The First Swallow
for Clarinet and String Orchestra
Duration: 16”00’
The First Swallow is a poem by Charlotte Smith, first published in 1807, the year after her death. This piece takes inspiration from Smith's depiction of the springtime return of the swallow. In three movements, the piece explores the essence of the atmospheres, colours and images found within the poem.
The piece was originally written for Clarinet Quintet and was commissioned and premiered by Richard Hosford and the Gaudier Ensemble at the Cerne Abbas Music Festival 2022. The piece was then adapted for String Orchestra and Clarinet in A for performance by Robert Plane and the Presteigne Festival Orchestra on Monday 28th August 2023 at the Presteigne Festival.
Come, summer visitant, attach
To my reed roof your nest of clay,
And let my ear your music catch,
Low twittering underneath the thatch
At the gray dawn of day.
[Extract from The First Swallow, by Charlotte Smith 1749 - 1806]