Rhian Samuel - The Time of the Singing of Birds

Programme note from the composer:

"This piece forms a companion piece to 'Fragile Landscapes'. The title, taken from the Song of Solomon, is evocative both of a mood of anticipation of spring and of the Purcell anthem, 'My Beloved Spake': while this piece is not quoted directly, the magic of its text and music were a constant, yet wistful, inspiration to the composer. 'The Time of the Singing of Birds' is in arch form, returning at its end to its beginning. Its central section, marked 'playful', is at first a goal and then a receding memory."