Programme Note: 

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

A Wild, Gentle Thing sets the evocative poetry of James Wright for two choirs, reflecting on

emotions 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 the rich harmonies and evolving

textures between the two choirs. The two choirs offer a dialogue and exchange of musical ideas,

growing out of the delicate humming from both choirs. A melody evolves and weaves in and out

of the choirs, reflecting how our own emotions may change when recalling or revisiting a past

event or place. Above all else, this piece is about change and how we process and grow from it.