The Realside
For solo soprano, solo tenor, SATB choir and organ
1999
1 1 Minutes
COMMISSIONED BY | BBC Singers
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PROGRAMME NOTE | The Realside is an attempt to reconcile the dichotomy of feelings towards religion and, in particular, the notion of an ‘after life’ from an agnostic point of viewpoint. The text was dervied from various sources such as the Bible, poetry and lyrics from pop songs which are paraphrased or alluded to not only in the text but also in the music.
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The solo soprano represents the spiritual side of the argument, whereas the solo tenor represents the agnostic, pessimistic side. There is no narrative as such, but there are discernible sections which correspond to certain experiences and thoughts. The tonal language is diatonic to ensure that the ‘pop’ elements can be fully integrated into the composition without sounding alien to the work as a whole.
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KEY PERFORMANCES |
World Premiere | BBC Singers 75th anniversary
17.09.1999
Venue | St Johns, London, UK
Conductor | Bo Holton
Performers | BBC Singers, Her Majesty's Sagbutts and Cornets
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Spitalfields Festival
04.06.2001
Venue | Spitalfields, London, UK
Conductor | Stephen Cleobury
Performers | BBC Singers / Her Majesty's Sagbutts and Cornetts
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National Premiere
11.09.2002
Venue | St. Michael's Episcopal Church, New York, USA
Performers | Choir of St. Michael's New York; Clare College Choir
Performance
03.11.2006
Venue | Temple Church, London, UK
Conductor | Mark Forkgen
Performers | Canticum
Cover
Pg.1
Pg.3
Cover