This is Haslemere had a fascinating conversation with local composer Clive Osgood whose latest composition, a Requiem Mass, will receive its world premiere at 7.30pm on 15th November at St Alban’s Church in Beacon Hill. 

We met Clive over coffee at Hemingway’s in September 2025. As we sat down, Clive reached into his bag and took out the printed score of his new requiem. He began flicking through the score and above the first movement – The Introit - there was an inscription we were curious to read:

Commissioned by Barbie McSean, in loving memory of her parents, Beryl and Arthur Smith. This Requiem stands as a celebration of their lives and a tribute to their enduring legacy. Premiered by Excelsis Choir, conducted by Robert Lewis, on 15th November 2025.

Barbie is Co-Chair of Excelsis, a small auditioned amateur chamber choir, based on the Surrey/Hampshire borders, directed by Robert Lewis. She also sings Soprano in the choir.

Clive and Barbie have had a long musical association and he told us that in accepting the commission he was mindful that Barbie did not want a meditative or contemplative composition but rather requested a big dramatic concert piece. Other than this instruction, Clive was granted free rein to compose.

When approached, Barbie has said “When I initially spoke with Clive about the commission, I mentioned my parents’ enjoyment of large-scale choral works, such as the Requiem by Verdi. Whilst Clive’s Requiem is written for a smaller choir and string ensemble, the music is expansive and yet exquisitely beautiful in equal measure, very much a fitting tribute to my parents.”

Clive Osgood’s Requiem

The Requiem is comprised of ten movements and in each Clive incorporates the traditional Gregorian chant, written for Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass voices. They are accompanied by a String Ensemble as well as a Horn solo. Two movements have Treble solos – Recordare and Pie Jesu. The Treble soloist for the premiere on 15th November is not yet announced but has been selected by Conductor, Robert Lewis.

For the composition, Clive takes music he likes and he incorporates certain influences into his work. With a chord from one piece or musical spacing from another, he creates harmonies and modulations from different composers and music genres. In this case, he cited Sibelius Symphony No. 5, Elgar’s Nimrod Variations and twentieth century jazz harmony. He also deploys recurring themes throughout the piece. There’s absolutely no room or need for ChatGPT here. Clive starts at his piano with his sketch book and this is how his ideas form. In his own words he said with a familiar cliché: “It’s 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.”

Clive Osgood Recordings

In truth, there is nothing clichéd about Clive’s compositions and you just have to listen to some of his recordings to hear that. Clive’s album Chamber Music was recorded by the renowned Tippett Quartet and received its world premiere in Haslemere in 2024. His Hodie Christus Natus Est won the Bach Choir Competition and he adapted it for six parts for a Haslemere premiere sung by The Queen’s Six in December 2024. His Christmas Collection was recorded this year by Polyphony and Britten Sinfonia conducted by Stephen Layton. In addition, Clive composed Concert Variations for The Haslemere Festival 2025’s celebration of the 100-year anniversary of The Dolmetsch Festival. Although not an official recording, you can listen to this here on Instagram. Check out the full list of Clive’s recordings here.

Clive Osgood Biography

Clive Osgood is currently Director of Music and Organist at the Parish Church of St Bartholomew’s in Haslemere, Surrey and teaches A-Level Music at Reed’s School, Cobham. He is available for tuition in Piano, Jazz Piano, Organ and music theory. Read more about his background here.

About Excelsis Choir

Excelsis, a chamber choir of around 30 singers, many of whom have a background of musical training, performs a wide variety of music to a very high standard. For tickets to the world premiere and to review their website, click here.