The Dream of the Rood
for four voices and large instrumental ensemble (2008) - 27 mins. Premiere: October 8, 2008 Liverpool, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, Hilliard Ensemble, Conductor: Clark Rundell, Ensemble 10/10
for four male voices (CTenTTB)
plus fl (+ alto fl, picc), c.ang, sop sax, bsn (+ cbsn), hn, tn, 1 or 2 perc/hp/vla, dbass
Text freely adapted by John Casken from the Anglo-Saxon poem ‘The Dream of the Rood’
Recording: NMC D245 released July 2019
Reviews:
‘The Dream of the Rood (2008), his adaptation of the Anglo-Saxon: a captivating structure with a hint of the ritual austerity of Stravinsky’s late cantatas.’ Sunday Times
‘He has ideal collaborators in the Hilliard Ensemble, Asko | Schönberg Ensemble and conductor Clark Rundell’ The Guardian
Co-commissioned by Liverpool Capital of Culture and The Hilliard Ensemble as part of the European Capital of Culture Programme 2008
Winner of the British Composer Awards (Vocal Category) 2009
Published by Schott Music, ED 13468, performance material available to hire