Smaoinich Orsma, 'Smi Gad Shireadh Air An Làn

Nigel Horne

A simple, yet effective flugel solo which was written as a programme piece. Unusually for brass band music, it is written in the Dorian Mode which helps to create the atmosphere of the music.

The title of this piece means Think of me when I look for you on the tide and is in Scottish Gaelic. The music depicts a 14^th century man of Celtic or Norse origin; he is by himself on a wind swept cliff top and is dressed in the leathers of a warrior. He is alone, though by choice not loneliness. He looks out towards the sea. He is thinking, though we do not know what, or who, is on his mind.

As well as a version for flugel and full band, there is a 10-piece setting which was a finalist in the Maritime Brass Ensemble composition contest, and a setting for flugel/tenor horn and piano that is perfect for slow melody contests as well as recitals.

In April 2010, Smaoinich was chosen by the New Zealand poet Brian Flaherty as a background to his work Lake George, which depicts a dry lake in Australia.

Don't take the piece too fast and don't be afraid to allow the music to pause for thought at the specified phrase marks.

A rough guide to pronouncing the title for English speakers

Smaoinich, aoi almost like the "a" in day, but with a little "o" sound to dull the resonance of "a". So smaoinich becomes sm*ao--nyeech, ch not as in cheek but as in the Scottish "loch".

Ormsa, orumsu.

'Smi gad, smeegut, soft "g" firmer than a "k", "t" said with your tongue behind your teeth, so that is also soft.

Shireadh, heeru.

Air an làn, almost as it's written, but the "l" is a dull sounding letter, not a liquid "l", if you imagine the difference between the two in "laugh" and "loud".

Price/Difficulty code: C