Brilliant phrases on piano and strong cello lines,
dominated by a distinctive four-note motif, create a dramatic opening to this
piece. After the explosive opening, a slow version emerges on
cello. The original drama returns until the slow cello lines launch a
contemplative sequence which unfolds with mounting tension. The mood
quietens once more until the opening motto emerges over busily repeated piano
phrases and the music concludes with an impassioned coda.
Philip’s Peace was commissioned by the Belfast Music Society
in 1994 and premiered by Robert Cohen and Elizabeth Burley. It is
dedicated to my nephew Philip Gerard Clements who was born on the day I
received the commission and has been performed throughout Ireland, Romania and
Latvia. In 1995, Philip’s Peace won the countess of
Markievicz Gold Medal Competition for Young Composers and 1996 won the RTE
Musician of the Future Composition Prize.
Ian Wilson, Newsletter:
“It is always encouraging when a new work captures the attention and
imagination as much, if not more than the rest of the programme. This was
the case in Saturday night’s Elmwood Hall recital by cellist Robert Cohen and
pianist Elizabeth Burley, when they gave the first performance of
Philip’s Peace, a specially-commissioned work by the Arts
Council from Elaine Agnew, one of Ulster’s younger and busier composers, and a
very promising talent. This was a very rewarding piece with an arresting
opening and a beautifully contemplative centre. Strong rhythmic ideas
were contrasted with memorable melodic ones and it was a nice touch that Robert
Cohen announced just before playing the work that he had enjoyed working on it;
it was certainly a piece I wanted to hear immediately again.” |
