A Cat's Tail! for Oboe, Clarinet in B♭ and Bassoon
A4 score and parts for Oboe, Clarinet in B♭ and Bassoon.
Duration approx 8 mins.
A Cat's Tail! is intended as an affectionate and unassuming three movement tribute to our much loved feline friend.
The opening movement, Purrfect Day, references music I originally wrote in gentle response to The Cat and the Moon, a most beautiful poem by William Butler Yeats, in which the cat eyes the cold moon in a metaphor for unrequited love! Cats have a reputation for being somewhat distant and aloof towards their human patrons but it's a deal we happily strike with them and in this instance the mood perhaps leans more towards domestic contentment!
The final movement, Tail's End, was composed while preparing an educational workshop featuring the Carol of the Bells and is in homage to this ever popular piece, borrowing some of its thematic material and a catchy triple time rhythm. The Carol of the Bells itself is derived from a traditional Ukrainian song which tells the story of a small bird flying into someone's house as a herald of good fortune. It's possible that in my piece the cat may chase the bird a little, but rest assured, it doesn't get caught!
In between, the middle movement, Paws for Thought, is simply a rather fond reflection on our very own, beautiful, super intelligent and quite mysterious, pet cat!
Listen to a synthesised recording here