for piano
duration ca 30'
Innisfail (2015) is an extended rhapsody on an earlier work of mine of the same name for baritone and piano (2012). This earlier work formed something of a modern response to some of the typical ‘classical’ piano accompaniments found in the parlour ballads of the late nineteenth century as exemplified by Thomas Moore, whose text was set therein. The piano accompaniment to my earlier setting exploits a jaunty traditional jig-rhythm from the outset (with stylistic ornamentation), the overtly traditional approach of which is contrasted by the polymodal treatment of the harmony. After composition, I knew I would return to the short, energetic treatment of this song feeling that there was more in the piano accompaniment than in the song itself! So it is that Innisfail (2015) began.
The piece is in a single movement with several wave-like trajectories delineating growth from bell-like stasis to the rhythmic climax of the Innisfail theme after which the work gradually recedes to a close via a joyous combination of the melodic modes used in the work with inharmonic interference of the earlier bells.
This piece is dedicated to the wonderful American pianist Alexander Bernstein.
Past performances:
28.02.2019 — Brian Murphy (piano), William Carey University, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, USA
06.04.2017 — Alexander Bernstein (piano), Harty Room, Queen’s University, Belfast, N. Ireland
09.02.2017 — Alexander Bernstein (piano), Riverstown Hall, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
06.02.2017 — Alexander Bernstein (piano), Irish World Academy, Limerick, Ireland
15.01.2017 — Alexander Bernstein (piano), Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin, Ireland
