Category Archives: Small ensemble

… some become stars …

(2013)

Eight Violas

Duration 4′

Originally written for piano as part of a set of two short pieces  … some become stars … also exists as a piece eight violas: versions for eight violoncellos and string orchestra also existi.

It is an evocation of the stillness of the night sky and the wonders of the stars above us, so often hidden in our increasingly urban landscape. The eight instruments playing together allows them to play and breathe as one voice in a music that seeks to calm the soul and provide respite.

Scores and parts are available upon request.

… some become stars … also exists in a version for eight violoncellos

The Landscape Listens

2013

Flute, harp, bowed vibraphone

Duration 9’30”

Along with Lidia Stankulova (harp) and Irena Mitevska Mileva (flute) Christopher J. Cameron gave the first performance of The Landscape Listens  at the Gallery XVA in the Al Fahadi District in Dubai, 12th March 2013.

Sadly, Chris passed away at the end of October 2021. This piece is dedicated to his memory.

Hidden Reflection

2021

String Quartet

duration 45’00”

Hidden Reflection forms part of an ongoing series of pieces that use ‘found objects’ as the core material: in this case, Franz Schubert’s Ellens dritter Gesang, (D. 839, Opus 52, No. 6), written in 1825. This piece is better known to audiences as Schubert’s Ave Maria.

Hidden Reflection focuses on the harmonic material in the accompaniament of the original rather than the melody, which remains hidden.

Altopiano (Chamber Ensemble Version)

October 2020

Duration: 5’15”

2 clarinets in Bb, violin, violoncello, pianoforte

 

This is music for the spaces between breaths, for the moments when the world slows and introspection reigns. Let it wash over you, a balm for the restless soul, a refuge for the weary mind. Each note, a falling leaf, a sigh on the wind, weaving a spell of serenity around the listener. Close your eyes, and let the music carry you away on a tide of peaceful reflection to a sanctuary for the wandering mind, a haven for the restless heart. Step inside, and allow the music to cradle you in its gentle embrace. 

Score available here

Parts available on request

Altopiano

For two clarinets and small string orchestra, Altopiano is a quiet meditative piece.

Instrumentation – 2 clarinets in Bb, violins (6), violas (2), violoncellos (2) and double bass (1)

Duration – circa 5 minutes

Composition July – August 2020

Score and parts available on request

BarnabyPriest · Altopiano

Vox

First performance: Centre for Musical Arts, Dubai, 13th April 2017

For piano and string quartet, Lorelei Quartet (Natalia Vaskinova, Jennie Lee-Foster, Francesca Knowles, Angharad Maxwell) and Sophie Griggs (pianoforte).