A Squabble of Mews (2019)
Organ
The title of this piece is essentially an alternative way of describing a flock of seagulls, and much of the musical material in it is taken from the vocalisations of these birds. Having lived near the coast for a while and hence familiarising myself with these rather infamous characters, I felt that the organ, with its wide variety of stops, could very well emulate the unique sounds they produce, from low sharp staccato cackling, to high raucous squeals, amongst many others. These calls come together to provide plenty of opportunities for counterpoint and timbral contrast, in a piece that is at once both dramatic and humorous.
SoundCloud recording - Roger Williams
PERFORMANCES:
Première: 1 November 2019 - St Machar’s Cathedral, Aberdeen - Roger Williams - organ