An exciting original composition for six pedal harps by Eric Crees

Eric Crees writes: 

“Sitting in a café on a busy Sunday summer morning in a Provençal market town, the cathedral bells started to ring, at first delicately then becoming massive and sonorous, evoking various memories of the pealing of bells from churches, amusement parks and in symphonies and operas.

The sound of the harp came to mind, in particular the tantalising bell-like harmonics: thus came the inspiration for a six-harp piece that had already been commissioned for the Royal Academy of Music, London.”

This is indeed an inspired, original piece – designed to challenge, stimulate and excite all musical passions.

Supplied as score and parts. Pedal harps only. 

Advanced level. Duration c.12 min.

The composer writes:

Work on the Trio began in 2019, for performance by Hiraeth Trio, a Welsh ensemble whose members were at the time studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London. The Pandemic and consequent lockdowns of 2020 had a profound influence on the character and direction of the music.

Movement I - Calmo, Animato:

A poignant introduction prefaces an energetic dance, largely built on a 3+2+2+2 rhythmic pattern.

Movement II - Andante, Scherzoso, Andante:

The contemplative, solemn Andante frames a wistful contrapuntal episode, combining elements of both slow movement and scherzo within one structure.

Movement III - Vivace:

From the dark mood of the previous movement, isolated notes coalesce into an ostinato which underpins fragments of melody, the green shoots of recovery. Thus the final movement signifies regeneration and a gradual return to the hustle and bustle of everyday life.