The Art of Listening

Programme notes:

The concerto is in three sections, of which the first two – ab initio & grimoire – are played without a break. Each section has a descriptive title.

The first, ab initio [0.00] (from the beginning), is a bidding and invocation; the second, grimoire [6.31] (a book of spells), is a summoning of charms and hexes.

The third and longest section traces loosely – so loosely, in fact, that there’s no tragic ending – the Celtic romance of Tristan and Iseult.

After a brief introduction by the story teller him/her self, it follows the lovers through evening (serenade [0.35]), night (nocturne [4.38]) and morning (alba [10.21]). After which, like many old, told tales, the entire piece, together with its conjuror/taleteller, simply dissolves into thin air.

Recording: