I wrote this 7 movement suite for piano 'Mystical Swan in Blue' after an extraordinary encounter with a swan, at twilight on the banks of the River Wye in January 2021. Her dazzling white feathers shone in the misty blue twilight, set off by the saturated green grass as the sun sank behind the trees.
"The poise & elegance of the Swan has been a powerful icon for me in my communion with Nature. Her nobility, power & other-worldly qualities are majestic & inspiring."
The Swan has been rendered immortal by various composers, leaving an indelible mark on musical history, and exciting imagination and originality. Swans are not usually seen on their own and are mates for life unless something interferes with this. Whilst maintaining great dignity & poise, the swan became a representation of serenity & fortitude in the face of adversity.
My 7-movement piano suite 'Mystical Swan in Blue' was premiered by Charles Matthews in a lunchtime concert at Rugby parish church on 8th February 2022, and given a second performance on February 18th in Shipston-on-Stour.
When I was interviewed by Ieva Dubova for a podcast in her series 'Creative Portraits' I was put in touch with the beautiful & remarkably gifted dancer, Anita Garcia Grosse, who has interpreted the pieces in dance, choreographing each movement herself.
