Harvest Festival, for orchestra

Working on several different levels, this work in essence is a saga of a life, from birth until death. It was composed in coordination with the Runic calendar (which is Metonic, as in a type of calendar accordant, approximately, to the relationship of the moon and the sun in a roughly 19 year-long cycle, despite its negligence of several, relevant factors). Additionally, it makes reference to dozens of Slavic, Germanic, and Norse deities, legends, and methodologies.

Featured within is a depiction of the birth of mankind, a fugue of Perun's Battle of Thunder, Odin's hanging on Yggdrasil, and progression of the moon cycle. It also uses the "Hejnał mariacki" as a binding melody to represent the will of humanity in face of the blinding power of the gods.

It was composed over multiple years and it includes numerous names, curses, and runes in order to construct a metaphorical narrative around the happenings of a person's life. In the end, only a compositional image of the earth witnesses the results.

Premiered by the Royal Welsh College Symphony Orchestra in St David’s Hall; Wednesday 29 June 2022, 7.30pm

Duration: 15’ 30”

Divertimento, for orchestra

In three movements, this work is based on a trio for two flutes and harp that was commissioned by the Junior Conservatoire of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

The original inspiration of the composition was on three paintings by the contemporary British painter, Shaun Hughes. In order, the paintings used are: "Through the Trees," "Autumn Journey," and "Reflections."

In addition to this, each of the pieces is a tradition type of dance or poem, with the final movement being based on the virelai "Polorum Regina" ("Queen of the Poles") from the "Llibre Vermell de Montserrat" (“Red Book of Montserrat”) of Catalonia.

Duration: 11’ 00”

Rowland Fantasy, for orchestra

Originally a keyboard piece of William Byrd’s, this fantasy for orchestra is on his theme Rowland (itself based on a contemporary jig theme, Rowland and the Sexton). It was used to welcome back to the court the Baron Willoughby de Eresby after fighting in Flanders in 1586. The alternative title for Byrd’s composition is Lord Willobies Welcome Home.

Duration: 6’ 00”

Gloaming, for small orchestra

A short poem on gloaming, another name for twilight.

Duration: 3’ 30”

Youth Fanfare, for orchestra

A short fanfare on the painting "Youth," by Hilma af Klint.

Performed by the Ernest Read Symphony Orchestra

Duration: 2’ 30”