem Hills Parish, Nantucket, Massachusetts (August 2008).

In October 2020 the work was recorded by Robin Walker on the Organ of Ely Cathedral for CD of organ works by Andrew Downes, entitled 'The Forest at Dawn (Regent Records).  In December 2020 Paula Downes interviewed Robin Walker about the recording in her podcast series, no 34, which can be heard by clicking on the 3rd link beneath the 'Organ' section title above.

The CD launch took place online on 12th November 2021, featuring extracts and comments from the composer, soloist Robin Walker and recording engineer Myles Eastwood. 

Robin Walker performed the work as part of his recital in Worcester Cathedral in April 2022.

Organ with brass see INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE

Organ with choir see CHORAL ACCOMPANIED

Organ with orchestra see SYMPHONY NO.1

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Anna Downes violinist

This Sacred Mass for Solo Violin was commissioned by James Coles for performances in Churches and Cathedrals in Normandy and in the South of France.
The work was recorded in the summer of 2001 by James Coles for his CD entitled échos d'été (CYR 1) (click on the link above).  

The USA premiere was given at the Chapel of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston, USA, on March 6th 2008 by Anna Downes, who also performed the Kyrie and Gloria from the work in a concert at St Saviour's Church, Hagley, Worcestershire UK, in July 2010, and the whole work in St Martin's in the Bullring, Birmingham, in November 2013 and January 2014, and in Brecon Cathedral, Wales, in August 2017.  Anna Downes also performed the Kyrie from the Mass outside the BBC Headquarters in London, in a concert to raise awareness of global warming, in December 2018.  

In 2017 this work was recorded for CD, entitled The God Marduk (named after one of the other works on the disc) by violinist/violist Rupert Marshall Luck, together with Andrew Downes' works for violin/viola and piano, with pianist Duncan Honeybourne, on the EM Records label.  The launch of the CD took place in January 2019 at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

'The title of this CD suggests something surprising. All four pieces have unusual features about them ... 
'The third piece, for unaccompanied violin, Sacred Mass for Solo Violin ... is unusual since the words of the Mass are absent. Being familiar with the Mass, I found the varied themes fitted in nicely with what they intended to express.  Repetitions in the form of the Mass were all there.'
BRITISH MUSIC SOCIETY JOURNAL February 2019 issue

In 2019, Paula Downes put Rupert Marshall-Luck's recording of this Mass together with her narration of the book The Tantrum That Saved The World, a book about Climate Change for children, creating an audiobook which can be heard on the podcast, episode 15, and a video. This was in preparation for live performances as part of the English Music Festival Educational Project, 2021.

In March 2020, Anna Downes performed the Kyrie and Gloria from the Sacred Mass as part of her online 'Music for Sanctuary' series in aid of charities for the homeless, during the Coronavirus lockdown.  In June 2024, Margaret Friar played the Gloria from the Mass as part of the post- pandemic, re-established 'Music for Sanctuary' Recitals series in St John's Church, Hagley.

In September 2024, Anna Boida from Germany won the International Andrew Downes performance Prize competition, which was held in the Ruddock Perfoming Arts Centre, King Edwards School, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK, playing her viola transcription of the Sacred Mass.  In the same competition, Karolina Csathy from Hungary and Maia Janjvgava from Georgia both played 3 movements from the Sacred Mass in its original form for violin.  Karolina Csathy went on to perform the whole of the Sacred Mass for Solo Violin in her recital in the Chapel of Trinity College, Cambrige, in October 2024.

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This sonata was specially composed for a concert dedicated to the memory of Ernest Element, given on 3rd May 1994 in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, by the Kingsdown Duo - Roger Huckle, violin, and John Bishop, piano.

