A Memory of the Ocean (2023) is a collection of pieces scored for choir, piano and violoncello. The texts, comprised of one poem by the composer followed by settings of poetry after Sara Teasdale (1884-1933), are unified by their allusions to the sea. Commissioned to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Ralph Vaughan Williams, the collection is inspired by his work A Sea Symphony (composed 1903-1909) as an important work in the history of British choral music in which the chorus is used throughout as a vital part of the work’s texture and colour. Similarly, the choir provides a fundamental surface for the piano to take moments of prominence throughout the pieces. The pieces are either to be performed as a complete collection, or performed individually.
The work is suitable for both amateur and professional choirs, with the concertante piano part taking more prominence than a traditional piano accompaniment, and can be performed with a soloistic interpretation. The piece also features an accompanying cello soloist, as well as an optional soprano solo.
The Bristol Choral Society premiere took place at Bristol Cathedral under Hilary Campbell, with Evva Mizerzka (cello), Steven Kings (piano), and Charlotte Mobbs (soprano soloist), and included three pieces of the collection;
I. A Memory of the Ocean (7’)
II. I Am A Pool (7’)
III. Sea of Amethyst (4’)
The performance was received enthusiastically by a packed audience in the giant space of Bristol Cathedral, described as ‘memorable’ in a 5-star Bristol Post review.
‘A Memory of the Ocean’, a new work for choir, concertante piano and solo ‘cello, was premiered by Bristol Choral Society under Hilary Campbell on 24 June 2023 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Ralph Vaughan Williams. The piece was co-commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Society, Vaughan Williams Foundation, and Netherlands’ AVROTROS Friday concert.
The Dutch premiere will follow on 6 October 2023 in the AVROTROS Friday Concert series with the Netherlands Radio Choir and pianist Hannes Minnaar conducted by Florian Helgath.
Grace-Evangeline Mason with Hilary Campbell post premiere
“The music is beguiling, and evokes the changing nature of the ocean’”
‘A Memory of the Ocean’ will be recorded by Bristol Choral Society later this year for inclusion on their upcoming disc with Delphian Records.
