Nocturne for solo harp

Recording of live performance by Clare McCague

Instrumentation: harp

Type: solo

Year: 2016

Premiere: Performed by Clare McCague at ICC Solo Series, 28th February 2016, Lutheran Hall, Adelaide Road, Dublin.

Duration: 7’

When writing for the harp many composers and orchestrators suggest not to over-use the glissando. In writing this piece I decided to resist this advice and make extensive use of the technique for the first theme. At the time I was staying in a small cottage by the sea and the glissando seemed a very suitable way to relate to the rolling of the waves outside. Contrasting material using different techniques were then written at a later date to complete the conversation of the piece.