Overview
Pwyll ap Siôn is a musicologist and composer. He read music at Magdalen College, Oxford, graduating in 1990. He studied composition at Bangor University with John Pickard, and also with Martin Butler, receiving his PhD in 1998. He has been a member of staff at the School of Music since 1993.
Teaching and Supervision
- Minimalism and Postminimalism
- Michael Nyman
- Cage and Experimental Music
- Media and Popular Music
- Songwriting Skills
- Composition
- Twentieth-century music
Research Interests
His research and teaching interests include minimalist and postminimalist music, Michael Nyman, Steve Reich, tonality in the twenty-first century and reference and quotation in contemporary music. In 2014–15 he received a Research Grant by the British Academy to undertake work on the impact of American Minimalism in Europe during the 1970s and in 2016–17 was awarded a Leverhulme/British Academy Research Fellowship to carry out research on the music of Steve Reich. His volume on the composer, Rethinking Reich, co-edited with Sumanth Gopinath, will be published by Oxford University Press in 2019.
Forthcoming publications include chapters in Howard Skempton Conversations and Reflections on Music, edited by Esther Cavett and Matthew Head (Boydell Press, 2019) and Einstein on the Beach: Opera beyond Drama, edited by Jelena Novak and John Richardson, as part of Routledge’s Interdisciplinary Studies in Opera.
In 2007, he co-organized the First International Conference on Minimalist Music and helped establish the Society for Minimalist Music. His monograph on The Music of Michael Nyman (Ashgate, 2007) was described in Music and Letters as a ‘groundbreaking study . . . it represents a substantial contribution to musicology’. Two edited volumes were published in 2013: Michael Nyman: Collected Writings and The Ashgate Research Companion to Minimalist and Postminimalist Music, the latter co-edited with Keith Potter and Kyle Gann (both Ashgate).
He has published articles and reviews in The Soundtrack, Twentieth-Century Music and Journal of the Society for Musicology in Ireland, produces regular reviews for Gramophone music magazine and contributes articles for The Strad. He has been invited to talk about minimalist music on Radio 3 and Radio 4 and given public lectures on the music of Philip Glass and Louis Andriessen at the Barbican Centre, London.
He has served as external examiner on undergraduate and masters' programmes at Canterbury Christ Church, Cardiff, Middlesex, Trinity St. Davids and Wolverhampton Universities (and is currently external examiner at Aberdeen University), and has examined doctoral work at Aberdeen, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Goldsmiths, Middlesex, Newcastle, Perth and Southampton. He also served as jury member for the BBVA Foundation's prestigious Frontiers of Knowledge awards in Contemporary Music in 2017 and 2018, with the recipients of the award being Sofia Gubaidulina and Kaija Saariaho respectively.
Ap Siôn has also published in the area of Welsh popular and Celtic music. His Cydymaith i Gerddoriaeth Cymru (Companion to Welsh Music), co-edited with Wyn Thomas, was published in 2018, receiving funding from the Welsh Federal College (Y Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol).
Publications
2023
- PublishedSticio neu switsio?
ap Sion, P., 1 Aug 2023, In: O'r Pedwar Gwynt.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
2022
- PublishedMichael Nyman and the Development of an Art House Musical Aesthetic
ap Sion, P., 12 Dec 2022, Michael Nyman and the Development of an Art House Musical Aesthetic. Baumgartner, M. & Boczkowska, E. (eds.). 1 ed. New York: Routledge, Vol. 1. p. 87–112 25 p. 3
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
2021
- PublishedChristophe Levaux, We Have Always Been Minimalist: The Construction and Triumph of a Musical Style, trans. Rose Vekony
ap Sion, P., 21 Dec 2021, In: Twentieth-Century Music. 18, 3, p. 481–487 7 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Book/Film/Article review › peer-review - PublishedDie verrückten mädchen von Mona: for Soprano and Piano Trio
ap Sion, P., 16 Oct 2021
Research output: Non-textual form › Composition
2019
- PublishedThe Order of Things. Analysis and Sketch Study in Two Works by Steve Reich
Bakker, T. & ap Sion, P., Jun 2019, In: Zeitschrift der Gesellschaft für Musiktheorie. 16, 1, p. 99-122 23 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - Published‘“Not a lot spoken, but a lot said”
ap Sion, P., 17 May 2019, Howard Skempton: Conversations and reflections in music. Cavett, E. & Head, M. (eds.). Martlesham: Boydell & Brewer, p. 149–170 21 p.
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review - Published“Moving Forward, Looking Back” Resulting Patterns, Extended Melodies, Eight Lines, and the Influence of the West on Steve Reich
ap Sion, P., 2019, Rethinking Reich. Gopinath, S. & ap Siôn, P. (eds.). New York: Oxford: OUP, p. tbc 33 p. n/a
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review - Published“Only pictures to hear”: Reading Einstein on the Beach through Experimental Theater
ap Sion, P., 19 Dec 2019, Einstein on the Beach: Opera beyond drama. Novak, J. & Richardson, J. (eds.). Routledge Taylor & Francis, 33 p. (Ashgate Interdisciplinary Studies in Opera).
