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"Winsor's superb Decade Divertimento was a fine tribute to the [Hardwick Chamber Ensemble's] decade of music making." "The piece (Final Portraits) was warm and lively. It was played with elan, force, vigor, and a playful spirit. The work allowed each of the four passionate performers to shine, ending it with a flourish." "The performance (of The Norwegian Lady) was uniformly good with strong contributions by the composer himself on clarinet, Jeanette Winsor on piano, Mary Tanner on cello, and especially effective (and beautiful) singing from Anita Lowry." |
John Winsor avoids fads and gimmicks in his writing, concentrating instead on the time-honored principles of craft. His style is influenced by the music of Hindemith, Stravinsky, Ravel, and Copland. He relies on traditional forms, imitative counterpoint, and clear literal repetitions. For John, the heart of composition is in development. The challenge is to let the music unfold logically and seamlessly, as though it is driven by the laws of nature. During exposition, he strives to present basic thematic material clearly so that the audience can assimilate it and vicariously participate in the act of composing.
Victoria Bourne's Virginian-Pilot Close-Up article (March 2, 2012):
hamptonroads.com/2012/03/ensembles-composerinresidence-wins-prize