TWO cautionary tales

(2013) 

for eight voices (SSAATTBarB) and piano

Commissioned by Oblique3, and dedicated to my friends, the VOX ensemble.

  • the VOX ensemble - Jessica Cale (soprano); Catherine Mottershead (soprano); Sophie Murray (alto); Gillian Branch (alto); Matthew Barnaville (tenor); Guy Withers (tenor); Nathan Dearden (baritone); Robin Easton (bass) - David Geoffrey Thomas (piano) at University Concert Hall, Cardiff University (UK) in March 2013.

  • Eight voices (SSAATTBarB), piano

  • 6’

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Commissioned by Oblique3, and is dedicated to my friends, the Vox ensemble First performance featured Jessica Cale (soprano), Catherine Mottershead (soprano), Sophie Murray (alto), Gillian Branch (alto), Matthew Barnaville (tenor), Guy Withers (tenor), Nathan Dearden (baritone) and Robin Easton (bass) in March 2013 at University Concert Hall, Cardiff. Matilda Who told Lies, and was Burned to Death "Matilda told such Dreadful Lies, It made one Gasp and Stretch one's Eyes; Her Aunt, who, from her Earliest Youth, Had kept a Strict Regard for Truth, Attempted to Believe Matilda: The effort very nearly killed her, And would have done so, had not She Discovered this Infirmity. For once, towards the Close of Day, Matilda, growing tired of play, And finding she was left alone, Went tiptoe to the Telephone And summoned the Immediate Aid Of London's Noble Fire-Brigade. Within an hour the Gallant Band Were pouring in on every hand, [...]" Hillaire Belloc

text

Matilda Who told Lies, and was Burned to Death

"Matilda told such Dreadful Lies, It made one Gasp and Stretch one's Eyes; Her Aunt, who, from her Earliest Youth, Had kept a Strict Regard for Truth, Attempted to Believe Matilda: The effort very nearly killed her, And would have done so, had not She Discovered this Infirmity. For once, towards the Close of Day, Matilda, growing tired of play, And finding she was left alone, Went tiptoe to the Telephone And summoned the Immediate Aid Of London's Noble Fire-Brigade. Within an hour the Gallant Band Were pouring in on every hand, [...]"

Hillaire Belloc