Erik Chisholm: Night Song of the Bards [download]

For piano. Computer typeset score (43p) saved as pdf for immediate download.

This extended work takes its inspiration from an anonymous Gaelic poem. The First Bard is constructed from a tightly knit melodic cell first heard at the bottom of the keyboard. The Second Bard’s opening melodic motif expands into a frightening tone poem. The Third Bard creates strikingly impressionistic effects within a filigree texture. The Fourth Bard is a bravura tone poem calling for much virtuosity and élan. In complete contrast the Fifth Bard makes a transition from stasis to serenity. The Sixth Bard has a striking chromatic motif moving towards a powerful climax. The work concludes with a peaceful epilogue in which the music disappears as though through the mist.

Recorded by Murray McLachlan on Erik Chisholm Piano Music CD.