Tony O’Brien - Pianist and composer

Mark Tanner’s comments on “Children”, Vexation and Consolation #5  [“3-Legged race - Final leg”]

“This is a tremendously ambitious and decisive piece, packed with ingenious harmonic and pianistic detail to keep us all wondering what on earth you are going to do next!  From amiable beginnings, the piece flourishes and expands in its adventurous behaviour, leaving virtually no stones unturned as it progresses forwards exuberantly. While a few aspects of the score itself could enjoy a little further work with a duster and a can of polish, your intentions are mostly very clear indeed, and the the impact of the music is undeniably good, so congratulations on this extraordinary achievement.

I like the humorous interjections, which serve the piece well and keep us on track as regards the overarching musical message, and although the piece itself will fall well outside the capabilities of most players, you clearly have brought a considerable knowledge (Ireland, Bowen, even Rachmaninov all spring to mind) to bear on this. Its scherzando flourishes, and endless desire for pianistic ingenuity, seem to know no bounds - it is brimming with vibrancy, intensity and energy, which is just as it should be; my heartfelt congratulations, very well done!”

Margaret  Fingerhut

“I've finally had a chance to listen to your compositions. Very impressed! Your music feels like it is truly in the spirit of the great composer-pianists -  lyrical, passionate and very intense. The writing is always idiomatic and wonderfully pianistic, but quite challenging to play at times I should think, especially "Recovery" [3-Legged Race Final Leg].  My favourite one was "Cure", [3-Legged Race Middle Leg] which was tinged with an evocative and tender wistfulness, making the passionate outbursts all the more effective.

If I'm honest, I have to say that I think that the titles are somewhat off-putting and mystifying unless you give at least a brief explanation as to why you chose to write a cycle of pieces with this theme. But, that minor quibble aside, I genuinely admire the commitment and conviction of your writing (and playing!)”