Awen, for oboe (soprano saxophone) and harp

For oboe (or soprano saxophone) and harp, this short poem is on the Welsh personification of poetic inspiration, known as 'awen.' This is viewed together with the bard as a unified artistic image. More literally, the word is closely related to the Welsh word 'awel,' which is ‘breeze’.

Duration: 4’ 20”

Marwysgafn, for oboe d'amore (violin) and harp

This short piece for violin (or oboe d'amore) and harp is based upon a genre of Medieval Welsh bardic poetry, known as the marwysgafn (pronounced maru’esgav(u)n). This type of poem was a deathbed song sung by the poet in a final prayer of peace and forgiveness.

More literally translated, the word means ‘death’ (marw) + ‘bench’ (ysgafn, via a figurative extension meaning ’bier,’ a type of funereal transport).

Duration: 2’ 10”