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Additional Information
I was asked to write something ‘fanfare-like’ for violin, French horn and piano for performances in New Zealand during 2014. The result was ‘Festivities’, a four minute piece full of energy and excitement. I consider this piece to be a celebration of any kind, whether personal, religious or national.
‘Festivities’ opens with a short melodic phrase for the horn, which is extended by the violin and this short theme forms the basis for the whole work. The character of the theme, and the work as a whole, is governed by complex rhythms (no straight 4/4 or 3/4 time!). A short reprise is provided by means of an ostinato which is played by all three instruments and this occurs twice in slightly different forms (the second inverted) from the central point of the piece. After this, the energy builds up again and brings the work to an exciting close.
