Programme Note: 

Being loosely translated into ‘to pursue’ or ‘to chase’, Erlid takes inspiration from the Welsh folk tale of Ceridwen and Gwion and pits a solo oboe line against a chamber orchestra in a dramatic pursuit. In the tale, Ceridwen discovers her servant boy, Gwion, has mistakenly taken her potion of wisdom which was originally created for her son. After which, a magical pursuit entails, with Gwion transmuting into different creatures in attempt to escape the wrath of Ceridwen.

Erlid focuses on this element of the tale, capitalising on the nimbleness found in a small orchestra, all while depicting the characters of Ceridwen and Gwion. The singing and agile solo oboe line represents the youthful Gwion, while the menacing string orchestra personify the witch, Ceridwen. As the piece develops, simple melodies become more frantic, with the oboe hiding within the orchestral texture. However, each attempt to escape becomes gradually more desperate, where escape from the agitated accompaniment seems impossible. The piece closes with a last-ditch attempt by the oboe, with a virtuosic cadenza.

Does Gwion escape? Well, In the folk tale, he is eventually captured by Ceridwen. However, in Erlid, it’s up to the listener to decide.