A natural rubato is felt throughout this haunting, single-movement work for string orchestra. The sound is reminiscent of that of ancient church music. Written in the stile antico, it opens with a “Plainsong”, then comes the main central “Anthem”. There is a brief reprise of the opening theme, before the work closes with a more emphatic “Fantasia” (where the sense of rubato becomes almost improvisatory). The work, as a whole, may be said to comprise a poignant “prayer” for strings.

Note: There is the option for all parts to play the entire work con sord. (with the exception of the final violin solo – from bar 146); but the work should always be played as expressively as possible, throughout.

OPUS 15A IS A SIMPLIFIED VERSION OF OPUS 15, MORE SUITED TO AMATEUR STRING ORCHESTRAS, AND/OR WHERE REHEARSAL TIME IS VERY LIMITED. (The key signature is made more straightforward in this version, and various ossia and doubling options are also made available.)

ISMN 9790720209272