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Das Meer, das so gross und weit is, da wimmelt's ohne Zahl, grosse und kleine Tiere (1992) |
For string orchestra (min. 44221) - c. 15'
The form of this piece centres on the movements of the tide - from the buffetings of grey waves against the sea wall at the morning high tide, through the sea's daytime retreat, until, at a point in the late afternoon, far out on the glistening sands, the shallow water changes course and the tide begins to creep in - a glorious procession of waves in the evening sunlight. Commissioned for the strings of the Orchestra of St. John's, Smith Square, and premiered on 15 October 1992, I intended it to be real 'players'' music. There is a lot for everyone to do, sometimes individual sections are thrown suddenly into the limelight with dangerous, scurrying lines of notes - all manner of 'grosse und kleine Tiere' disguised as violas and cellos rearing their heads above the waves! At the music's centre, four solo violins, placed very high up, circle around over the turning tide. The extravagant German title is taken from Luther's translation of the bible. In architectural terms, the piece is a Prelude and Fugue - above all a Germanic concept, but in picking the words, there is also an admiration of the idea of instrumental music being played and celebrated as part of the worship in the chaste and beautiful services of the Lutheran Church.
© Diana Burrell