The Water Garden (2022)
For Wind Dectet and Harp
Approx. Duration: 8’
Commissioned by the Philharmonia Orchestra. first performed on 23rd March 2023 by the Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Delyana Lazarova, at the Southbank Centre, London.
‘Scored for wind dectet and harp, ‘The Water Garden’ (2022) is inspired by the poem ‘Chinoiseries’ by the American, Imagist poet, Amy Lowell (1874-1925). The poem begins ‘When I looked into your eyes, I saw a garden,’ before the speaker describes an idealistic landscape of ‘crimson peonies,’ ‘tinkling pagodas,’ and ‘still lakes’ to create delicate, reflective imagery. This is then tinged with sadness as when the woman reaches through the water to pluck the peonies beneath the surface, the stems fracture and break in her hand staining her rain-blue dress ‘like tears.’ This juxtaposition of tranquil surroundings with undertones of mystery and unease is depicted throughout ‘The Water Garden,’ as the work begins with a mystical, fragile soundworld before transitioning through both static, otherworldly moments, and more rhythmic, whimsical passages. The piece portrays non-linear impressions of the imagery, delicate garden flowers and watery surfaces, and the feelings of both tender sentiments and apprehension in the poem.’ ©G.E.M.2022
“An intricate, luxuriant parade of aqueous imagery.”
“Perfect at translating water-poetry into music...beautiful writing for the harp perfectly realised.”
“It was as delicate as a pressed flower in an album.”