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Lights And Shadows (1989) |
children's unison choir, SATB chorus, recorder group, brass (2322), 2 perc, strings (violas,cellos) - 16'
This piece is a setting of various spells, omens and charms that deal with some of life's brighter and darker times. Some of these texts are ancient, such as the Gaelic fragment 'As it Was', which appears three times in the work, acting as a type of refrain, and the early English blessing 'St Francis and St. Benedict', which is made up of a colourful mix of Christian and Pagan elements. Some, like the extremely beautiful 'Spell to Bring Lost Creatures Home' and the potent 'Spell to Banish Fear' are by contemporary poets. The work is scored for SATB chorus, a children's unison choir, brass, recorder group, percussion and strings, of which only the darker-hued violas and cellos are used, to provide a foil for the brighter sounds of the recorders. 'Lights and Shadows' was commissioned by the Centre for Young Musicians.
© Diana Burrell