Reviews, Awards and Masterclasses
Reviews
'His (Colin Decio's) setting of Edward Thomas' most famous poem, Adlestrop, was particularly accomplished.'
Roger Jones Glos. Echo
The Musical Box Suite
'film-like simplicity'
The Scotsman
'The (Musical Box) Suite occupies a world of wistful melancholy, tinged with Russian-style sentiment'
Records International
'... four languid, gently understated pastels'
Martin Anderson International Record Review
'The Music Box Suite is characterized by economy of gesture and simplicity, and is charmingly delivered by Tanner. There are darker shadows present here, as in the third movement (The Singing Wood). Tanner understates them and by doing so makes them all the more effective.'
Review of Haflidi's Pictures CD
Fanfare 2009, Colin Clarke
'Wonderful Sonata, Wonderful Sonata!'
John Ogdon after premiering the 1st Piano Sonata.
The Gloucester Symphony (Symphony no.1)
'This work is well-deserving of future performances'
Jill Bacon Glos. Echo
Cotswold Songs - 'A very definite, individual and attractive musical voice. Song writing of that quality is a gift not given to many.'
Peter Smith Director Malvern Festival
'Decio himself proved why he has an impressive collection of prizes for piano performance'
local critic.
Diversions - 'Decio on piano evoked with grim intensity the rumbling trains transporting their victims to the concentration camps.'
Roger Jones critic for Glos. Echo.
Jews of Old Prague - 'I loved the music, it was beautifully played and a wonderful composition.'
student from Randolph High School, USA
'The music was simply beautiful..it was haunting...it was heartfelt...and the musicians received quite an applause.....I cannot begin to tell you how moving and powerful it was.'
student from Randolph High School, USA
'Colin Decio's Cheltenham Symphony, dedicated to MP Nigel Jones, had a brooding first movement which evoked the horrors of war with a rawness reminiscent of Shostakovich. The second movement was a slow plaintive chorale for strings in the English pastoral tradition. The more positive third movement, with its swirling strings, confident brass and percussion solos conjured up the bustle of life in Cheltenham. David Curtis' thoughtful conducting succeeded in bringing out the intensity and visionary nature of Decio's music.'
Roger Jones critic for Glos. Echo.
The Gloucester Symphony A remarkable programme was presented by the Gloucestershire Symphony Orchestra under conductor Mark Finch at Gloucester Cathedral.
Vandalism in the Cathedral in 2002 was the inspirational spur for the world premiere of Cheltenham composer Colin Decio's Gloucester Symphony. Dedicated to the cathedral and city of Gloucester, the atmospheric work represents hope and defiance. Beginning with solo clarinet, playing a simple motif based on an augmented fourth which is then developed throughout, the composition proved interesting, descriptive and melodic. Dynamic contrasts were effective together with the scoring for hand bells, organ, triple wind and percussion. The inclusion of choral work presented a tranquil fitting Finale returning to the Latin and a cappella singing familiar to the cathedral. This work provoked much discussion amongst concert-goers and is well-deserving of future performances. Jill Bacon Glos. Echo
Awards
- The Burke Trophy for Advanced Piano
- The John Ireland Chamber Music Prize
- The BMI Composition Prize
- Piano section of the Ludlow Philharmonic Concerto Competition
Masterclasses
Colin has enjoyed masterclasses in both piano and composition with - John Ogdon, Robert Saxton, John Joubert, Bryan Kelly, Ernst Meyer and Robert Simpson.