Work
The Farmleigh Tree Alphabet
for SATB choir
About
This is a setting of short poems by renowned Irish poet Theo Dorgan, each section relates to a Irish mythology around various trees that are found in the grounds of Ireland's State Guest House, Farmleigh House.
I was the first Composer-in-Residence at Farmleigh in 2019, Theo had been a Writer-in-Residence there and his poems inspired me to create my largest choral work to date.
The music mixes elements of traditional Irish singing styles with contemporary choral techniques, including extended harmony, hand percussion and occasional whispering.
Text note
Text by Theo Dorgan