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Details
St Woolos Cathedral
105, Stow Hill
Newport
Gwent
NP20 4ED
Wales
Programme
Ryan Probert – Miniatures 1 and 2
John Rushby Smith – Toccata
Fiona Frank – Mystical Swan in Blue
Michael Robinson – Exeat (organ)
Ryan Probert – Miniature 4
Herbert Howells – De la Mare's Pavane
Performers
Charles Matthews – piano
Programme Note
"Mystical Swan in Blue" for solo piano in 7 movements by Fiona T Frank
Fiona wrote this 7 movement sonata 'Mystical Swan in Blue' for piano after an extraordinary encounter at twilight with a swan on the banks of the River Wye in January 2021. Her dazzling white feathers shone in the misty blue twilight, set off by the saturated green grass as the sun sank behind the trees.
"The poise & elegance of the Swan has been a powerful icon for me in my communion with Nature. Her nobility, power & other-worldly qualities are majestic & inspiring."
The Swan has been rendered immortal by various composers, leaving an indelible mark on musical history, and exciting imagination and originality. Swans are not usually seen on their own and are mates for life unless something interferes with this. Whilst maintaining great dignity & poise, the swan became a representation of serenity & fortitude in the face of adversity.
Swans are not the only forms of wildlife that are threatened by the effects of pollution in our rivers.
The concert includes piano works by other living composers Ryan Probert and John Rushby Smith, and Herbert Howells' De la Mare's Pavane additionally there is an organ piece by Michael Robinson, also performed by Charles Matthews.
For more about Charles Matthews, visit www.charlesmatthews.co.uk
If you should like to know more about Fiona's music please view her website: www.Fiona-Frank.com
