Programme Note
Mapping Wales is a set of variations played continuously. The theme is the short original piano work entitled Endless Song (1999). Aspects of the theme are heard throughout the work and the song is first heard in entirety at the end of the piece.
The title refers to the journeyings and paintings of Welsh artist Catrin Webster and draws similar inspiration from the landscape of Wales and from metaphysical ideas connected with travelling. The piece is just under 20’ minutes in length. Various works by John Metcalf—Dances from Forgotten Places for String Orchestra, for example—have explored aesthetic areas not commonly associated with contemporary art. Similarly, the mood of Mapping Wales is both tender and pastoral.
It was commissioned to mark the Millennium by Lampeter Music Club, the composer’s local music society, with funds made available in part by the Arts Council of Wales and received its premiere on October 17th, 2000. The harpist Elinor Bennett who gave the premiere offered help and editorial suggestions with the preparation of the solo part.
The original version of the piece was scored for harp and string quartet. Following the premiere the composer made a version of the work for harp and string orchestra.
from notes by Signum Classics © 2009