Symphony

The Symphony was completed in May 1985 and is scored for the standard symphony orchestra with the addition of a large percussion section and a piano. After a slow introduction, the first movement develops a three note motif which is to be found throughout the work. The slow movement is descriptive and evokes the image of a desolate winter landscape. The exciting scherzo is strong and aggressive and owes something to Walton. The Finale is based on a ‘scampering’ figure in the strings that can also be found in the last movement of the Gaelic Triptych and the Violin Sonata. After a great climax the work ends with a strong statement of the three note figure throughout the orchestra.

Left quote This is a very enjoyable work and was warmly applauded by the audience. Right quote

— J. Littlejohn, critic, Guardian newspaper Waltham Forest

Left quote I feel that if the Symphony in particular were widely known it would take its rightful place in the symphonic repertoire of Great Britain. Right quote

— John France, music critic: British Classical Music: The Land of Lost Content

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