The Cresset Stone
Hilary Tann
About this work: (Published by Oxford University Press)
The Cresset Stone was composed during December 1993, in response to a
commission by the Presteigne Festival, director George Vass, with funds
from the Welsh Arts Council and Amadeus Stringed Instruments.
First performance: 2 September 1994, Krzysztof Smietana, at the Presteigne
Festival.
A cresset stone is a medieval method of lighting—a hollowed-out stone,
filled with oil, with a lighted wick. Near the composer’s home in Ferndale,
Wales, the ancient cathedral at Brecon contains a remarkable example of
such a stone. It was this stone, in its stone cathedral context, which directly
inspired the composition. The Cresset Stone is a meditation on stone and
light which begins and ends in stillness. The inner sections contain references
to the final Kyrie of an eleventh-century Gregorian chant.
The viola transcription of The Cresset Stone was premiered on 21 March
1996 at the International Festival of Women Composers, Indiana University
of Pennsylvania. It was performed by David Sills, an extraordinary performer
and tireless advocate of women’s music. In consultation with the composer,
David Sills subsequently prepared the transcription for publication.
The Cresset Stone has been recorded by violinist Alan Smale on Capstone
Records (CPS-8640, “Celtic Connections”).
This score is for sale.
For further information, please contact:
Oxford University Press
Music Department (USA)
198 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Performance Promotion
Tel: 212-726-6109
Fax: 212-726-6441
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Version: Viola unaccompanied
Year composed: 2000
Duration: 00:09:00
Ensemble type: Solo instrument, non-keyboard:Viola
Instrumentation: 1 Viola