Celtic Rhapsody

Instrumentation

Soprano solo/Symphony Orchestra

Other Information

Three Celtic Poems: The Land Oversea, poem by unknown author from ancient Irish legend; The Meeting of the Waters by Thomas Moore; and Celtic Twilight by William Butler Yeats - set to music for Soprano Solo and Symphony Orchestra. Composed especially for Paula Downes, Anthony Bradbury and the Midland Youth Orchestra, who gave the first performance on 8th March 2003 in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham.

´That an internationally recognised composer should wish to write a work as a present for his local youth orchestra is indeed an astonishing and deeply gratifying gesture... In fact the connections between the Downes family and the MYO go back to the very beginnings of this orchestra... Frank Downes, father of Andrew.. was the inspiration behind many of the MYO´s early horn sections... Frank..taught horn-playing to so many of those players covering, perhaps, the first 20 years of the orchestra´s history... Then, some 4 decades later, Frank´s two granddaughters Paula and Anna both became violinists in the MYO. Each has had the opportunity to be leader of the orchestra, both very much on merit, and Anna (the current leader) has also been able to make an invaluable contribution to the health and well-being of the orchestra behind the scenes... Andrew, father of Anna and Paula, has been moved to give to the orchestra still more by composing Celtic Rhapsody for Soprano and Orchestra specially for it. His Celtic Rhapsody now links three generations of the Downes family to the Midland Youth Orchestra... It will be a great honour for all involved this evening that, with Paula, the orchestra will bring its own work to life for the very first time. Andrew, on behalf of the MYO, I give you my heartfelt thanks.´ - Programme tribute from Stephen Williams, Chairman of the Midland Youth Orchestra.

´Gaelic culture..., pastoralism... and fairy tales... were given an engaging reworking in Saturday´s premiere of Andrew Downes´ Celtic Rhapsody. Musically, the Celtic influence was most obvious in the high, sustained soprano lines of the three poem settings. Written for the composer´s daughter, soloist Paula Downes, the cool beauty of her voice projected the atmospheric phrases... true and clear against the accompaniment. Authoritatively conducted by Anthony Bradbury, a generally confident orchestra was at its best in the first song (a simple, eloquent cello opening and arresting juxtapositions of lyricism with rollicking motifs) and the third´s rousing close. This was preceded by a poignant duet which skilfully set Paula´s pure timbres against the warm, moving violin playing of her sister (and MYO leader), Anna.´ - THE BIRMINGHAM POST
 

Performances of this work in Bremen, Bremerhaven and Cuxhaven, North Germany, were given, in March 2005, by Paula Downes and the Central England Ensemble conducted by Anthony Bradbury.

´Der Solopart der Keltische Rhapsodie...erwies sich als genau zugeschnitten.  Paula Downes...führte mit klarer Stimmführung und makelloser Intonation in eine anrührende vergangene Welt der Poesie. Die sanften Melismen wurden vom Orchester mitatmend begleitet.

´The solo part of the Celtic Rhapsody...proved to be...perfectly tailor made.  Paula Downes...led with clear vocal projection and immaculate intonation into a moving bygone world of poetry.  The orchestra accompanied as one the gentle melismas.´  NORDSEE-ZEITUNG