'... Echoes of plainchant in an ostinato like opening provided the springboard for an Allegro of developing rhythmic complexity and melodic richness which drew to a close with effective lyrical naivety.
'A more sombre Largo was again carefully and convincingly shaped by the Duo, with its haunting melodic lines.
'The finale skilfully entwined reflective mood with rhythmic dynamism. This is a purposefully accessible work whose consistency of style and sense of atmosphere ensured its warm reception.'
THE BIRMINGHAM POST

The first Indian performance was given by John Mayer, accompanied by Gillian Mayer, at the Kolkata School of Music, also in 1994. 

Numerous subsequent performances have been given by the above artists and others, including: Alla Sharova with Gillian Mayer (in August 1996 at the Church of St Lawrence Jewry-next-Guilhall, London, in November 1996 in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, and in May 1997 at the Benslow Music Association); Erich Gruenberg with Daniel Adni (May 1995, in the Adrian Boult Hall in Birmingham); James Coles with Yoko Arai at a Salon concert in Cheltenham; David Chadwick with Robert Markham (November 2006 in the Recital Hall of Birmingham Conservatoire) David Chadwick with Robert Birchall (November 2006 in St Mary's Church in Hinckley, and December 2006 in St John's Church in Wolverhampton); and many by the composer's daughters, Anna and Paula.

The first movement was recorded for a Central Composers' Alliance CD, entitled Music for a While, by Anna Downes with Duncan Honeybourne in February 2001. The whole Sonata was performed by these same artists on l lth May 2001 in Birmingham Cathedral. 

To hear a performance on YouTube given by Anna Downes, accompanied by Tony Bridgewater, on September 1st 2013 at Carr's Lane Church, Birmingham, click on the link above.  In 2019 Anna Downes and Tony Bridgewater gave several performances of the Sonata in their recials at St Mary and St Margaret's Church, Castle Bromwich (March 2019); at St James Church, Wollaston, Stourbridge (May 2019); at St Mary's Church, Old Swinford (May 2019); at St Andrew's Church, Rugby (May 2019); St Alphege Church, Solihull (May 2019); St John's Church, Hagley, Worcestershire (June 2019); Great Witley Church, Worcestershire (August 2019) and the Emmanuel United Reformed Church, Cambridge (August 2019).  In June 2020, during the coronavirus lockdown, Anna Downes and Tony Bridgewater gave an online performance of the 2nd movement of the Sonata, for Music for Sanctuary: charities for the homeless.  They played  all 3 movements in celebration of Andrew Downes' 70th birthaday on 20th August 2020, in a concert raising funds for Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research.  

in 2017 the sonata was recorded for a CD entitled The God Marduk (after one of the works on the disc) of all of Andrew Downes' works for violin and viola, by violinist/violist, Rupert Marshall Luck, with pianist Duncan Honeybourne, on the EM Records label. The launch of the CD took place in January 2019 at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.  

'The title of this CD suggests something surprising. All four pieces have unusual features about them. The Sonata for Violin and Piano, op.52 (1994) and Poeme: The God Marduk, are both World Premiere recordings. Both have unusual inspirational backgrounds.  In the Violin Sonata, this is Indian music with its ragas ...
' ... Indian music certainly comes through sensitively in the themes used by Downes and his clever developments of them.
' ... Both this piece and The God Marduk make attractive listening.  The central slow movement is particularly delightful.'
BRITISH MUSIC SOCIETY JOURNAL February 2019 issue

In the 2024 International Andrew Downes Performance Prize competition, in the Ruddock performing Arts Centre, King Edward's School Edgbaston, Birmingham, the first movement of the Sonata was performed by Izabela Stocka from Poland, accompanied by Hanzhi Zhang.

This work was composed for Russian violinist, Alla Sharova, for her concerts with pianist, Gillian Mayer.

Their first performance took place at the Voices Chamber Ensemble concert at St John's Church Fulham, London, on 18th September 1999. 

The work has since been performed by the composer's daughters, Anna and Paula, at several venues in Worcestershire, Birmingham and the West Midlands, in particular in the 'Downes Towards the Millennium' concert at St John's Church, Hagley, in September 1999. 