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
2018
- PublishedCydymaith i Gerddoriaeth Cymru
ap Sion, P. (ed.) & Thomas, W. (ed.), 1 Oct 2018, Y Lolfa. 464 p.
Research output: Book/Report › Book › peer-review
2017
- Published"Performance Practice in the Music of Steve Reich," by Russell Hartenberger: Book Review in online journal
ap Sion, P., 2017, In: Performance Practice Review. 21, 1, 7 p., 4.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Book/Film/Article review › peer-review
2015
- PublishedAmerican Minimalism in Europe during the 1970s
ap Sion, P. E., 4 Dec 2015, Unknown Publisher.
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report - PublishedGair ar Gnawd: Opera in 1 Act
ap Sion, P., 20 Apr 2015
Research output: Non-textual form › Performance - PublishedThe Illusion of Freedom
ap Sion, P. E., 5 Mar 2015
Research output: Non-textual form › Composition
2014
- PublishedEmyn i Gymro (12’)
ap Sion, P. E., 1 Feb 2014
Research output: Non-textual form › Composition - PublishedHidden Disunities and Uncanny Resemblances: Connections and Disconnections in the Music of Lera Auerbach and Michael Nyman
ap Sion, P. E., 27 Oct 2014, In: Contemporary Music Review. 33, 2, p. 167-187
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedThe Dancer and the Marvellous Mind (10’)
ap Sion, P. E., 17 Oct 2014
Research output: Non-textual form › Composition
2013
- PublishedHiraeth (10’)
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap Sion, P., 8 Nov 2013
Research output: Non-textual form › Composition - PublishedMichael Nyman: Collected Writings
ap Sion, P. E. (ed.), 1 Aug 2013, 2013 ed. Ashgate.
Research output: Book/Report › Book - PublishedReference and Quotation in Minimalist and Postminimalist Music
ap Sion, P. E., Potter, K. (ed.) & Gann, K. (ed.), 1 Dec 2013, The Ashgate Research Companion to Minimalist and Postminimalist Music. 2013 ed. Ashgate, p. 259-278
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter - PublishedSefi/Syvi (18’)
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap Sion, P., 1 Jan 2013
Research output: Non-textual form › Composition - PublishedThe Ashgate Research Companion to Minimalist and Postminimalist Music
ap Sion, P. E. (ed.), Potter, K. (ed.), Gann, K. (ed.) & Ap Sion, P. (ed.), 1 Dec 2013, 2013 ed. Ashgate.
Research output: Book/Report › Book - PublishedTimothy A. Johnson, John Adams's Nixon in China: Musical Analysis, Historical and Political Perspectives
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap Sion, P., 1 Jan 2013, In: Journal of the Society for Musicology in Ireland. 8, p. 93-98
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2012
- PublishedUnderstanding Minimalist Film Music: The Case of Man on Wire
ap Sion, P. E., 1 Jun 2012, In: Soundtrack. 5, 1, p. 51-66
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2011
- PublishedYsgrifen ar y mur’? Traddodiadau’r Canu Pop Cymraeg 1979–1997
ap Sion, P. E., 1 Jun 2011, Ysgrifau Beirniadol XXIX. 2011 ed. Gwasg Gee, p. 110-133
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
2009
- PublishedMinimalist Music ‘Parallel Symmetries? The Relationship between Minimalist Music and Multi-media Forms’.
ap Sion, P. E., Ap-Sion, P. E., Evans, T., Harper, G. E. (ed.), Eisentraut, J. (ed.) & Doughty, R. (ed.), 1 Jan 2009, Sound and Music in Film and Visual Media: A Critical Overview. 2009 ed. Continuum, p. 671-691
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
2007
- PublishedCerddoriaeth Ysgafn.
ap Sion, P. E., Ap-Sion, P. E., Baines, M. (ed.), Davies, J. (ed.), Jenkins, N. (ed.) & Lynch, P. (ed.), 1 Jan 2007, Gwyddoniadur Cymru Yr Academi Gymreig. 2007 ed. University of Wales Press
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter - PublishedLight Music.
ap Sion, P. E., Ap-Sion, P. E., Baines, M. (ed.), Davies, J. (ed.), Jenkins, N. (ed.) & Lynch, P. (ed.), 1 Jan 2007, The Welsh Academy Encyclopaedia of Wales. 2007 ed. University of Wales Press
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter - PublishedNationhood, the Welsh Composer and the post-modern period.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 1 Oct 2007, In: Welsh Music History. 7, p. 285-303
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedParallel Symmetries? Exploring Relationships between Minimalist Music and Multimedia Forms.
ap Sion, P. E., Ap-Sion, P. E. & Evans, T., 1 Jan 2007.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper - PublishedThe Music of Michael Nyman.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 1 Jan 2007, Ashgate.
