Student Achievement

Student Achievement We are thrilled to share a wonderful achievement by Year 13 student David, who is currently studying Music HL as part of his IB Diploma.  We are thrilled to share a wonderful achievement by Year 13 student David, who is currently studying Music HL as part of his IB Diploma. 

David was selected by Jameel Arts Centre to feature in their 'Emerging Musicians and Composers Showcase'. Jameel Arts is an internationally renowned centre and David's work, along with other composers from the Emirates, has been celebrated and shared.  

David’s wonderful piece 'Cello Sonata' can be heard at 16:52 minutes into the video:

David's bio on the Jameel Arts Centre site reads:

Residing in the UAE for eight years, David began playing the piano at the age of eight. It has opened doors and taken him on a life-enriching journey. He has gained valuable experiences from undertaking the ABRSM piano practical exams, where he recently achieved a Distinction for Grade 8 and participated in the Emirates Peace Music Competition. Most recently, David has developed an interest in composing music, the first movement for a “Cello Sonata” for piano and cello. David finds the process of composing to be very interesting, especially as he is composing for instruments that he does not play himself. For this sonata, David researched how the cello works, its capabilities and limitations, so that the piece can be technically possible and enjoyable for a cellist to play.

Composer’s statement
In this composition, I wanted to represent the idea of dynamism, which forms a big part of modern life, especially in the UAE.

Being trained mainly in classical music, I decided to compose a piece that incorporates a lot of the traditional features of this genre, and so, its form is one of the most prominent of the classical period – the sonata form. The piece represents two different moods seen in the two subjects of the sonata; the first is very dramatic and forceful, while the second more tranquil and lyrical. There is a vast range of dynamics from pianissimo (very soft) to fortissimo (very loud) which help dramatise the piece and instances of more elaborate rhythms, especially in the development section, reminding the listener that the piece is not entirely classical– thus contributing to the idea of motion.

Overall, I think this is a piece that grabs the listener from the opening chords and tightly grips their attention until the very last chords.