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Track(s) taken from SIGCD232

The soul rests eternal

composer
Mike Sheppard (b?)

Caroline Dale (cello), English Chamber Orchestra, Steve Sidwell (conductor)
Recording details: August 2010
Phoenix Sound, Pinewood Studios, United Kingdom
Produced by Mike Sheppard & Tonia Sheppard
Engineered by Dick Lewzey
Release date: November 2010
Total duration: 5 minutes 28 seconds

Cover artwork: Woman and Boy. Eva Mueller (b?)
 

Reviews

'A prominent feature in Mike Sheppard's music is its strong neo-pastoral quality. Sweeping melodic shapes are underpinned by sumptuous modal harmonies which flow out of a lush lyrical bedrock, as heard here on 'Elegy for a Lost Son', 'Lullaby' and 'Ellie's Theme' … efficacious in this respect are the commanding performances heard here, especially that of cellist Caroline Dale. This may not be technically difficult music but it still requires thought and understanding. Dale manages to draw every drop of emotional energy from the instrument on 'Soliloquy' and 'A Remark You Made'. It is fitting that her beautifully weighted sound is heard at the very beginning and end of this album' (Gramophone)

'If you want to lie back to something warm, soothing, yet intense, this is unquestionably it. Beautiful music, played with passion, even if harder personality types might prefer a drier acoustic for the cello' (Classic FM)» More
On the day that decided the outcome of my own illness I learned that a close family member had lost his long battle with cancer. This piece reflects the acceptance of the dying of the light; the embracing of the end of a life; the final resignation.

The stasis of the repetitive harp arpeggios forms a backdrop over which the cello emerges from nothing with a series of gradually rising phrases. When this is recapitulated at the end of the piece the fluttering string figures echo the last flickerings of life before the close. Conceived as a eulogy for one who suffered much with great equanimity, I hope this music conveys the quiet dignity of a fine man.

from notes by Mike Sheppard © 2010

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