THREE GIFTS (1987) for orchestra
1. ELEGY (cello solo/orchestra)
2. INTERMEZZO (clarinet solo/orchestra)
3. RONDO (trumpet solo/orchestra)
This suite was commissioned by the National Childrens' Orchestra for their course at Exeter in 1987 and first performed by them in Exeter Cathedral in April 1987 conducted by Brian Wright, at a fundraising concert for the Spastics Society.
The composer dedicated each of the pieces to a personal friend suffering some form of disability.
ELEGY is for Michael Smith, ex-chemistry teacher at Presteigne, who retired after suddenly developing rheumatoid arthritis. His love is English Cathedral Music, so fittingly the hymn tune 'Michael' by Herbert Howells is used in the piece.
The INTERMEZZO is for Angela Tomblings, severely disabled daughter of the church-music composer Philip Tomblings. A passage from his anthem 'Sing a song of Joy' is used.
The RONDO ('Richard's Rondo') is for Richard Dodderidge, severely physically and mentally disabled son of Esme and Morris Dodderidge from Presteigne, who died very tragically from cancer at a young age. Despite his awful burden, Richard was a cheerful person, reflected in this piece which is based on his favourite music, Bach's third Brandenburg Concerto, which Richard called 'The laughing Bach'.
DURATION 13'30"
(unpublished/in MS)