Silver Wing (Cl./Pfte. see Airstream)

1997 • 3' • clarinet and piano

‘Silver Wing’ is the second of three album pieces for clarinet and piano grouped together under the title Airstream. A recording of ‘Silver Wing’ can be found on the CD entitled ‘Dathliad – Celebration‘ (Chamber Music of Wales collection, Cyfoes CYF01CD).

 

Programme Note

‘Silver Wing’ is one of three short pieces commissioned by the clarinettist Peryn Clement-Evans, with funds made available from the Arts Council of Wales, for first performance at the Wrexham Festival in May 1997. It was composed during February and March 1997.

‘Silver Wing’ is inspired by the second of the two Faery Songs of Keats. In 1995 I visited Rome and wrote a piece for the Keats bicentenary celebrations. ‘Silver Wing’ was developed from sketches for a second work which was never completed. A simple descending bass of four notes is used throughout the piece with pan-diatonic harmony above. As this romantic song progresses its range, register and dynamic intensity increase.

Performance History

First Performance
Maelor School, Penley (as part of the Wrexham Festival)
21st May 1997
Peryn Clement-Evans – clarinet
Harvey Davies – piano

American Premiere
International Clarinet Convention, Texas
July 1997
Peryn Clement-Evans – clarinet