SKU: HH.HH452-SSC

ISBN 9790708146599.

Three Imaginary Folksongs was requested by the Concerts Society of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for their concert season celebrating the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Cathedral. The composer was asked specifically for a work which would highlight the much-admired talents of the principal clarinet, Jacqueline Thomas. The title is unambiguous. Taking three different approaches, each of which has a modal starting point, the three ‘folksongs’ from imaginary places, were developed in styles which reflect the work of earlier folksong-inspired composers. The first performance took place at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral at a concert that not only celebrated the Cathedral’s 50th birthday, but also Stephen’s 70th.

SKU: HH.HH593-SSC

ISBN 9790708213086.

More Imaginary Folksongs (for violin and orchestra) should be seen as a companion piece to my Three Imaginary Folksongs (for clarinet and orchestra), written in 2017. Both have been written to feature a member of the orchestra which commissioned the pieces – in the clarinet pieces it was the principal clarinettist, Jacqueline Thomas, and in the present piece, the leader, Leo Byrne. As with the clarinet pieces, the present pieces might be heard as coming from imaginary places, referencing elements of the styles of earlier folksong-inspired composers. The plaintive tone of the first folksong contrasts with the livelier, dance-like patterns of the second.

SKU: CL.011-1846-01

A well-paced medley of three beautiful Irish folk melodies, including I Wish I Had the Shepherd’s Lamb, Limerick is Beautiful, and the Cruiskeen Lawn. A very useful contest or festival piece for young players in the style of Holst and Vaughan Williams.