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- Judith Weir
The Prelude (2019)
- Chester Music Ltd (World)
Commissioned by the Nash Ensemble with funds provided by Dr Shirley Ellis and the Cheltenham Music Festival.
1. The Prelude
2. Waltz macabre
3. Aria
4. Menuet sauvage
5. Sicilienne/Berceuse
Programme Note
I originally intended to model this new work on my favourite flute piece, Bach’s 2nd Suite, and started to write an Overture. But, sensing great energy from this beautiful medium, I soon found that I had written over ten minutes’ worth of continuous music for the opening movement alone. So I separated this music out into five shorter sections, to which I gave the following titles:
1. The Prelude 2. Waltz macabre 3. Aria 4. Menuet sauvage 5. Sicilienne/Berceuse.
These titles are intended as performing instructions, shorthand descriptions of the musical style. They aren’t in any way meant ironically; the character of the music, to me, feels generally intense and forceful.
Programme note © 2019 Judith Weir
1. The Prelude 2. Waltz macabre 3. Aria 4. Menuet sauvage 5. Sicilienne/Berceuse.
These titles are intended as performing instructions, shorthand descriptions of the musical style. They aren’t in any way meant ironically; the character of the music, to me, feels generally intense and forceful.
Programme note © 2019 Judith Weir