Work
Fantasia: Wild Rhymes of Spring
for orchestra
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About
In Spring 1987 I wrote the original version of this Fantasia for orchestra using as a starting point some of the rhythmic materials from part of my Cello Symphony. A solitary tui call (using pitches I've never since heard from this inventive bird) had provided some of the initial inspiration; here this is heard about nine minutes into the piece in parallel woodwind chords together with tubular bells with many anticipations and echoes throughout. The repeated E characteristic of the ritornelli could also be related to frequent tui calls, though used in a free and energetic manner far removed from the usual character of the bird. The 'rhymes' of the title refers to the constant similarities in the sonic echoes throughout the piece: constant change but with many recurring figures. The recent revisions have been mainly corrections and minor additions and alterations carried out in the process of typesetting.
– John Elmsly