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View/download a PDF file of selected sample pages from the first movement of this work.
View/download a PDF file of selected sample pages from the second movement of this work.
View/download a PDF file of selected sample pages from the third movement of this work.
View/download a PDF file of selected sample pages from the third movement of this work.
Silvermine Suite for flute and guitar was composed especially to commemorate the opening of Sara Victoria Hall at the Silvermine Guild for the Arts (in Silvermine, CT). Visual Artist, Diane Wege, commissioned this new work after having been introduced to the music of Gwyneth Walker at a lecture given by the composer at the First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan in 1998.
The Suite is in four short movements. "Two By Two" is a light exchange of musical motives between the two instruments. The ideas are most often of 2-measure units.
"A Touch of Grace" is theme-and-accompaniment in texture. The melody, introduced in the flute, is formed through short phrases, often with resets inserted. The intention is delicacy. And thus, harmonics (high tones) appear in the guitar accompaniment. This is gentle, unrushed music.
"Step Lightly" moves at a brisk pace. The title may refer to the guitarist, who often must enter off the beat, and quickly! An interesting effect used in this movement is the patting of the guitar strings, emphasizing the percussive quality of the guitar.
"Swing Low" presents the familiar spiritual, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," in a swing rhythm. New material is added to expand upon, and take delight in, the original song.
Notes by the composer