Educational
Royal High School Suite for Strings (1)
A three-movement suite for full five-part string section with a decorative viola solo in the reflective slow movement. The opening movement is in sonata form with the finale a ‘mock’ Scottish jig with solos for the principal players.
Humoresque for Oboe and Piano
A short, characterful concert piece in ternary form. The outer sections are quick and rhythmic whilst the central episode is slow and melodic, if with some dissonant intervals. Also in arrangements for clarinet and saxophone.
Concerto Grosso
A piece for three (variable) soloists written for school use. Originally for 2 descant recorders and violin. Exemplifies some Baroque stylistic concepts and performed several times with alternative instruments in the concertino.
Divertimento Semplice for Wind
A melodic and simply, textured single movement for woodwind quartet – Flute, Oboe, 2 Bb Clarinets. In clear Sonata form.
Clarinet Trio
A single movement piece for similar clarinets. In standard sonata form, each part is graded with 1st being the most technically demanding.
Variations on 'Happy Birthday'
An introduction followed by three variations on this ubiquitos melody. Originally for 4 hands at one piano it also exists in a version for small orchestra. Originally written and first performed for the 4oth birthday of a good friend.
After the introduction and theme, the variations mimic the style of Brahms, Verdi and Bach before a scale-dominated coda finishes the piece.
First performed in 1993 and re-performed many times!
Christmas Anthem
For 4-part unaccompanied choir, this two section anthem sets some traditional biblical Christmas text in an approachable style.
Recitative for Solo Viola
A short, single movement recitative in modern style with a few rhythmic ‘twists”. Another piece written for a talented pupil.
Meditation for Guitar
A gentle piece in G major, reflecting the title. In extended ternary form, the central episodes contrasts with some mild dissonances. Written for a guitar pupil of a colleague.
Three Variations
This is one of two orchestral pieces written for and performed by school orchestras. This first one has a simple, rocking theme, followed by three variation of increasing speed and intensity. There are solos for most instrumentalists, including the leader and the varied elements can be used to demonstrate music ideas in practice, such as intervals, sequence, pedal, ostinato, etc.