The Himley Duo - Anna Downes (violin) and Tony Bridgewater (piano) - gave performances of the work in St Alphege Church Solihull in December 2016, in Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery in April 2017, in Great Witley Church, Worcestershire, in August 2017, and in the Lion Ballroom, Leominster, in September 2017.

In 2017 the work was recorded for a CD of the same name as this work, of all of Andrew Downes' works for violin & viola, by violinist/violist, Rupert Marshall Luck, with pianist Duncan Honeybourne, on the EM Records label.  The launch of the The God Marduk CD took place in January 2019 at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.  Rupert Marshall-Luck and Duncan Honeybourne performed this work as part of the event. 

The God Marduk was an ancient Babylonian God. The music sums up the awe inspiring aspect of an ancient mythical God and also the playful nature he was said to have.

'The title of this CD suggests something surprising. All four pieces have unusual features about them. The Sonata for Violin and Piano, op 52 (1994) and Poeme:The God Marduk, are both World Premiere recordings. Both have unusual inspirational backgrounds.  In the Violin Sonata, this is Indian music with its ragas, in the second, it is the theological history of Babylon where an ancient poem relates the rise of their god Marduk, the 'God of 60 names'.
' ... Both this (Sonata for Violin and Piano) and The God Marduk make attractive listening.  In the single movement that is 'The God Marduk' thematic unity and development are hugely impressive.'
BRITISH MUSIC SOCIETY JOURNAL February 2019 issue

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This Sonata is a transcription, by Cynthia Downes, of the Sonata for Horn and Piano (see below). In 2017 a CD recording of the work in this transcribed version was made on the EM Records label by violist/violinist Rupert Marshall-Luck and pianist Duncan Honeybourne. Andrew Downes' works for violin and piano are also performed by these artists on the disc, which is entitled The God Marduk after one of the works on the CD. The launch of the CD took place in January 2019 at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

'The title of this CD suggests something surprising. All four pieces have unusual features about them ...
'The unusual detail concerning the final work, Sonata for Viola and Piano, op.68 (1998) is that it was originally scored for French Horn and piano.  The viola version was arranged by the composers' wife Cynthia, herself a violist. For me, it was the best piece on the CD. Rupert Marshell-Luck plays the viola with real attention to the original instrumentation.  At the very end of the piece, he allows the final held note to go just the slightest bit off tune, exactly as a held note echoing on the horn would naturally do.'  
BRITISH MUSIC SOCIETY JOURNAL February 2019 issue

During Andrew Downes' 70th birthday year, this recording of Andrew Downes' Sonata for Viola and Piano was broadcast online, in February 2020. To access the recording, click on 'Listen' beneath the title above.

In the 2024 International Andrew Downes Performance Prize competition, in the Ruddock performing Arts Centre, King Edward's School Edgbaston, Birmingham, the first movement of the Sonata was performed by Kaushik Ganeshan from Sri Lanka.

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First performed by Sharon McKinley, accompanied by Duncan Honeybourne, on 23rd March 2004, at the Birmingham Conservatoire Music Xtra Festival, in the Adrian Boult Hall.  

Subsequently performed by Janet Lindsay with Matt Davies (3rd movement) in the Great Hall of Oldswinford Hospital School, Stourbridge (2006), and by Rosalie Curlett with Duncan Honeybourne (complete work) at St Mary’s Church, Weymouth, Dorset in October 2012.

In May 2022, cellist Graham Walker with accompanist David Trippett  recorded the Sonata for CD at West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge.  The recording engineer was Myles Eastwood.

‘... contrast (fierceness/lyricism, delicacy/drama) was explored through often ritualistic instrumental exchanges, generating a succession of evolving episodes. Pianist, Duncan Honeybourne... and cellist Sharon McKinley’s... pensive and tender dialogue in the third movement and the cello’s simple and dignified theme in the second delivered real emotional warmth.’  BIRMINGHAM POST

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This sonata was composed for David Daly (Principal Double Bass, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra) and his accompanist, Duncan Honeybourne, who gave the first performance at Christchurch Priory on June 14th 2007 as part of the Christchurch Music Festival.  

