Edward McGuire: Rant for solo violin [download]

Rant won the competition, organised by the Society for the Promotion of New Music, to find the test piece for the 1978 Carl Flesch International Violin Competition. It was first broadcast on BBC Radio 3, by the winner of the competition, Eugene Sarbu, on 21 August 1978.

The flavour of Scottish fiddle style and the national dances - the Reel and Strathspey - are present in the piece.  The term 'Rant', implying a wilder and more improvisatory mood, has been applied to both dances in the past.

The composer is indebted to Jack Maguire and the late Tom Rowlette for technical advice.

Composed: May 1977 (subsequently slightly revised 1986)

Dedicated to Rae Siddall, fiddle player with the Whistlebinkies, 1976-77.

Duration: c. 8 mins.

“'The word "Rant" is often used in folk used in folk music for high spirited dances ... and this piece is fast, energetic and lively, apart from a short dramatic Andante section in the middle” - Music in Education