Located in the UK
Located in the USA
Located in Europe
- Errollyn Wallen
Photography (2006)
(for string orchestra)- Peters Edition Limited (World)
Commissioned by the Orchestra of the Swan for their 10th Anniversary
Programme Note
Composing is an abstract activity; yet all life goes into a piece of music.
I have written a work in four movements not directly inspired by a particular visual image but rather, like viewing a collection of photographs, ideas have come from an assembly of situations – in this case, musical situations. The first movement is dance-like and is based on a simple motif, the second movement pays homage to my hero, J. S. Bach, the opening quoting from his Sinfonia No. 14 (BWV 800). In the third movement I explore a very different sort of motion than in the first movement and a completely different harmonic language and string texture. The last movement returns to the roots of dance inherent in the first. As for Bach, the notes themselves are always my constant inspiration and in Photography I have sought to achieve the potential of the patterns I have created.
Photography is dedicated to Sarah Suckling (cellist) and Oliver Wilson (violist) on the occasion of their marriage in December 2005. The work was written whilst in Florida, New York and London.
Errollyn Wallen, February 2006
Media
Scores
Reviews
Errollyn Wallen’s Photography here receiving its world premiere, is an attractive four movement suite, brilliantly written for strings, and initially inspired by photographs appearing in the National Geographic magazine. Each of the pieces has its own world. The first opens with a figure of only a few notes, building into a movement of rhythmic drive, with solo violin flourishes on top of the ensemble. The second pays homage to “my hero, J.S.Bach” with a trio texture that gradually becomes overlaid with Tippettian decoration. The third is entirely different in feeling, with a cello solo surrounded by blurred string sounds producing a sense of foreboding and erupting into a series of violent clusters. The last movement sees a return of the dance-like writing of the first movement bringing the work to a brilliant conclusion. A very enjoyable piece, which I would have liked to have been longer.
Discography
Photography
- LabelNMC Recordings
- Catalogue NumberNMC D221
- ConductorNicholas Kok
- EnsembleEnsemble X
- Released18th March 2016
More Info
- A Scottish Service for King Charles III & Queen Camilla
- 4th July 2023
- A National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh on July 5 2023 includes music by Errollyn Wallen, Judith Weir, new commissions from Paul Mealor and a new arrangement by John Frederick Hudson.