Description

1. Balkan Taster
The opening piece is loosely based on the folk styles and modes from South­ Eastern Europe. Strict adherence to the dynamics and …prominent articulation will give this shape and authenticity. Contrast the more lyrical phrases with the crisper, more articulated phrases but above all play this one in a slightly rough-edged, rustic folk manner. 2. Safari Sundown
A joyful tune with an African flavour, play this one in a simple, but bold manner. Exaggerate the dynamics as this will highlight the call and response ‘echo’ places in the tune which is a feature of some African musical styles. 3. Caledonian Thistle
A simple, but lyrically-sweeping cantabile melody in a waltz style contrasts with a lively, rhythmic Scottish country dance in a different key. Be sure to emphasise these two sections and do not be afraid to add a little subtle stylistic rubato in places. 4. San Ginesio
Now to the warmer climes of Italy. This is my take on an old Italian dance used a lot in classical music, the Tarantella. This needs lots of energy and articulated exuberance and aim to play around with tone colours in the modulating phrases. 5. Fayre Ayre
Back 500 years or so to old Elizabethan England. This is a stately dance with a modal flavour where changes of metre will keep you on your toes and provide you with opportunities for good phrasing. Also, an opportunity to exhibit your cantabile tone and legato with practice for slurring from middle B to low B. 6. Bosphorus Nights
This tune was inspired by my partner’s work trip to Turkey and an evening dinner cruise on a boat up the Bosphorus river in Istanbul. Exotic food, balmy Eastern breezes and a spot of belly dancing cabaret made for a heady mix! Changes of metre, accented phrases and low register sections provide a touch of Eastern promise! 7. Bonsai Trees
Now over to Japan where a cool and serene garden was the inspiration for this next piece which uses a Japanese modal scale. This needs to be delicate but still strongly lyrical. Try to evoke some cool and calm tranquility into the music. 8. Moonshine Madness
A jolly rum-soaked Calypso from the Caribbean. Play this with good articulation and rhythmic panache. The tempo marking can be slowed down a little if you wish, as clean execution is preferred over messy speed. This tune is a good tonguing workout too! 9. Bluegrass and Barn Dances
The wide open prairies of the USA inspired me to write this next one where I try to capture the vast openness of the country using wide melodic leaps and a relaxed cantabile tune. The contrasting Barn Dance section needs plenty of spirited hoe-down-inspired playing, but in places you can use a little rubato. Both sections make use of grace notes which is a typical stylistic embellishment of Bluegrass music. 10. Top O’ The Morning
A sister piece to Caledonian Thistle but this time we cross the sea to the Emerald Isle. As in the Scottish-flavoured No. 3, this has a simple, waltz melody but with more of a hint of the Irish ballad about it. The faster section is a jig, reflecting the ubiquitous bands using traditional instruments seen in many a pub in Ireland over a few pints of Guinness! 11. Sunrise Raga
We’re off to India next and a serene start to the early morning sunrise there. Play this as though you are gently calling everyone to rise with your Indian reed instrument. This gently mysterious piece uses a raga mode, common in Indian traditional music. You can really infuse this one with lots of rubato and you’ll get lots of lovely low register practise too. 12. Rumpus In Rio
Now for something completely different from the land of the street carnival! Play this cheeky Samba with a jaunty spring in the rhythm. As with all Latin music, play this as if people can dance to it and don’t be afraid to slow the rhythm down at first, and sub-divide the beat if necessary if you find the rhythms a little tricky. With practise and confidence it will become familiar and enjoyable very quickly. 13. Andalusia
A taste of sunny Spain now and you can almost smell the scent of wild flowers and taste the sherry! Use your best legato tone and gently stress the first beat of the bar as the line of the melody ascends gradually by step. Play with romance and a wide sense of space in an unhurried manner, really enjoying the tune. Contrast this with the more fiery and fast Flamenco in a bold and flamboyant manner. Be neat with the articulation to give it panache. 14. Cossack Trot
A darker, more sombre mood now in this predominantly minor key in the form of this cossack dance from Russia. 15. From Java and Bali
Lastly we are in South-East Asia in Indonesia: a fragrant nod to the gentle folk modes of Gamelan music from the lovely islands of Java and Bali. A companion piece to No. 7 using another Oriental mode; play this with a delicate, but firm sense of lyricism.