• Simon Holt
  • Syrensong (1987)

  • Chester Music Ltd (World)

Commissioned by the BBC for the BBC Proms

  • 1.2pic.2.2+bcl.2+cbn/4321/2perc/hp.pf/str
  • 15 min 30 s

Programme Note

The Sirens were sea-nymphs who had the power of charming by their song all who heard them, so that unhappy mariners were irresistibly impelled to cast themselves into the sea to their destruction.

Syrensong is dedicated with much affection to Bill Mann, and is approximately 14 minutes in duration.

© Simon Holt

Scores

Reviews

In Syrensong, Holt's first piece for symphony orchestra, the piccolo trumpet represents the siren of classical mythology whose seductive powers bewitched unsuspecting mariners. Conductor Thierry Fischer underlined its sense of urgency and ultimately of doom, with moments of colour vividly imprinting themselves along the way
Rian Evans, The Guardian
1st November 2009