Setting of the poem Noche Oscura by St. John of the Cross, written about 1578. This is a corrected version of my 1976 piece, completed in March 2024 and performed through NotePerformer software.

NOCHE OSCURA

Homeward bound after a much needed visit to Spain.  Perhaps I need to revisit the idea of whether I should create holiday tracks in batches, or make do with my phone like I did back in 2013.  What do you think?

13 May 24 Welcome Break

"The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond", or "Loch Lomond" for short, is a Scottish song you probably know (if not, you do now ;)).

Here in an arrangement for baritone solo by Ralph Vaughn Williams.
Piano accompaniment by Helen Roberts.

We hope you'll enjoy!

Lyrics

By yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes,
Where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomond,
Where me and my true love were ever wont to gae,
On the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomond.

Chorus:
O ye'll tak' the high road, and I'll tak' the low road,
And I'll be in Scotland afore ye,
But me and my true love will never meet again,
On the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomond.

'Twas there that we parted, in yon shady glen,
On the steep, steep side o' Ben Lomond,
Where in soft purple hue, the highland hills we view,
And the moon coming out in the gloaming.

Chorus

The wee birdies sing and the wildflowers spring,
And in sunshine the waters are sleeping.
But the broken heart it kens nae second spring again,
Though the waeful may cease frae their grieving.

Chorus

Loch Lomond (Roud No. 9598 - With Helen Roberts)

Rue Ramey (In the early hours)

« Euterpe » by Franck Douvin
Composed on June 2019 and recorded in my home studio on Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Franck Douvin © 2024 Flute recordings
Thanks for listening & sharing
I hope you'll enjoy!

« Euterpe » by Franck Douvin

Impromptu « JoHannes » for Piano (Opus 70)
Composed, performed and recorded on Thursday, May 16, 2024
Franck Douvin @ 2024 Contemporary Chamber Music
Thanks for listening & sharing
I hope you'll enjoy !

Impromptu « JoHannes » for Piano

Celtic music is a paradox; in a minor key such as this piece, it tends to be melancholy, yet in its melancholia it can lift the spirit to heavenly realms where noble and reflective thoughts reside.  It is Debbie's and mine fondest hope this Lament lifts your spirits:) A huge thank you to Debbie for gracing this piece with her playing. Hear more of her beautiful music @debra_buesking.

Celtic Lament (Debra Buesking; Piano and Synths, David; Guitar)

This piece was born out of an attempt to emulate the wonderful Classicism in the Hans Zimmer and Rupert Gregson-Williams scores in the Netflix series, THE CROWN. Particularly, the multilayered, String and Woodwind textures which are marvels of invention. As usual, once I've done a section based upon that inspiration, I move into other musical areas I'm attracted to. In this case I return to the opening, develop it and move on again.

Crowned

What is the secret of life?  This definitely describes a beautiful part of that secret and it continues my Love Lesson series...to love with a full and open heart...no matter what...the sun shines and the moon beams rejoice in a love that holds no bounds and can never be broken. 'The Goddess of Edges has turned herself inside out and discovered the secret of life itself.'

Secret of Life

In the Chapel was composed specifically to capture the wonderful moment of performing at London's spectacular Old Royal Naval College’s Chapel of St Peter & St Paul, which is part of a World Heritage Site. This chapel was part of Sir Christopher Wren’s original design for the Royal Hospital for Seamen at Greenwich built in 1742 then following a devastating fire, was rebuilt in 1779. It is decorated with a mixture of Greek revival and naval motifs with cream and light blue colours against its magnificent neoclassical ceiling. 

Behind the altar is the huge painting titled Preservation of St Paul after Shipwreck at Malta by artist Benjamin West. The artwork depicts the scene in the Acts of the Apostles in which Saint Paul is shipwrecked on his way to Rome where he will be prosecuted. In the middle, Paul stands heroically over the fire lit by the ship’s passengers to keep warm. Intruding on the scene is the snake from whose poisonous bite Paul does not feel. A must visit place in London!

Composer and Pianist: Shirley Ly
Lead violinist: Charlie Brookes 
Second Violinist: Susanna Griffin
Violist: John Michael Hird
Cellist: Chris Terepin

In the Chapel by Shirley Ly | Piano Quintet

Crossing the Field

I started composing daily pieces and posting them onto SoundCloud at the beginning of 2013.  By posting daily I am tweaking, experimenting and developing a thought, idea or event in time.  I am endeavouring to show that there is no limit to that creative spark that lies within each of us.  So much of what we do nowadays is about instant return, I am about evolution not revolution (although each month starts with a clean slate).  Join me on my journey to 10,000 (18 May 2040!!!)

Over the years I have found the Soundcloud community to be extremely supportive and encouraging.  It’s great to have a Global Mastermind of musical adventurers.

Thank you!

13 May 24 Welcome Break

Graham Casey

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