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Sikka

(2016)

Duration: 6’00”

Instrumentation: 2 clarinets

Commissioned by the Aubarra Clarinet Duo: Jonathan Aubrey and Michael Rex Bacarra

First performed by them at the XVA Gallery in Al Fahidi Historical District, Dubai

SIKKA (path) takes its name from the narrow streets to be found in the Al Fahidi Historical District in Dubai. These streets between high walls, are evocative of an historical past quite distinct from the modern image of Duabi as global metropolis. They evoke, for me, images and memories of a calmer time when the pace of life was less frenetic. As I wander through the maze of narrow streets I am always surprised and delighted as each turn in the road opens onto a small square, a view of a distant minaret, a glimpse of the busy Dubai Creek, a detail of domestic architecture or, through an open door, a glimpse into the inner courtyard of one of the many houses that have now been restructured. As you continue walking the sounds of the distant city come to you unexpectedly as the high walls protect you from the buzz beyond the area. In the evening, as the sun sets, the shadows lengthen and day turns to night, you are bathed in the sound of the muezzin’s call to prayer from the many mosques. My music takes inspiration from this very special, physical environment.

SIKKA is divided into three short contrasting movements. The first movement uses a very limited range of notes in the middle register of each performer, the players play an augmenting canon where they chase one another. The image here is of ripples on the water of the nearby creek where the vivid colours of working dhows reflect endlessly in the water disturbed by the passing abbras as they ferry people from one side to the other of the creek. The second movement, where a melody is passed and varied between the two players, is evocative of the tranquility and silence in the Sikka in the early morning mist. The final movement, much faster and lighter in character pits two scale like figure against one another, the one fast and upward moving, the other descending moving at a slower speed.

 

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

Overflow (version for strings)

Written originally as a chamber orchestra piece to accompany the artwork of the Italo-Canadian artist Janet Bellotto in 2013, this version for string orchestra was completed in 2020.

(2013 – revised 2020)

Duration: 5’15”

Instrumentation: string orchestra (minimum 3,3,2,2,1)

Score and 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

Long Ago and Far Away

This Christmas carol was written in 2019 for the Manuden Singers to perform at their carol concert in the local parish church. Based on a traditional Russian carol, Long Ago and Far Away is a simple lullaby for SATB with solos for soprano and alto voices.

It is suitable for a small to medium sized amateur choir.

Duration: 2 minutes

To buy copies click here

View score

 

’tis like the distance

Written for violoncello and pianoforte, ‘tis like the distance employs a very limited diatonic palette to explore a rich emotional field.

Recorded by Aaron DH Kim (violoncello) and Mariola Sokolowska (pianoforte) at The Fridge, Dubai, 15 Feb 2010.

Score and parts are available directly from the composer: barnaby.priest@gmail.com