Subsequent performances by these same artists have taken place at Montpelier Hall, United Reformed Church, Cheltenham, in August 2007; at Marlborough College (second movement) in May 2008; and at Sarum College, Salisbury, in November 2008.

On July 14th 2022, David Daly and Duncan Honeybourne recorded the Sonata  for CD in the beautiful Hall of Sherbourne School. The recording engineer was Myles Eastwood.

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This Sonata for Piccolo and Piano was composed for Keith Bragg, Principal Piccolo and Chairman of the Philharmonia Orchestra. 

The first performance took place on 2nd August 2000 at the Town Hall, Stratford-upon-Avon, as part of the Stratford-upon-Avon International Flute Festival. Keith Bragg was accompanied by Judith Keaney. Their second performance took place on 24th October 2000 in the Recital Hall of Birmingham Conservatoire.

The work was performed by Arjun Jethwa, accompanied by Charles Matthews, at the inaugural Andrew Downes Performance Prize Competition at Birmingham Conservatoire in February 2014.

In the 2024 International Andrew Downes Performance Prize competition, in the Ruddock performing Arts Centre, King Edward's School Edgbaston, Birmingham, the first movement of the Sonata was performed by Maia Roberts, accompanied by Edward Caine.

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This work was specially composed for Carol Kniebusch Noe and first performed by Carol with her accompanist, Vicky Berneking in the American Cathedral, Paris, on 4th November 1999. Their second performance took place on 31st March 2000 in the Wilson Auditorium, James Madison University, Virginia USA.

Performed by Michael Gordon, accompanied by Thomas Stumpf, on 6th April 2000, in Lexington, Boston, USA. 

The UK premiere was given by Andrew Anson and Alan Cuckston on 13th February 2002 in the Recital Hall of Birmingham Conservatoire.  Andrew Anson subsequently performed the work with Alistair Lilley in St John’s Smith Square, London, in January 2004, and at Birmingham Conservatoire on October 20th 2004.


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SONATA FOR CONTRABASS FLUTE AND PIANO Opus 99 (2008) 22'
4 movements 

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Peter Sheridan playing the contrabass flute

Commissioned by the American flutist Peter Sheridan, this sonata was given its world premiere by Peter Sheridan accompanied by Claire Cooper on Thursday April 22nd 2009 at Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.   

Peter Sheridan, accompanied by Richard Shaw,  gave the UK premiere of this work at the British Flute Society 7th National Convention at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, on August 19th 2010. Peter has performed the work on numerous occasions on his recital tours around the world, including movements 2 & 3 at the 2013 Australian Flute Festival in Canberra.

In 2014 Peter Sheridan included the sonata on his CD, Sonorous Sonatas, which is now available for purchase on iTunes.

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Lake Burdwan, India

Oboe and Piano


IDYLL: IN THE GARDENS OF BURDWAN - SONATA FOR OBOE & PIANO Opus 55 (1994) 20'
4 movements   

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Included in Podcast episode 17 (George Caird)

This Sonata was specially composed for Angus Meryon, clarinet, and Duncan Honeybourne, piano, who gave the first performance in the United Reformed Church, Salisbury, as part of the Salisbury Chamber Music Club series, on 2nd January 2010.

In March 2022, William Hammond, wth accompanist Charles Matthews, came joint second performing this work in the Andrew Downes Performance Prize competition, at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

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Photo by BY-SA 3.0 

Commissioned by Richard Adams of the Cambrian Brass Ensemble and first performed by him at St Paul's Church, Hockley, Birmingham, on June 17th 1986. 

Subsequently performed as part of numerous student recitals at Birmingham Conservatoire, and by professional trumpeters in the UK. 

Examples of known performances: at Birmingham Conservatoire in June 1989 for the Doris Newton Music Club Prize, by Martin Orgill; in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, in June 2000 by Phillip Carroll; in February 2016 in the Carol Nash Recital Room, at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, by Louise Franks; and at St Mary's Church, Warwick, in June 2021, by Steve Lee.

