Ensemble
Duration c.5'

'Crannog' is built on two themes, one lyrical and the other angular. The lyrical theme is heard first, on bassoon and muted trumpet, after a darkly scored introduction. This is soon pushed aside by the second theme, heard first on piccolo and woodblock, but eventually the two themes are heard in parallel. At the heart of the piece, a strident climax gives way to a more playful episode for strings, piano and harp. A variant of the first theme returns on alto flute, now taking on some characteristics of the second. There is a second climax, before the music begins to retreat into the background.

Scoring: alto flute/piccolo • oboe • bass clarinet •bassoon • horn • trumpet • trombone • percussion (4 toms, woodblock, suspended cymbal) • harp • piano • violin • viola • cello • double bass

Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh
Patrick Bailey, conductor

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