Between Earth and Sea
for flute, viola and harp
Composition Date: 1997
Duration: 10'
Instrumentation: Fl, Vla, Hp
Information:
Commissioned by the Nash Ensemble and first performed in the Purcell Room, London in 1997.
Programme Note:
Between Earth and Sea
The piece is based on an ancient Celtic caoine or lament, which has its source in the call of the redshank – a mournful, falling pi-li-li-liu. John Purser, in Scotland´s Music, writes: ‘The redshank was held to represent the transition from life to death, living on the edge of the land on which man lives, and the ocean which represents eternal life.’ Between Earth and Sea is dedicated to the memory of Ellen and Alice Paterson, who lived only a few weeks.
Between Earth and Sea was commissioned by the Nash Ensemble with funds provided by the Nash Concert Society. It was first performed at the Purcell Room, London on 5th March 1997 by Philippa Davies (flute), Roger Chase (viola) and Skaila Kanga (harp).
Sally Beamish 1997
Available Recordings: