Full Breakdown
Rethinking Classical Music: Will Pound's Journey with the Britten Sinfonia
1/27/2026, 10:24:32 PM
Embracing Aural Traditions in Classical Music
Will Pound, a harmonica and accordion player, is set to tour with the Britten Sinfonia and writer Robert Macfarlane, presenting a new work titled *The Silent Planet*, which reinterprets Gustav Holst's *The Planets*. This project, which has taken 18 months of rehearsals, features a 165-page score orchestrated by Ian Gardiner and includes an entirely new composition called "Earth." Despite being a co-writer of this piece, Pound does not read music, a challenge he shares with notable musicians like Paul McCartney and Jimi Hendrix. His experience with dyslexia has compounded this barrier, leading him to rely on oral traditions and aural mastery rather than traditional notation.
Navigating Musical Language
Pound's collaboration with the Britten Sinfonia has required him to communicate openly about his limitations in reading classical music terminology. He has requested assistance from the ensemble to translate complex musical terms into more accessible language. Conversely, he notes that the folk music world has its own intricate lexicon, including terms like jigs, reels, and polkas, which are essential for understanding the nuances of folk traditions. This bilingual approach to music allows Pound and his duo partner, Delia Stevens, to blend classical and folk elements, creating a unique musical experience.
Innovative Approaches to Classical Works
Stevens & Pound, formed in late 2022, aims to reinterpret classical masterpieces rather than merely cover them. Their approach emphasizes the dynamism of playing by ear, allowing for a fresh and transformative experience for audiences. Their initial project, a reimagining of Ralph Vaughan Williams' *The Lark Ascending*, served as a foundation for their subsequent work on Holst's *The Planets*. This ambitious undertaking has pushed Pound to develop new techniques and custom harmonicas to meet the technical demands of the score, showcasing his commitment to innovation in performance.
Personal Growth Through Musical Challenges
Pound reflects on how learning by ear has become his greatest asset, enabling him to bring a personal voice to the music that transcends traditional notation. He believes that this method fosters a more intimate connection with the audience, as it allows for a unique interpretation of familiar works. The tour will also highlight the connections between folk and classical music, featuring composers like Percy Grainger and Benjamin Britten, who recognized the interlinking of these genres despite their limited personal interactions.
Official Statements & Responses
Pound emphasizes the importance of aural traditions in music, stating, "Learning by ear and resisting the explicit instructions of a score has become my greatest strength." He advocates for a broader understanding of music that embraces both folk and classical elements, challenging the notion that these genres are distinct and separate.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Aural mastery can be just as potent a force as visual literacy.” — Will Pound, Musician
- “Yet learning by ear and resisting the explicit instructions of a score has become my greatest strength: it forces me to approach the music laterally, bringing my own sound world and a unique, personal voice to the work – a voice that is not confined by the dots on the page.” — Will Pound, Musician
Through this innovative tour, Will Pound and the Britten Sinfonia are not only rethinking classical music but also redefining the boundaries of musical expression.
