Flexible String Ensemble-The Fiddle Fiesta became an important annual event for Bedfordshire Music Service at least thirty years ago and was the brainchild of a highly individual lady called Barbara Cann. The main purpose of this was to give less experienced string players an opportunity to play in a large ensemble; these young players were helped on such occasions by more senior students who were already experienced in ensemble playing perhaps in one of the youth orchestras. What began as an isolated event soon spread to many schools and nowadays 'Fiddle Fiestas' take place in numerous venues across the county every year usually during the summer term.This suite of shortmovements borrows its title from these annual events and is aimed at being performed under similar circumstances. Each of the five parts (violins 1 & 2 violas and/or violin 3 cellos and basses) exists as part 'a' and part 'b' part 'b' being a simplified version of part 'a' such that the piece can be played by virtually any combination of available players albeit with some loss of detail when played predominantly with parts 'b'. Additional string parts are available independently quickly and at little cost. Please do NOT photocopy this music!Individual parts for all Spartan Press ensembles are available separately quickly and inexpensively. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY.

Reduced Version-The Full Score of Eventide the epic composition inspired by the story of Edith Cavell compiled from texts relating to her imprisonment composed by the great Patrick Hawes. This is the reduced version scored for Soprano SATB Chorus Unison Semi-Chorus Trumpet Harp Organ and Strings. This work is dedicated to Sheringham and Cromer Choral Society and Gresham's Holt who first performed this work in Norwich Cathedral on the 12th of July 2014 to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.  Lasting around 45 minutes this large-scale work has the subtitle 'In Memoriam Edith Cavell' who is commemorated here as a nurse to German and British wounded who went on to provide refuge to escaped and lost British soldiers who were enabled by her to return to England. As a result of this she was arrested for 'treason' and condemned to death. While in prison her only possessions were her Bible her Book of Common Prayer and a copy of the Imitation of Christ. The libretto as compiled by Andrew Hawes is made up of extracts from these books as well as other materials relating to her final days.  This tribute to a brave and courageous life is fitting for a composition commemorating the First World War. The tragedy and pathos surrounding Cavell's life is hard for us to understand but by placing words so personal to her in the context of a piece of beautiful music it forces us to think and remember while also condemning the actions of so many figures of authority on an innocent and pious nurse during that horrific period.