Douglas Steele

Autumn Sequenc

Speaker, solo voices, chorus, flute or piccolo or recorder, tubular bells, handbells, organ pedal and piano

Steeles superb song-cycle Autumn Sequence was written for the pupils of Stockport Grammar School, and is scored for speaker, solo voices, chorus, flute or piccolo or recorder, tubular bells, handbells, organ pedal and piano, being the rather idiosyncratic resources then available at the school. It was first performed on October 3rd 1969 in the schools Hallam Hall, where the composer had been responsible for the specification of the recently installed organ. Douglas Steele himself played the piano part in his own inimitable style extending and improvising the cadenzas between the movements. A recording is available on Campion Cameo 2040/1 featuring Richard Baker narrating and choirs from Carlisle Cathedral, with John Turner on recorder. Track Listing Introduction Summers Farewell The Two Sisters Go Lovely Rose The Cruel Mother How Came This Blood? Three Mariners The Cock Fight The Snow Falls The Prince of Heaven Fear No More the Heat of the Sun The Faery Beam Upon You The Dumb Peal Epilogue