Compositions

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INSTRUMENTAL COMPOSITIONS


VOCAL COMPOSITIONS


Arrangements

Instrumental Compositions

Instrumental works from 1988 onwards, from first compositions at school to MA submissions and works for professional musicians.

Le Fleuve

Sam’s first ever composition, a simple piece for flute and piano, jointly written in 1988 with Ali Cooper.

Waltz and Serenade in F major

A substantial piece for flute and piano written in 1989 and submitted for GCSE coursework.

From time to time

Theme and variations for piano inspired by Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin, written in 1989 and submitted for GCSE coursework.

Love’s Story

Solo piano piece written for the wedding of Peter and Joan Jellett in 2005, and awarded first prize in the teachers’ class of the EPTA composing competition, 2006.

Till A’ the Seas Gang Dry

Solo piano piece written for the wedding of friends and awarded first prize in the teachers’ class of the EPTA composing competition, 2007

Each Little Flower That Opens

String quartet written for the Knebworth Flower Festival 2007

Wedding Scones

Solo piano piece written for the wedding of James and Emily Maltby in 2008.

Song of the Earth

For mixed ensemble from the London Sinfonietta, 2008, the overture of an envisaged operetta about the first commercial space flight, Alien in the Desert.

Dawn at Radwell

Cello sonata in 3 movements written for Catherine Wilmers and Ilga Pitkevica, premiered in 2009.

After the Fire

A study in dynamics, articulation and accordion techniques based on
the revelation to Elijah at Mount Horeb. Written for accordionist Martynas Levickas in 2009 and performed worldwide

Terrible Tango

A little accordion piece written for students.

Swan Song

For 3 clarinets, harp, piano and percussion, premiered by musicians from the London Sinfonietta in April 2009.

The Licorice Fields at Pontefract

Music for instrumental ensemble to accompany a reading of Betjeman’s poem by actor Crispin Bonham-Carter, performed on 2 occasions in 2011.

Vocal Compositions

Solo art songs and choral works,  including many new Christmas carols

Hebridean Lullaby

Taladh Chrìosda, translated The Christ Child’s Lullaby, is a well-known Gaelic Christmas hymn, and here its beautiful words are given a new musical setting, the lilting rhythms and use of modes giving a timeless feel. Available in arrangements for SATB and SA with piano and optional flute obbligato.

Go to the Child

This beautiful poem was written by Imtiaz Dharker for the BBC Radio 3 Carol Competition 2019. I very much enjoyed the challenge of writing for a cappella SATB.

I Shall Not Want

This simple, heartfelt setting of Psalm 23 for SA and piano particularly emphasises the phrase: ‘I shall not want’.

Mary Rejoices

In this gentle song for SA and piano, Mary wonders and rejoices at the fact that she, an ordinary woman and sinner, has been chosen to bear the Son of God: the ‘King of creation, contracted to a span’. Verses in English are followed by Latin ‘Ave Maria’ refrains.

Sir Christemas

Medieval meets 21st century in this energetic setting of one of the oldest known British Christmas carols for SATB and piano.

Can You Hear the Bells

‘Can you hear the bells of the Christmas story?/Whispering their tidings of hope and of joy?’ This original carol for two choirs and flute obbligato was first performed in 2023 by Knebworth Community Chorus and Youth Choir.

Names

Wendy Cope’s poem explores the issue of the different names a person is known by during their lifetime and whether these reflect the true self within. This setting for mezzo-soprano and piano was premiered at the Waterloo Warehouse, London, in 2008.

At 3 a.m

A setting of Wendy Cope’s atmospheric poem for mezzo-soprano and piano, exploring a range of contemporary techniques.

What the Shepherds Saw

A carol for SATB with soprano descant and piano or organ accompaniment.

Take the Road to Bethlehem

A gentle carol for 2-part upper voices.

On the Ning Nang Nong

Spike Milligan’s iconic poem set for SATB makes a fun encore for choral concerts.

Arrangements

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March and Galliard Bounce

From the Galliard Suite for brass quintet by Betty Roe, arranged for mixed instrumental ensemble (violin, viola, cello, double bass, clarinet, bassoon, piano).

Lord of the Dance

Driving rhythms and adventurous harmony bring new life to this well-known classic. Suitable for school and children’s choirs and available with piano or organ accompaniment.

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I have set up this blog to be able to update our lovely friends and family with information about my situation, predominantly medical, meaning that messages between us can focus on the personal without me or others needing to relay the same facts many times.


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