Selected works / Solo instrument
Esgyn Soar
- Forces
- Organ
- Duration
- c. 7′
- Year
- 2023
- Suited to
- Recital, Voluntary
- Written for
- Theatr Soar, Merthyr Tydfil, through Tŷ Cerdd’s CoDi Organ pathway
- First performance
- James McVinnie, Canolfan a Theatr Soar, Merthyr Tydfil, 21 May 2023
- Availability
- Published (Tŷ Cerdd)
Written for Tŷ Cerdd’s CoDi Organ pathway, through which five composers joined workshops on the musical and cultural history of Merthyr Tydfil, each writing a new work for the newly restored organ of Capel Soar — now Theatr Soar. Esgyn Soar, a bilingual play on the word ‘Soar’, takes its cue from the organ’s christening in 1890 with a performance of Handel’s Messiah: the piece is built in part from fragments of the aria Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron, a quiet reference to that first concert and to the town’s iron-bound history. It was given its first performance and recording on 21 May 2023 by Andrew’s college friend, James McVinnie.
Perusal scores may be obtained from the publisher.
If you are performing this work, do let Andrew know so it can be added to the map.