“Barnard’s inspired conception of how to realise the poem in music was to divide the voices between the columns and use the trumpet as bridge between them. As usual, words and explanations only get one so far – you have to hear this to believe how profoundly an emotional experience it is.” - Musicweb International review of Aura

“Love this - beautiful. Original voice.” Roxanna Panufnik on The Flaming Heart

“Sea Love drew commendation across the board for its assured technique and sensitive word-setting… a great sense of clarity.” Chris Moore, VOCES8

“You have a stunning compositional voice and it was a pleasure to bring this music to life. I will definitely be programming more of your music in the future.” Isaac Lovdahl, Dir., University of North Dakota Concert Choir

“The result is both effective and moving with a lovely ending. It feels like an epic adventure.” Paul Spicer on The Flaming Heart

“Richard has a unique voice that lifts the words off the page to create pieces that are at times haunting and full of impact and meaning. Choirs will find these pieces enjoyable and rewarding to sing and want to perform them time after time.” David Ogden, White Light Publishing

“An amazingly radiant, warm and hopeful piece… Everyone loved working on it, as I think is evident from their commitment to the performance… This piece deserves to be heard far and wide.” Lucy Goddard, Orlando Chamber Choir on Da Pacem

Richard is regularly commissioned by choirs, writing music for The Gesualdo Six, BBC Singers, Bristol Cathedral Choir, Exultate Singers, St Georges Hanover Square, Paragon Singers, Bath Camerata, City of Bristol Choir and Orlando Chamber Choir. He has built a reputation for exquisitely crafted works that suit the choir and context perfectly. His music always begins with the text, drawing out its meaning and emotion.

Drama and lyricism are woven through Richard’s music. He brings the experience of working in opera and theatre to create dramatic narratives and emotional impact to his choral works. Renaissance choral music is a constant influence, with canon and counterpoint forming the bones of his music. His choral music is published by White Light Publishing.

SELECTED WORKS

AURA - ATB/ATB & trumpet - 6 mins - BUY SCORES

THE FLAMING HEART - SATB (S div.) & Organ - 8-10 mins - BUY SCORES

SEA LOVE - Double Choir (SSAATTBB) - 4 mins - BUY SCORES

THREE MASTS - SATB & Organ - 4 mins - BUY SCORES

VERSA EST IN LUCTUM - SSATTB - 4½ mins - BUY SCORES

DAWN SONG - SATB with divisi - 6 mins - BUY SCORES

I AM THE SONG - Double Choir and Semi Chorus - 4 mins - BUY SCORES

SAILOR’S CAROL - SATB - 4½ mins - BUY SCORES

INTERVAL - SAA - 3 mins