John Purser: Bannockburn

“This is a fantastic orchestral tone poem cum symphonic suite that can stand with the best.”

Three very different works on the theme of warfare. Bannockburn for full symphony orchestra celebrates the Scots victory over the English in 1314. Throat, for soprano, 2000-year-old Celtic war trumpet (the carnyx), and percussion, is a visceral exploration of an ancient sound world. Carrier Strike for piccolo, harpsichord and timpani is a playful but disturbing ‘domestic’ war game composed for Ian Hamilton Finlay’s provocative concept.