The Flittin’

Dedicated to Gerry Mattock

Flittin’,in Scots, means ‘to move house’. Interestingly, the same word exists in the Scandinavian languages (flytta);but is not used in English in the same way. However, to the English ear the word has an airy lightness about it – a breezy optimism.

Having spent nearly half my life in Scotland, my return to England in October 2018 filled me with apprehension, sadness, excitement – a mixture of conflicted emotions. Scottish music and landscape has informed a large part of my work since I moved there in 1990, and I will always feel an immense gratitude for the support and inspiration I received in my adopted homeland.

I embarked on a series of ‘farewells’, intending to score them for 6,5,4,3,2 and 1 instrument(s) respectively. Priya Mitchell’s invitation to write a duo for the Oxford Chamber Music Festival also coincided with my intention to gift a piece to my long-time supporter and patron, Dr Gerry Mattock, in honour of his 90thbirthday. The festival was to take place just days before my move, so this ‘farewell’ is about new beginnings – about taking with me the most cheerful of dances, the jig, to a new life in England.

Using two treble instruments gives the music a certain rootlessness, but this in turn represents an airborn freedom.

This is the brightest of the six farewells, reflecting the joy and warmth of continuing friendship.