Edward McGuire: Remembrance [download]

Trio for two oboes and cor anglais, composed in 1992.

Commissioned by the Park Lane Group and first performed in the Park Lane Group series at the Purcell Room, London on 11 January 1993 by the Chione Oboe Trio.

“For his parents, both of whom have died within the past two years, Edward McGuire wrote memorial pieces (Elegy for the Coker/Manson Piano Trio and Dance Elegy for guitarist Eleftheria Kotzia). In his new piece, Remembrance, he makes a more abstract and general exploration of the feelings and meanings encompassed by its title. The opening, slow meditative refrain recurs throughout the piece changing with each reappearance. In contrast the sections of more rapid music grow in intensity but the piece also has its whimsical and playful moments; the overall feeling is one of striving for optimism. It is a continuous movement lasting about fifteen minutes.” (Programme Note, written for the premiere)