Rory Boyle: Touch [download]

The title is used here as a literal translation of the Italian word toccare from which the musica term toccata is derived. Not only is the piece predominantly one which displays manual dexterity as well as exploring some advanced techniques, but also the various musical ideas are constantly touched on. The piece was written for, and is dedicated to, the Scottish flautist Yvonne Patterson who premiered the work at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music’s annual Plug contemporary music festival in 2009. Duration: approx 5 minutes.