Flute solo version of an old HW song dealing with the changes that are upon us.
There's not much time now left for dreaming - there's a need now for forgiving say the lyrics. From a forthcoming release. Flute - Michael O’Connor
Red Letter Day
"Today I remembered my joy" a short piece for harp and guitar which was inspired by that short poem by my friend Bruce McNicol,
in the style of an English country dance.
with Jane Belfrage
Beyond
In 5/4 time, this haunting piece for harp, 12 string and small orchestra evokes a calling to another world
Composed by Jane Belfrage. arranged by HW
Carlos' Theme
Written as a complete stream of consciousness exercise, this was originally an improvised piano piece for the musical ‘Lace’.
It deals with the untrustworthy and pompous character , the salesman Carlos who tries to seduce the hero.
She is defended by her 3 soul sisters, co-workers who see through his act.
Musicians are HW with Kieran Rae and Tunji Bayer
Jaminji
This is the oldest piece in this mini collection. I wrote this in 1969 and played it to Guru Maharaji, who nodded and smiled ( as he is still doing).
A European raga for guitar and dulcimer.
Parts of this appear on Faraway
Zazari
This is an old Afghani tune which I rearranged in a variety of ways to illustrate the thesis that the Celts traveled form N India through Afghanistan
and north of the Black Sea to Europe, leaving traces of their music wherever they went.
With Khalil Gudaz, Jenny Thomas and Dheeraj Sheestra and others.
From the forthcoming CD Migration
Tryst
This dynamic piece is a song about a young honour bride who escapes her fate and comes to live in Australia.
I played it to a Kurdish friend who said it is an old Turkish tune - but I thought I composed it . .there is nothing new under the sun, they say.
with Ernie Gruner, Jane Belfrage and the great Greg Sheehan
Andean Intro
This is from the CD Faraway and is a good example of ambient spirit
The soloist is a good friend of mine from Bolivia, Themis Araniba
Espiritu Andina
South American inspired excerpt from the CD Faraway - the ballad of the ice maiden who gave her life to the gods in return for peace on Earth.
Unfortunately her sacrifice was in vain, as Cortez showed up soon after, and all was lost
Burrows
There is a magical area mentioned in the doomsday book. It is home to 140 species of flowers, some found nowhere else in Britain.
It evokes wonder and mystery in the visitor. People have often got lost here.
This slightly Chinese sounding piece was written after a long walk there in 1975. From the album 'Tarka'
Moonfield
From the LP and CD Tarka this short piece evoked walking quietly in the middle of the night under the full moon. That sense of mystery and quiet wonder.
With Anthony Phillips & the London Philharmonic & National Orchestras
Summit of Power
This is from the beginning of Movement 3 of Tarka where the otter escapes the hunt by going over a small waterfall.
It has been used countless times in films and ads in its BMG published form with the above title - from National Geographic Docos to Britoil and Volvo commercials!
Requiem
'And while they stood there silently, a great bubble arose out of the depths, and broke, and as they watched,
another bubble shook to the surface, and broke; and there was a third bubble in the sea-going waters, and nothing more.'
quote from the end of 'Tarka the Otter' by Henry Williamson
from Tarka Movement 3 with Anthony Phillips & the London Philharmonic & National Orchestras