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DDD Total Time = 50:42 / Recorded: All Saint’s Church,Tyneside 4-5 January 2000 Italian Overture (1952) for wind, strings and harpsichord As the title suggests, the Overture consists of three clearly defined sections: fast - slow -fast; but this classical feature is the only connection with Italy. In the opening section the pairs of woodwind take the initiative, whilst the interval of a major sixth is prominent in the strings. The slow middle section forms a lyrical interlude for strings alone. Fugue is the basis for the final section; first, the wind alone, then strings with a variant of the original subject. After this the fugue disintegrates and earlier material is heard as the work gathers impetus to the end. The harpsichord is used as a concertante rather than a continuo instrument. The first performance was given by the London Harpsichord Ensemble conducted by Robin Orr at the Barber Institute, University of Birmingham in 1952. Subsequent performances included the Goldsborough Orchestra, the Leppard Chamber Orchestra, BBC Scottish Orchestra, Canadian Broadcasting Orchestra and Symphonisches Orchester Zürich. From the Book of Philip Sparrow (1969) for mezzo soprano and strings Commissioned for Janet Baker who gave the first performance in 1969 with Alexander Gibson and the Scottish National Orchestra. In 1971 she gave three further performances, one with Raymond Leppard and the English Chamber Orchestra and two with Gibson and the SNO. The Scottish Opera Orchestra with Margaret Izatt, conducted by Roderick Bryden, included it in an 80th birthday concert of the composer's music in 1990. The work is based on verses by John Skelton [c.1460-1529] whose satirical poetry includes this dramatic lament, thought to have been told by a nun at Carrow Abbey near Norwich, whose tame sparrow was killed by her cat. There are four distinct sections: When I remember again how my Philip was slain; It was so pretty a fool; then a cry of vengeance — on the whole nation of cats; and finally some development of earlier material with Amen repeated five times on a diminuendo at the end. Each section includes a brief Latin text sung to plain-chant. Rhapsody for String Orchestra (1956)This work was composed in recognition of the then long-established 'Thursday Concerts' in Cambridge and it was first performed by the Harvey Phillips Orchestra. In spite of the title, suggesting perhaps a sprawling romantic piece, the design is compact and classical. The robust opening theme on the cellos and its extension by the violins establishes the prevailing mood; but contrasting with and derived from this theme there is material in a more pensive mood. From time to time there are fugal passages that maintain lively activity to the end. There have been numerous performances including BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Scottish National Orchestra, North German Radio, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, English Chamber Orchestra, Camerata Bern, Zürcher Kammerorchester, City of London Sinfonia and the Northern Sinfonia. Among conductors there have been Alexander Gibson, Norman Del Mar, Bryden Thomson, Raymond Leppard, Thomas Füri, Howard Griffiths, Andrew Watkinson and many more. Journeys and Places (1971) for mezzo soprano and strings Four songs (by permission) from the Collected Poems of Edwin Muir, the Scottish poet who died near Cambridge in 1959 at the age of 71. This work was a McEwen Triennial Commission from the University of Glasgow. The first performance was given by Laura Sarti with the Buchanan Ensemble directed by the violist Watson Forbes. Subsequent performances have included those by Sally Burgess with the Endellion Quartet and Chi-Chi-Nwanoku; and Linda Ormiston with the Leonard Friedman Ensemble. Page revised 27.06.03 |
