The mention of classical music might bring up thoughts of composers such as Mozart or Beethoven, but the genre still thrives and evolves in the 21st century.
One contemporary classical composer with Augusta roots heads to a prestigious residency this month to focus on a commissioned piece for a unique quartet.
Paul Brantley, an Augusta native and a 1979 graduate of the Academy of Richmond County, will embark on his seventh residency at the MacDowell in New Hampshire on Sept.18.
“There’s something special about the place. It’s very beautiful, a very simple lifestyle. You go there to work. There’s literally one rule. You can’t knock on anyone’s door,” said Brantley of the place where Aaron Copland wrote “Appalachian Spring” and Thornton Wilder penned “Our Town,” basing the locale on the New Hampshire countryside that inspired him.
Days at MacDowell are meant for working, there is socialization during the evening meal.
While at MacDowell, Brantley will embark on a piece for Philadelphia’s Franklin Quartet, a period string ensemble. Members play historical versions of the instruments. Over the centuries, instruments have evolved and have been configured in different ways, Brantley said.
Brantley will be the first 21st century composer to write a new piece for the group.
During his career as a composer and musician, Brantley has been commissioned for multiple works. His first major commission was in 1986 to mark Augusta’s 250th anniversary.
Brantley’s musical roots are based in the Garden City where his parents retired from their performance days to raise a family.
His father, Ed, was a professional trumpet player and jazz musician, while his mother, Harriet, had a storied career that included being a member of a synchronized swim team that toured South America. She later was a dancer and singer in New York City, where she and her husband met.
“She danced, subbing for the Rockettes and doing all kinds of incredible work,” he said.
Part of her synchronized swim day included touring with Johnny Weissmuller of Tarzan fame.
When Ed and Harriet Brantley moved to Augusta, Ed Brantley served as a school band director.
Various musical styles filled the home. Sunday mornings meant a 9 a.m. Episcopalian service with his mom, an 11 a.m. Baptist service with his dad, followed by watching the “Parade of Quartets” on WJBF.
His brothers played in a rock band while his mother sang with the Augusta Choral Society.
He carried that breadth of music with him as he left Augusta and pursued his own career in music. Over the past 45 years, he has developed a rich resume. He’s been commissioned for pieces by groups from Augusta’s Harry Jacobs Chamber Music Society to the Manhattan School of Symphony — others include U.C. Berkeley Chamber Chorus (on tour), Monadnock Music Festival, Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival, St. Bartholomew’s Summer Festival of Sacred Music, The Young People’s Chorus of NYC, Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas (NYC’s Town Hall), Left Bank Ensemble (Kennedy Center), Excelsior Trombone Ensemble (NPR’s Performance Today) and The Goliard Ensemble (on tour).
Brantley has performed or recorded as solo cellist with Trey Anastasio (Phish), Cantata Profana, CITH, Cassatt Quartet, Jeff Coffin Mutet, Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, Dave Gregory (XTC), Heartbeat Opera, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, Lenny White and SONYC.
Brantley has arranged and conducted for David Binney, Todd Rundgren and Christian Scott.
During the past year, he has had his music performed at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, at Columbia University in a program dedicated exclusively to his music, and by esteemed chamber musicians such as pianist Steve Beck, vocalist/double-bassist Maggie Hasspacher with the Kamloops Symphony, classical guitarist Dan Lippel, cellist Laura Metcalf, and soprano Alice Teyssier. Also this past year Brantley received a commission from The Curtis Institute of Music, his alma mater, to compose a piece celebrating that august institution’s centennial, according to an email from Brantley.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. She’s won multiple Georgia Press Association awards and is the recipient of the 2018 Greater Augusta Arts Council’s media award. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
