The unicorn is a creature that has had a remarkably developed mythology. Originating in the East, it has since been adapted as a recognisable symbol across Europe, particularly in Scotland, where it is regarded as one of its National animals.

To reflect these things, this piece has been designed in the form of a strathspey, but the atmosphere overall is arabesque, with suggestions of metallic gongs in the LH part, and even a hint of the diabolical (the unicorn is said to have cloven hooves!)

In this piece, I wanted to imagine a scène de ballet, in which a unicorn dances for the pleasure of Scottish nobility, placing its own personal take on a Scottish dance.

I composed this piece in my spare time at the university on the 17th March 2014, later revising it on the 30th September that year. It is hoped this piece will be the first of several such ‘unicorn dances’.

PERFORMANCES:

23 March 2018 - Butchart Hall, Aberdeen - Joe Stollery - piano

23/24/25 August 2018 - Arts Centre, Aberdeen - Joe Stollery - piano

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