Symphony No. 1, for concert band

Composed for concert band and with the subtitle "Ruisrääkkä" (a type of bird), this work is in three movements. It is based on my first violin sonata.

The main inspiration behind the work is “Nocturne” by poet Eino Leino. Various words from this poem in order to help tell the poems story, and the rhythm/contour of these lines are represented in the musical counterpoint. This is done by assigning phonetically-specific rhythms--which are informed by the cuneiform of the Akkadian-Sumerian syllabary--to each reference word.

In an attempt to retrace the cuneiform, the contour of each sign is maintained, whilst rhythm is assigned on the basis of spatial proportion of the cuneiform; pitch is left free.

Throughout, the imagery is rife with bird-like imitations, as well as the echo of the corn crake's distinctive call (mentioned in Leino’s work). Moreover, the bass drum plays a fundamental part throughout, being representative of the Sámi tradition of the "joik."

Duration: 20’ 10”

Madonna of the Lilies, for concert band

A large poem for concert band (full wind + full brass + large percussion ensemble) based on the eponymous painting, by Czech Alphonse Mucha (1905). The piece contrasts the opening bright, metallic theme (which is representative of the Virgin Mary) with a dark, brassy theme (representative of contemplative young Slavic girl in the painting). The piece is a dumka (slower dance), which erupts into a furiant (a fast mixed-meter dance).

Winner of the Warsaw Wind Ensemble Composition Contest 2020

Duration: 8’ 20”