Character Suites Volume 7

In Volume 7, we find storytelling for more advanced players. The movements are longer, grouped in sets of three to a suite, each running 7–8 minutes — a format that has become a popular choice for recitals.
The Pink Petal Suite is our signature suite, and the one that gave our company its name. The first movement was inspired by a large carpet of pink petals at Annaghmakerrig Lake in Co. Monaghan, Ireland, one June — it looked as though the petals had formed a magical shadow on the ground. In the second part, ostinatos in the upper instruments and a strong pizzicato solo in the cello suggest a kind of storm — the force that might have brought all those petals down to the ground, a little before their time. Heron in the Rain is such fun to play! Demanding in all the right ways — close your eyes, and you can see that mighty bird standing on its long legs in the pouring rain, and hear it lift its great wings at the end. Dance of the Dragonflies has all the sparkle these magical creatures — so reminiscent of fairies — represent. Enjoy working with this suite!

The Galway Suite is close to my heart, as County Galway has been my home of choice since 2002. Busking has always been a vibrant, vital and respected part of Galway City. Performers of every kind come to entertain and delight the street crowds, and the Galwegians are a generous lot — if they like what they see and hear, they pay. I busked there myself in my twenties, and my children and students still do today. Busking on Shop Street is another piece that lends itself beautifully to memorisation and choreography — my own Sonic Strings ensemble at Coole Music & Arts turned it into a dazzling show performance, with the cellos playing in guitar position at the start. The melody is nicely divided between the parts, and every part has something interesting and challenging to play.
Traffic in Galway City is rather less fun! Rush hour clogs up the whole system, and you can get stuck for what feels like hours. To be honest, Eyre Square isn't even the worst of it — the docks are far worse. But this piece captures the frustration and tension of being stuck in traffic, a problem I think everyone can relate to. And perhaps it's worth remembering: we're never really "stuck in traffic" — we are the traffic.
Galway Market is a musical stroll through one of Ireland's most iconic weekend markets. People come for its medieval roots, its genuine buzz, and the chance to explore local and exotic flavours, crafts and culture. Set in the heart of Galway City, around the beautiful St Nicholas' Collegiate Church, it draws locals and tourists alike. The piece is structured like a rondo, opening with a walking tune that returns after each of the three market stalls we visit musically. By the end — after enjoying a crêpe at the French stall (a section built directly on French café music) — the walking theme returns transformed, lilting now in that French 3/8 metre. This movement has proven especially popular, and is often performed as a stand-alone piece.