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The Dream of the Rood

for four voices and instrumental ensemble
Text freely adapted by the composer from the Anglo-Saxon poem
4 voices (Countertenor, 2 Tenors and Bass) and ensemble
Edition: Performance material

Product Details

Description

The Anglo-Saxon poem The Dream of the Rood was probably written in the 8th Century and is the earliest dream-vision poem in Old English. A fragment of the poem from the section that describes the crucifixion can be found carved on the Ruthwell Cross in Dumfriesshire, and set in stone at a time when Ruthwell was part of the ancient kingdom of Northumbria. In responding to a commission for the Hilliard Ensemble, I was keen to find a dramatic text, but one that would also invite a musical response appropriate to the very nature of this kind of vocal quartet. Writing for the Hilliards together with a mixed instrumental ensemble, and for a generous cathedral acoustic, has had a strong influence on the types of textures and sonorities I have used. The structure of the work is dictated by the form of the poem, but the music could also be seen as consisting of a sequence of motets with both vocal and instrumental interludes.

John Casken

Orchestral Cast

1(afl, pic).0.ca.0.ssax.1(cbsn)-1.0.1.0-perc(crot, vib, mar, bell plate, sizz cym, Swiss cow bell, gong [horizontal], tam-t, 2 bng, 2slit drum, wood drum, 2cong, 2b.d, marac, 5tempbl, vibraslap)-hp-str(0.0.1.0.1)

More Information

Title:
The Dream of the Rood
for four voices and instrumental ensemble
Text freely adapted by the composer from the Anglo-Saxon poem
Language:
English
Edition:
Performance material
Awards:
Dec 1, 2009

Publisher/Label:
Schott Music Ltd., London
Year of composition:
2008
Duration:
30 ′
World Premiere:
October 8, 2008 · Liverpool (UK)
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Hilliard Ensemble · Conductor: Clark Rundell · Ensemble 10/10

Commissioned work :
Co-commissioned by Liverpool Capital of Culture and The Hilliard Ensemble as part of the European Capital of Culture Programme 2008
Series:

Technical Details

Product number:
LSL 10160

Preview/Media Contents

Audio:

Performances

Set Ascending Direction
  • The Dream of the Rood
    Conductor: Clark Rundell
    October 11, 2014 | Den Haag (Netherlands) , Nieuwe Kirk
    20:15
  • The Dream of the Rood
    Conductor: Clark Rundell
    October 9, 2014 | Amsterdam (Netherlands) , Muziekgebouw
    20:15
  • The Dream of the Rood
    Conductor: Clark Rundell
    October 8, 2014 | Utrecht (Netherlands) , Tivoli Vredenburg — National Premiere
    20:15
  • The Dream of the Rood
    Orchestra: Royal Northern Sinfonia
    July 6, 2014 | Brinkburn (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) , Brinkburn Music Festival
  • The Dream of the Rood
    Conductor: Clark Rundell
    Orchestra: Ensemble 10/10
    October 8, 2008 | Liverpool (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) , Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral — World Premiere
    19.30 h
  • Set Ascending Direction

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    The Dream of the Rood

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