- Helen Grime
Harp of the North (2004)
- Chester Music Ltd (World)
Commissioned by Warren Mailley-Smith
Programme Note
Harp of the North, farewell!
On purple peaks a deeper shade descending;
In twilight copse the glow-worm lights her spark’
The deer, half-seen are to the covert wending.
Resume thy wizard elm! The fountain lending,
And the wild breeze, thy wider minstrelsy;
Thy numbers sweet with the nature’s vespers blending,
With distant echo from the fold and lea,
And herd-boy’s evening pipe, and hum of housing bee.
(Sir Walter Scott, The lady of the lake, Canto sixth xxix)
Harp of the north was commissioned by Warren Mailley-Smith in November 2004. A lyrical melody is central to the texture in the opening section, often interrupted or partially shaded by surrounding filigree material. Two passionate and more agitated interjections punctuate the course of the piece, with the lowest of the bass notes, which are sparingly used, occurring at the main climax. A tender and melancholy reminder of the opening material leads the work to a gentle close.
On purple peaks a deeper shade descending;
In twilight copse the glow-worm lights her spark’
The deer, half-seen are to the covert wending.
Resume thy wizard elm! The fountain lending,
And the wild breeze, thy wider minstrelsy;
Thy numbers sweet with the nature’s vespers blending,
With distant echo from the fold and lea,
And herd-boy’s evening pipe, and hum of housing bee.
(Sir Walter Scott, The lady of the lake, Canto sixth xxix)
Harp of the north was commissioned by Warren Mailley-Smith in November 2004. A lyrical melody is central to the texture in the opening section, often interrupted or partially shaded by surrounding filigree material. Two passionate and more agitated interjections punctuate the course of the piece, with the lowest of the bass notes, which are sparingly used, occurring at the main climax. A tender and melancholy reminder of the opening material leads the work to a gentle close.
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- Helen Grime to be Featured Composer at Aldeburgh 2025
- 17th December 2024
- Composer Helen Grime will be one of four featured artists at the 76th Aldeburgh Festival in June 2025.