Poets in Time

 

Poets in Time (pdf score) (pdf parts)

The Cairo Sessions (mp3) (pdf)

Poets in Time is a mandolin orchestra piece that I wrote on commission for the group Fretworks back in 2010. Above is the video of the premiere performance, conducted by Douglas Back, in spring 2011. I have fifteen or so mandolin orchestra/ensemble pieces available from my Mandolin Orchestra and Ensemble page at my Mandotopia site. But there are another half dozen or more that I need to add. I'm very slow at it but this morning I woke up thinking of this piece and made it my project for the day.

I hadn't heard this music in years and I was happy to see how much I enjoyed it. I hope that some of you enjoy it too. If you are a member of a mandolin orchestra feel free to download the music and give it a try with your group.

Also this morning I learned of the passing of the great Peter Ostroushko. I was privileged to meet him a few times and even play a little music with him but, mostly, I was a great fan of his playing and his writing. A few years ago I wrote a tune, The Cairo Sessions, that was meant to remind me of the great recordings that Peter made with Norman and Nancy Blake. The title represents an imaginary meeting of Peter and the Blakes in Cairo, Illinois to record another album together. The idea was that they could meet about halfway between Minneapolis and north Georgia. I really like the result and I think that Peter, Norman and Nancy would be OK with the tune.

I'm heartened to know that all around the world tonight people, especially mandolin players, are keeping Peter's memory alive with music and stories. A true Poet and a great man.