Zebedee Strudwick
WALKS WITH ELGAR for orchestra
Goodmusic Concert Originals GMCO207
Catalogue Number: GMCO207
Difficulty level: D What's this?
ISMN: 9790222325678
Orchestration: 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets in Bb & A [A clarinet optional], 2 Bassoons,
2 Horns in F, 2 Trumpets in Bb, 2 Trombones, Timpani
Strings (Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Bass)
Walks with Elgar is a suite in five movements written during the period of lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The movements were inspired by different atmospheres I encountered while walking with my Airedale Terrier named "Elgar" - an activity that preserved my health, both physical and mental, during very difficult and highly solitary times. The five movements are titled:
1. A Spring Morning’s Walk
2. Dusk Walk
3. Desolate Reflection
4. On the Hilltop - Song of Thanks
5. Elgar the Airedale
The first movement is cheery and light-hearted, capturing the fresh, breezy atmosphere the title suggests. The second movement, in a jazzy trudge, encapsulates the wistful longing and deep orange sunset of a lonely evening - this segues into the third movement, "Desolate Reflection", which is ominously still and atmospheric, whilst contemplating the surreal emptiness of an abandoned world due to social distancing and isolation, both calmly beautiful, but interspersed with moments of horror.
The fourth movement is in two main sections - the first in D minor is fateful and contains some of the darkest and most brooding moments experienced in these difficult times, suffering great anxiety with the contemplation of mortality. This gives way to the second section in D-flat major, which is deeply reverential and titled "Song of Thanks" - in a gentle classical hymn-like style. This is one of the most spiritual moments, expressing a gratitude to be alive - to have survived such horrific moments of panic, and a deep tranquil sense of acceptance.
In the final movement, there is a return to jollity, reflecting on the carefree fun of my dog Elgar, whose life is far simpler as he trots and gallivants, leaps and bounds, making the most of living in the moment, without worrying about everything! The discerning listener will notice the quote from Elgar’s Cello Concerto - plagiarism isn’t usually my style, but the brief excerpt is fitting, both musically and in reference to the pooch’s namesake! Zebedee Strudwick
A PACK includes a full score plus a full set of wind, brass and timpani parts plus strings 4/4/3/4/2.
Duration c20 minutes
2 Horns in F, 2 Trumpets in Bb, 2 Trombones, Timpani
Strings (Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Bass)
Walks with Elgar is a suite in five movements written during the period of lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The movements were inspired by different atmospheres I encountered while walking with my Airedale Terrier named "Elgar" - an activity that preserved my health, both physical and mental, during very difficult and highly solitary times. The five movements are titled:
1. A Spring Morning’s Walk
2. Dusk Walk
3. Desolate Reflection
4. On the Hilltop - Song of Thanks
5. Elgar the Airedale
The first movement is cheery and light-hearted, capturing the fresh, breezy atmosphere the title suggests. The second movement, in a jazzy trudge, encapsulates the wistful longing and deep orange sunset of a lonely evening - this segues into the third movement, "Desolate Reflection", which is ominously still and atmospheric, whilst contemplating the surreal emptiness of an abandoned world due to social distancing and isolation, both calmly beautiful, but interspersed with moments of horror.
The fourth movement is in two main sections - the first in D minor is fateful and contains some of the darkest and most brooding moments experienced in these difficult times, suffering great anxiety with the contemplation of mortality. This gives way to the second section in D-flat major, which is deeply reverential and titled "Song of Thanks" - in a gentle classical hymn-like style. This is one of the most spiritual moments, expressing a gratitude to be alive - to have survived such horrific moments of panic, and a deep tranquil sense of acceptance.
In the final movement, there is a return to jollity, reflecting on the carefree fun of my dog Elgar, whose life is far simpler as he trots and gallivants, leaps and bounds, making the most of living in the moment, without worrying about everything! The discerning listener will notice the quote from Elgar’s Cello Concerto - plagiarism isn’t usually my style, but the brief excerpt is fitting, both musically and in reference to the pooch’s namesake! Zebedee Strudwick
A PACK includes a full score plus a full set of wind, brass and timpani parts plus strings 4/4/3/4/2.
Duration c20 minutes