Research output: Book/Report › Book - PublishedTowards a Typology of Code mixing in Recent Welsh-language Popular Music.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 29 Oct 2007.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper - PublishedTuag at Deipoleg o Gyfnewid Iaith mewn Enghreifftiau Diweddar o Ganu Pop Cymraeg.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 1 Jan 2007.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
2006
- PublishedPreface.
ap Sion, P. E., Ap-Sion, P. E. & Wyn, H. (ed.), 1 Jan 2006, Ble Wyt Ti Rhwng? Hanes Canu Poblogaidd Cymraeg 1980-2000. 2006 ed. Y Lolfa, p. 9-11
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter - PublishedTowards a Typology of Code Mixing in Recent Welsh-language Popular Music.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 1 Jan 2006.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper - PublishedTowards an understanding of the perception of sounds, silences and repetition in American experimental and minimal music.
ap Sion, P. E., Ap-Sion, P. E., Evans, T. & Barnett, R., 1 Jan 2006.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper - PublishedWelsh music [4] contemporary.
ap Sion, P. E., Ap-Sion, P. E. & Koch, J. T. (ed.), 1 Jan 2006, Celtic Culture: A Historical Encyclopedia. 2006 ed. ABC Clio, p. 1768-1769
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter - Published‘Nearly Stationary’: The use of silence in Cage’s String Quartet in four parts.
ap Sion, P. E., Ap-Sion, P. E. & Barnett, R., 1 Jan 2006.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
2005
- PublishedBirth-Childhood-Death.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 1 Jan 2005
Research output: Non-textual form › Composition - PublishedDivertimento.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 26 Oct 2005
Research output: Non-textual form › Composition - PublishedNationhood and the Welsh Composer.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 29 Oct 2005.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper - PublishedPiano Trio.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 1 Jan 2005
Research output: Non-textual form › Composition
2004
- PublishedThree Studies for Piano.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 1 Jan 2004
Research output: Non-textual form › Composition
2003
- PublishedBlodwen.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 1 Jan 2003
Research output: Non-textual form › Composition - PublishedEmyn.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 17 Jan 2003
Research output: Non-textual form › Composition - PublishedGwales.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 21 Sep 2003
Research output: Non-textual form › Composition - PublishedLe Cheval Gris.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 1 Jan 2003
Research output: Non-textual form › Composition - PublishedPainters of Spain.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 1 Jan 2003
Research output: Non-textual form › Composition
2002
- PublishedCenedligrwydd a’r Cyfansoddwr Cymreig.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 1 Jan 2002, In: Hanes Cerddoriaeth Cymru. 5, p. 265-284
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedDirect Injection.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 1 Jan 2002
Research output: Non-textual form › Composition - PublishedOld Avant-Garde, New Musical Concerns: Nyman contra Stockhausen.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 20 Jan 2002.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper - PublishedWaltz.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 28 Sep 2002
Research output: Non-textual form › Composition - Published‘Yn y Fro’: Mudiad Adfer and Welsh Popular Song during the 1970s.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 1 Jan 2002, In: Welsh Music History. 5, p. 190-216
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - Published‘Yn y Fro’: Mudiad Adfer a’r Canu Pop Cymraeg yn ystod y 1970au.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 1 Jan 2002, In: Hanes Cerddoriaeth Cymru. 5, p. 162-189
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2001
- PublishedFour.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 15 Oct 2001
Research output: Non-textual form › Composition - PublishedIn Memoriam R.S. Thomas.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 1 Jan 2001
Research output: Non-textual form › Composition - PublishedMichael Nyman.
ap Sion, P. E., Ap-Sion, P. E., Sadie, S. (ed.) & Tyrrell, J. (ed.), 1 Jan 2001, The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. 2001 ed. Macmillan, Vol. 18. p. 247-249
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter - PublishedNumbers in Colour.
ap Sion, P. E. & Ap-Sion, P. E., 1 Jan 2001
Research output: Non-textual form › Composition
Projects
-
Steve Reich and the Paradox of Modernism
01/08/2016 – 15/06/2017 (Finished)
-
American Minimalism in Europe during the 1970s
01/09/2014 – 31/01/2016 (Finished)
-
Building new Business Strategies for the Music Industry in Wales
01/03/2009 – 26/02/2011 (Finished)
-
Collected Writings Of Michael Nyman
28/07/2006 – 09/01/2008 (Finished)
Other Grants and Projects
Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol (Welsh Federal College); Prosiect Cydymaith i Gerddoriaeth Cymru / Companion to Welsh Music Project (£52,000)
British Academy Small Research Grant, 2014–15 (£2,920)
Leverhulme/British Academy Research Fellowship, 2016–17 (£22,695)
Other Information
As composer, Pwyll ap Siôn has received many commissions, including The White Wheat, a test piece for solo violin for the 2008 Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition (the score was published in The Strad magazine), the Opera/Oratorio Gair ar Gnawd (‘Word on Flesh’) for Welsh National Opera, and Sevi for Soprano, String Orchestra and Piano, first performed by Elin Manahan Thomas in Wales and Cornwall in 2013. His orchestral work Gwales was included in the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra’s 2012 season. He has also produced music for film and television documentaries, including Channel 4’s Cutting Edge series. In 2016 his song-cycle Chaotic Angels received its first performance at St. David’s Hall, Cardiff, with Celine Forrest (soprano) and the orchestra of Welsh National Opera conducted by Löthar Koenigs, receiving a favourable review in Bachtrack.