Songs of Autumn

Instrumentation

children's voices with instrumental ensemble or CD

Other Information

A musical journey, during October, to different parts of the world -for children´s voices with instrumental ensemble or CD

Commissioned by Symphony Hall, Birmingham, for first performance on 13th October 2003 by 1200 children from Birmingham schools, with instrumentalists from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jeffrey Skidmore. Subsequent performers of the work include children from Lichfield schools, conducted by Jeffrey Skidmore, at the Lichfield Festival in July 2004; choristers and instrumentalists from South Hampstead High School for Girls (London), conducted by Paula Downes, in November 2003 and November 2004; and Birmingham schoolchildren with the Central England Ensemble, conducted by David Gaukroger, in Symphony Hall, Birmingham, in November 2004. First USA performance directed by Paula Downes.  Instrumental arrangements of the songs, by Cynthia Downes, are available, and have been performed by instrumentalists in Worcestershire.

6 songs:-

1. Autumn setting of poem by Florence Hoatson (the arrival of Autumn)

2. Carnival setting of traditional poem from Trinidad (tropical weather, monsoon, hurricanes, general excitement, World Beat and Sea Festivals)

3. The Mid Autumn Moon setting of poem (adapted) by Li Qiao (China: Moon Festival)

4. The Cottager and her Infant setting of poem by Dorothy Wordsworth (Celtic Europe: ‘Samhain’ - Hallowe’en, damp and misty, darkness coming)

5. Feast of Lights setting of poem by Gouri V. Kalambi (India: ‘Navratri - festival time - ‘Diwali’)

6. Autumn Song setting of poem by Margaret Rose (the end of Autumn)

CD with synthesised sounds and vocal parts added by Paula Downes, soprano, available for use by schools.