I was delighted when, late in 2024, I received a request from Jordi Morell, on behalf of the Swan Ensemble, to compose a quintet for the strings of the group. I had, just then, been working on a number of the melodies I had composed as settings of the poems of the Scottish poet, David Cameron. These were originally solo melodies, set for unaccompanied voice. I have found Cameron’s poetry is innately musical, and often reveals everything I need to make any sort of setting.
The invitation from the Swan Ensemble gave me a fine instrumentation, and an occasion to write for, so I applied myself to setting four of my favourite Cameron inspired melodies, of which there are a great many. These are titled: 1. A Blessing, 2. For Winter, 3. Sometimes the Summer, and 4. Gifts. The four movements of A Little Swan Suite are contrasting in mood and energy, although they are all in triple meter, in keeping with the poetry. The Swan Ensemble and I remain open to the eventual possible addition of more movements to the suite.
I am grateful to Jordi Morell and to the members of The Swan Ensemble for their dedication to these miniature pieces and for including them in their programs.
