Where the Birds Sing (2022)
for solo organ
Approx. Duration: 5’
Commissioned by the Northern Ireland International Organ Competition and the Commission for Victims and Survivors for Northern Ireland. With dedication to all those touched by The Northern Ireland Troubles.
First performed by Richard Gowers at Southwark Cathedral, 28th March 2022
‘Reflecting on themes of spring, hope, and celebration, ‘Where the Birds Sing’ (2022) for solo organ is inspired by the opening stanza of the poem ‘Spring Quiet’ by Christina Rossetti (1830-1894). To mark the passing of winter darkness, the piece opens with light, ethereal figurations, which expand and build into a fuller, more powerful, celebratory texture. The music then returns to the atmosphere introduced at the outset, with the addition of floating filigree above, representing the arrival of the singing birds of spring.’ ©G.E.M.2022
©Cover Image: 'Where the Birds Sing' Painting by Grace-Evangeline Mason 2022
“The birds were indeed singing in the complex fingering on the top manual – a pétillant passage of music. The birds were singing even more clearly from the middle manual. The music grew in contrapuntal complexity with a fine melody on the pedals. Here again the organ achieved an orchestral richness in this heartfelt music.”
“Delightful...ethereal”