Vocal
5 Songs (Ivor Gurney) 5
The final song in the series is a desolate tone picture reflecting the poem from the first world war. Full of parallel 2nds and 9ths, the orchestration and fragmented vocal line eventually fade into darkness. This recording is again the clarinet version.
5 Songs (Ivor Gurney) 4
The fourth song is a quite contrast with a simpler texture and sustained melodic line. Space in orchestration it reflects the sadness of the poets longing for space to express his artistry. This again is the viola transcription.
5 Songs (Ivor Gurney)
The central song is the most extended of the five, in clear ternary from. The dissonant outer episodes are contrasted with a more lyrical central section and coda. The is the full orchestral version, with a CG vocal line.
5 Songs (Ivor Gurney) 2
The second song in the cycle features a perpetual semiquaver accompaniment. The vocal part is a more lyrical line, with some rhythmic twists. This is the piano and viola transcription.
5 Songs (Ivor Gurney) 1
This is a series of five songs setting short poems of the poet and composer. Also available as clarinet and viola concert suites. First performed at the University of Edinburgh 2013. This is the opening song in clarinet version.
A Prayer of John Knox
A setting of the famous preacher’s prayer for SATB and light organ accompaniment. A fairly low-set piece reflecting the mood, it requires some low basses in the short opening/ending divisi moments.
Cast Thy Bread
A introit setting the biblical words for SSATB. Performed at several Edinburgh churches since written.
Seek Not Love
An introit for standard 4-part choir. First performed by the choir of St. Mary’s Church, Haddington. Computer generated.
Christmas Anthem
For 4-part unaccompanied choir, this two section anthem sets some traditional biblical Christmas text in an approachable style.
Scottish Folk Song Arrangements (1)
Two contrasting arrangements of well-known Scottish songs. The first ‘Ae Fond Kiss’ reflects the gentle, regretful moment of parting and the second, humorously, parodies the affects of illicit whisky in ‘My Love, She’s but a Lassie Yet’