Work

Programme Note

The catalyst for this composition was a visit by Bruce Paine to Finchdean, on the Hampshire/Sussex border in the South of England in the summer of 2005. A walk through nearby fields led to the 14th century chapel at Idsworth, and this composition captures that day.

Isolated and settled serenely amid the cornfields “The Little Church in the Field” St Huberts Chapel built in 1053 by Earl Godwin of Wessex is a fascinating focal point for walkers visiting the area.

Tremolo effects in the opening and closing sections of Finchdean represent the swirling and waving textures of the wheat fields. Halfway into the piece the mood changes with figures that imitate the sound of a bell ringing in the distance, as if summoning the visitor to enter the church.

The lute-like central section represents the church itself, in particular the tranquil interior and wealth of decoration within. The early 14th century murals take you back in time to the days of old England and King Edward the Confessor.

Difficulty:

Advanced

Difficulty Note:

Has previously been approved by Trinity College of London to be included in programmes for their FTCL Diploma.

Dedication:

For Derek and Pam Hasted

Performance History

	08 Jun 2008	Performed by Bruce Paine (guitar) at the All Saints Church Hall, Auckland
	26 Jun 2008	Performed by Bruce Paine (guitar) at Thursdays at Seven, Auckland
	17 Jul 2008	Performed by Bruce Paine (guitar) at Salvagnac, France
	22 Jul 2008	Performed by Bruce Paine (guitar) at Bedhampton, United Kingdom
	30 Nov 2008	Performed by Bruce Paine (guitar) at the Hamilton Guitar Society, Hamilton
	06 Dec 2008	Performed by Bruce Paine (guitar) at Alberton, Mount Albert, Auckland
	04 Mar 2009	Performed by Bruce Paine
	13 Dec 2009	Performed by Bruice Paine at the Classic Guitar Society of Auckland, All Saints Church Hall, Ponsonby, in Auckland
	10 Sep 2010	Performed by John Couch in Canberra, Australia
	11 Sep 2010	Performed by John Couch in Sydney, Australia
	08 Oct 2011	Performed by John Couch at the Greenwood Centre, Hampton Hill, Middlesex, in United Kingdom
	22 Oct 2011	Performed by John Couch at the Nitra Classical Guitar Festival, in Slovakia.
	18 Jan 2012	Performed by John Couch at the New Plymouth Classical Guitar Summer School, in New Plymouth.
	11 May 2013	Performed by John Couch in Auckland.
	15 May 2013	Performed by John Couch at the Gallagher Concert Chamber, University of Waikato, in Hamilton.
	17 May 2013	Performed by John Couch at the Adam Concert Room, New Zealand School of Music, in Wellington.

Events

	23 May 2013	Performed by John Couch at the 8th Colima International Guitar Festival, in Colima, Mexico.
	29 May 2013	Performed by John Couch in Guadalajara, Mexico.
	06 Jul 2013	Performed by John Couch at Hohepa Canterbury, in Christchurch.