Music: 232.778ºC

232.778ºC (the temperature at which paper will burn without an accelerant) is a musical homage to Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 and the illustrations of the novel by Ralph Steadman.

This short piece is based upon the nursery rhyme theme of London’s Burning, initially stated simply by the flugel horn. As the flames grow, more instruments gradually join the theme, with intensely clashing harmonies capturing the horror to great effect. Fire engine sirens are heard screaming through the chaos and the relentless dissonance grows to an almighty climax as the flames consume everything. An utterly transfixing work, 232.778ºC is characteristic of Paul McGhee’s unique compositional language. The work is ideal for a progressive band looking for something very different to add to its concert repertoire.
THOMAS DUNNE