Praeludium and Allegro

This is written to celebrate my godmother Barbara Strudwick, who has been a great influence in my life. She is a strong, resilient and caring person, and an excellent musician, teacher and role model.

This piece is a reflection on Kreisler’s Praeludium and Allegro, which was always a favourite of mine. It casts a little shade on Kreisler’s exuberance, exploring a more meditative approach to the open intervals of the Praeludium, but celebrating virtuosity in the contrasting Allegro, which follows the patterns of the Kreisler.

Praeludium and Allegro was commissioned by the Carl Nielsen International Competition 2019.