Canopy (2025)
7 minutes
for clarinet quartet and string orchestra
Commissioned by Frances Evans and the Warren Chamber Music Festival for their 2025 Festival.
Premiered by Lloyd Van't Hoff, Justin Beere, Nick Evans and Alex Morris (clarinets) with the New Zealand String Quartet and festival musicians on May 2nd 2024 at Nevertire Community Hall, with a second performance on May 3rd at Collie Community Hall.
7 minutes
for clarinet quartet and string orchestra
Commissioned by Frances Evans and the Warren Chamber Music Festival for their 2025 Festival.
Premiered by Lloyd Van't Hoff, Justin Beere, Nick Evans and Alex Morris (clarinets) with the New Zealand String Quartet and festival musicians on May 2nd 2024 at Nevertire Community Hall, with a second performance on May 3rd at Collie Community Hall.
I am walking slowly down a deserted path, accompanied by nothing but the breeze, the birds, and the sounds of the natural world. To my left and my right, the strong and steady branches of trees arc upwards towards the sky, meeting directly above me to form a glistening latticework that shields my eyes from the bright of the morning sun. All is green and yellow and brown with speckled blue between: earth and growth, shadows and bright sky. Dappled light falls in shafts through the gaps in the leaves and branches – everything sparkles and shimmers, is restless and yet still. Constant. The air is damp and cool, gravel crunches underfoot. It is peaceful and safe. I feel enveloped by my surroundings, protected and cocooned.
The light dances on the path ahead, and I am filled with a sense of awe at the majesty of it all.
These are some of the thoughts, sights, sounds, and feelings that were central in the creation of this piece. Canopy aims to evoke our natural world and respond to the peace, safety, awe and beauty it can provide. My supreme thanks to Frances and the Warren Chamber Music Festival for the opportunity to write for such a special (and unusual!) ensemble, and for trusting me to make something beautiful.
Anne Cawrse © March 2025
The light dances on the path ahead, and I am filled with a sense of awe at the majesty of it all.
These are some of the thoughts, sights, sounds, and feelings that were central in the creation of this piece. Canopy aims to evoke our natural world and respond to the peace, safety, awe and beauty it can provide. My supreme thanks to Frances and the Warren Chamber Music Festival for the opportunity to write for such a special (and unusual!) ensemble, and for trusting me to make something beautiful.
Anne Cawrse © March 2025