In the silent copse 
The throstle thrills 
The ancient air
And rain on ramson drops
 
By Edward Sparkes

Highly Commended in the 2014 Proms Inspire Young Composers’ Competition (Senior category). Performed by members of the Aurora Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas Collon at a Proms Extra event at the Royal College of Music on 20 August 2014.

The Throstle

Poem by Edward Sparkes.
Recorded as part of Tenso Days Mechelen, 2016.

In the silent copse,
beech boughs bow
on wealden winds
from distant downland tops.

In the silent copse,
the vixen vows
in vehement voice
through ivy veiled slopes.

In the silent copse,
hazel hulls
neath squirrel drey
by banks of sleeping brocks.

Edward Sparkes

The Silent Copse - Latvian Radio Choir

Surges II, performed at the Holywell Music Room, 1st February, Villiers Quartet.

Surges II - The Villiers Quartet

Recorded with guitar, piano and electronics.

Drifting

The melody was written in collaboration with, and sung by Barnaby Wynter.
https://soundcloud.com/bwynter Lyrics: Sophie Sparkes.
Photography © Jem Bosatta   http://www.jemsphotography.co.uk

'Wild Eyes' is part of the soundtrack for short film 'Where's Johnny' (Requiem Pictures) made as part of the 100 Hour Film Race. Watch the film here:
https://www.requiempictures.co.uk/wheresjonny

Wild Eyes - ft. Barnaby Wynter

Made using an Arturia Microbrute Monophonic Analogue Synthesizer and a drum machine designer.

House Party is part of the soundtrack for short film 'Where's Johnny', (Requiem Pictures) made for the 100 Hour Film Race. Watch the film here:
https://www.requiempictures.co.uk/wheresjonny

House Party

Poem by Isaac Rosenberg.
Recorded with the Helsinki Chamber Choir as part of Tenso Days Copenhagen 2016, conducted by James Wood.

Sombre the night is: 
And, though we have our lives, we know 
What sinister threat lurks there. 
 
Dragging these anguished limbs, we only know 
This poison-blasted track opens on our camp— 
On a little safe sleep. 
 
But hark! Joy—joy—strange joy. 
Lo! Heights of night ringing with unseen larks: 
Music showering on our upturned listening faces. 
 
Death could drop from the dark 
As easily as song— 
But song only dropped, 
Like a blind man's dreams on the sand 
By dangerous tides;
Like a girl's dark hair, for she dreams no ruin lies there, 
Or her kisses where a serpent hides.

Returning We Hear The Larks

Short extract from Surges II, the full version is 8 minutes long.

Surges II - Extract

Breathe I

First performed in the West Parry room at the Royal College of Music.

Fractured

Music from short film 'Urban Wilderness'

https://www.sophiesparkes.com/urban-wilderness

With many thanks to Marcello di Garbo (female voice), Maren Bosma (violin)and Adam Bonser (double bass). 
Words by Edward Sparkes

Deep Lane

With many thanks to Tegan Eldridge (vocals)
Richard English (Double Bass) 
Jack Segal (Acoustic Drums)

Sophie Sparkes

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