A Wild, Gentle Thing

for Double Choir (SSAATTBB)

Duration: 7'

Commissioned by the National Youth Choir (UK), as part of their 'Young Composers' programme for 2024-2025 for their new CD on NMC.

Programme Note:

We all encounter situations or periods in our lives, where we are have to adapt and change. A

Wild, Gentle Thing sets the evocative poetry of James Wright to reflect on themes of nostalgia,

loss and space throughout the piece. What was particularly appealing to me was James’ use of

natural imagery to convey seemingly deep-and-personal emotions to the reader. This piece is an

exploration of these emotions through rich harmonies and evolving textures between the two

choirs. Throughout this piece, a melody evolves and weaves in and out of the choirs, reflecting

how our own emotions may change when recalling a past event. Above all else, this piece is

about change and how we process and grow from it.