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David Hamilton  

Folk Song Suite for Strings

Duration: 07' 00" Year: 2004
for string orchestra

Alex Taylor  

silk / gravel

Duration: 08' 00" Year: 2011
for string orchestra

  • Instrumentation
    for string Orchestra, ideally at least 6.6.4.4.2 but can work with fewer: minimum would be 4.4.3.3.1
  • Programme Note

    This work is an exploration of the possibilities of the string orchestra as a body of sound, the orchestra at times acting like one giant super-instrument composed of intricately superimposed layers. Old textures are continually swallowed up, recycled and transformed, playing out a finely balanced tension between static and active, supple and brittle, strong and fragile. From a fluid, tangled haze, individual voices periodically emerge to assert some kind of nostalgic lyricism, but each time they are ultimately subsumed, swallowed up in an eerie, ambivalent mass of sound. Stylistically the music is varied and eclectic, weaving together the intricate, spidery lines of Ligeti, the delicate chordal sonorities of Messiaen, the caustic anger of Shostakovich and even the brooding menace of Anthony Watson.

  • Availability

Craig Utting  

String Sonnet

Duration: 09' 00" Year: 1983
for string orchestra

Thomas Goss  

Uriel's Flame

Duration: 07' 55" Year: 2000, r. 2005
for string orchestra

  • Programme Note

    Uriel is one of the four archangels, along with Michael, Gabriel and Rafael. Each has their particular realm in the human equation: Michael to the ego, Rafael to the emotions, Gabriel to reason. Uriel is somewhat deeper and more mysterious. As the keeper of spiritual fire, he represents the subconscious, and appears to manifest as an unseen and powerful force for change.

    Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Tarot, where each archangel has his seperate card. The visible angels preside in traditional forms. Rafael blesses the Lovers, Gabriel calls the dead to Judgement. Michael calmly masters himself in Temperance, a gentler image than the more common one of spearing a dragon. Uriel alone is unseen; the Tower, with its lightning-struck downfall reveals him only in the rain of yod, a shower of flame from the heavens.

    Yet downfall is necessary for new life. Uriel shatters, suddenly, the illusions and pretensions of majesty in order to clear a path for wisdom. Uriel makes sacrifice possible, and hope for change. Michael balances passions; Uriel breaks them. Rafael sanctifies emotion; Uriel transcends it. Gabriel judges; Uriel forgives utterly, and bids farewell.

  • Availability

Craig Utting  

Variation Suite

Duration: 09' 00" Year: 1989
for string orchestra