Scherzetto (Barb)

Notes

Fourth in a set of six short pieces for piano which stem from moving in 2015 to a converted Methodist Chapel on the borders of Cheshire and Wales. Border lands have long been a strong interest. Links between place and music are hard to define and seldom absolute, but they form a common strand in much music that has influenced me. History reflected in music is another significant interest, present particularly in works such as Mary’s Hand, my monodrama about Mary 1, and my work exploring the life and poetry of Ivor Gurney, Severn Meadows.

The ‘Scherzetto’ is the exception in the set, being a miniature picture of Barb, a lovely if slightly mercurial cat whose time was sadly cut short on the road outside. The mercurial is represented by arpeggiated figures shared between the hands and a strong rhythmic drive. A more tranquil middle section features triads which overlap between he hands.