In March 2020, Frank Stubbs performed the first movement of the Meditations for Solo Trumpet, as part of Anna Downes' online Music for Sanctuary series, in aid of charities for the homeless, during the Coronavirus lockdown.  In June 2020, and again on August 20th 2020 for Andrew Downes' online birthday concert, Frank Stubbs performed the whole work online, this time raising funds for Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research, both performances for Andrew Downes' 70th birthday year of concerts.  To hear Frank, click on the 'Watch' link above the trumpet picture at the top of this section.

This work was specially composed for the BBC Radio 3 programme, The Offering of Life, by the Rev Canon Denis Claringbull, recorded in St. Paul's Church, Hockley, Birmingham, and broadcast on the 3rd February 1991. The trumpet soloist was Garry Page. 

Subsequently performed as part of numerous student recitals at Birmingham Conservatoire and by professional trumpeters in the UK.

In November 2014 trumpeter Ruari Wilson performed the work in Broughton St Mary's Parish Church, Edinburgh, as part of a special Service of Remembrance for the centenary of World War 1.

The work was performed by Frank Stubbs in St Alphege Church, Solihull, and St Peter's Church, Harborne, both in July 2020, during Andrew Downes' 70th birthday year; and by Steve Lee in St Mary's Church, Warwick, in June 2021.

The Last Trumpet was performed at the funeral of Andrew Downes on 6th February 2023 in St John's Church, Hagley, Worcestershire, by Frank Stubbs.

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This Sonata for Horn and Piano was commissioned by Roland Horvath of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and first performed by James Lowe with Anne Madison in the Theresianische Akademie, Vienna, on 17th March 2001, with subsequent performances at a Hauskonzert bei Familie Horvath in Vienna (June 2001); at the Osterreichische Gesellschaft fur Musik, Vienna (December 2001); in Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Omaha, Nebraska, USA (last movement, August 2002); in the Recital Hall of Birmingham Conservatoire (English premiere, 22nd September 2003); and at the Haus der Komponisten, Vienna (Movement 3, June 2004).  

Ondrej Vrabec (Principal Horn Czech Philharmonic Orchestra) with pianist Daniel Wiesner, performed the complete work in a recital at the Villa Bertramka Mozart Museum, Prague, on 20th September 2008 (Czech premiere)

On 21st October 2011, the Sonata was given its first Australian performance, at the University of Tasmania Conservatorium of Music, by Robert Stonestreet (horn) and Amander Hodder (piano).

"Downes' Sonata combines plainchant, jazz and folk music. He knows the instrument so well, and what works and what doesn't. He writes beautiful lyrical lines and contrasts them with complex rhythms and thematic ideas."  Robert Stonestreet THE MERCURY (Tasmania)

On 23rd October 2011, the Scottish premiere of the Sonata was given by Joe Boyd (horn) in a National Youth Orchestra of Scotland Futures concert, as part of the North East Scotland Festival of New Music.

The second Czech performance of the Horn Sonata was given by Monika Cerovska - student of Ondrej Vrabec - accompanied by Jarmila Panochova, in the Masters Concert in the Gallerie Hall of the Academy of Performing Arts, Prague, in March 2018.

A set of 2 CD recordings of Vienna Horns and Piano, made February-May 2001 by the 'Wiener Waldhornverein' (Vienna Horn Association), include this Sonata, played by James Lowe with Anne Madison. (The CDs - entitled Messen und Sonaten and Schlosskonzert - also include Andrew Downes' Sonata for Piano, Sonata for 4 Horns and Suite for 6 Horns).  To purchase the CDs, click on the link above.

In the spring of 2022, Ondrej Vrabec (Principal Horn Czech Philharmonic Orchestra) with pianist Daniel Wiesner also recorded the work for CD to include Andrew Downes' Sonata for Cello and Piano, recorded by Graham Walker (cello) and David Trippett (piano) and the Sonata for Double Bass and Piano, recorded by David Daly (double bass) and Duncan Honeybourne (piano)

This work has been transcribed by Cynthia Downes for Viola and Piano. This transcription, has been recorded in 2017 by violist and violinist Rupert Marshall Luck, with pianist Duncan Honeybourne, for CD, together with Andrew Downes' works for violin and piano, on the EM Records label. 

