An orchestral voyage combining Celtic and Spanish themes.

22 MP3 Songs
CLASSICAL: Virtual Orchestra, WORLD: Western European

Details:
The Genesis of âAn Olive in the Guinnessâ.

Late 2004 saw me toying with ideas for a new CD release after the success of âHOTâ.
I had completed a draft of the original âAn Olive in the Guinnessâ â a one-off tribute to Irish and Spanish folk idioms - when a friend heard it and suggested I expand itâs themes into longer pieces.
So, I started work in earnest.
A year later, around 16 different treatments of the themes have emerged, and about half these will feature in âAn Olive in the Guinnessâ Suite, which will occupy pride of place on my next CD, âUPâ.
Of the four main elements in music, Olive features innovation in the area of rhythm the most. Most folk music is in simple triple meter i.e.: 3/4, 12/8, etc., whereas I employ, where needed, 14/8, 15/8, 7/4 etc.
One Spanish section is 7/4, 7/4, 7/4, 8/4. for instance. (grafted from a Bodhran rhythm).
This, in turn, helps to shape the melodic aspects of the Suite, which become more angular and asymmetrical as a result.
Texturally, I have attempted to maintain some âlocal colourâ i.e.: the use of Spanish guitars, Bodhran, Ullian pipes, etc, as well as a standard rock rhythm section, (including synthesizers and my lead guitar) but mainly it is in an orchestral setting.

The themes or motifs that generate the melodies are very simple as to facilitate many differing treatments throughout the work giving it, I hope, unity.

I sincerely hope you like my âOliveâ. It is, I feel, a fitting tribute the magnificent musics practiced by both these extraordinary cultural groups.
John Robinson, Sydney, Australia, October 2005

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