The Cliffs of Moher

FEAUTURED COMP NR.4

For Guitar and Viola

The Cliffs of Moher, for Guitar and Viola, premiered on the 15th April 2024 at The Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. The piece was commissioned and performed by Erin Vinter (Viola), and James Hall (Guitar).

My goal for this piece was to not only write a melody suited for the viola, but one that really lets it sing. I wrote the piece in B Dorian mode to give the piece a folk-song feel, and to use the resonance from the guitars open strings. After writing for large ensembles in Bmus2, and the first half of Bmus3, it felt incredibly refreshing to return to chamber music. I've thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with Erin and James this year.