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Brahms Trio Prague, 2008

This work was commissioned by the Brahms Trio Prague (Ondrej Vrabec, solo and principal horn, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra; Monika Vrabcova, violin; and Daniel Wiesner, piano), who gave the world premiere on February 5th 2008 in the Suk Hall of the Rudolfinum, Prague, with subsequent performances at venues such as the Villa Bertramka Mozart Museum, Prague (September 2008), the Martinu Hall, Prague (February 2009) and the Town Theatre, Jablonec, Czech Republic (March 2009).  

With their new violinist, Xenia Dohnalova, the Brahms Trio Prague performed the work in the Philharmonic Hall, Lviv, Ukraine (October 2011) and in the SUk Hall of the Rudolfinum, Prague, in December 2013.  

The Australian premiere was given by Bridget Graham, violin, Andrew Young, horn, and Lauren Simpkins, piano, at the Melba Hall, Melbourne, Australia, on May 29th 2009.

The USA premiere was given by Paul Sonner, violin, Julie Schleif, horn, and Steve Larson, piano, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Petoskey, Michigan, USA, on February 17th 2013.

The Brahms Trio Prague (Ondrej Vrabec, Monika Vrabcova and Daniel Wiesner) recorded the work for CD in 2008, on the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Artesmon Label.  Broadcasters of the CD have included Czech Radio, Rhubarbradio.com and Musicians Page Radio, Los Angeles, USA. During Andrew Downes' 70tth birthday year, this recording of the Sonata was broadcast online in April 2020. It can be heard on Youtube by clicking on the link below the title above. To purchase the CD, click here.

During Andrew Downes' 70th birthday year, in April 2020, the CD recording was shared online. To listen on YouTube, click on link no 3 between the title and the grey order form above.

' ... a recording that deserves an international gramophone award... The three-movement work is thematically very tightly conceived ... and has great emotional pull ... his sonata has a distinct creative poetry and is appealing to the listener without being ingratiating.'  Lubos Stehlick HARMONIE MAGAZINE, PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC (January 2008) 

' This is modern tonal chamber music at its finest.'  THE HORN CALL (journal of the International Horn Society, USA) (May 2008)

' ... everyone who listens to this recording will surely confirm that he (Downes) writes interesting music, which... alternates interestingly meditative sections with playful sections and is narrating something constantly and relaxedly, which gives a great space for the imagination of the interpreters.'  HUDEBNI ROZHLEDY MUSIC MAGAZINE (Czech Republic) (May 2008)

' ... the music is crisp, transparent, well composed for the musicians, and moves between cantabile, tranquillo passages and contrasting rhythmical gymnastics.'   WWW.MUNDOCLASICO.COM (Spain) (May 2008)

' ... of remarkable craftsmanship and interest.  His language is replete with that indefinable term meaning ... And his writing for horn is truly splendid, challenging for the player, but at the same time gratifying for listener and performer. It starts off in a very meditative manner, always giving the instruments time to speak their piece before joining together in a rather passionate second movement.  The finale brings a dancing jollity to it all, a suitably festive ending.'   FANFARE MAGAZINE (USA) (July 2008)

See Review at Musicweb International (this link will open a new browser)

This work has been transcribed by Cynthia Downes for Violin, Cello and Piano. This version was premiered at the Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery by Anna Downes (violin), Joanne Jefferis (cello) and Duncan Honeybourne (piano) on 11th September 2013. These same artists have subsequently given further performances of this arrangement of the work at the Herbert Lumby Room, Elgar School of Music, Worcester (March 2014); at the Bay Theatre, Weymouth, Dorset (November 2014); and in Worcester Cathedral (February 2017).  

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