A Caledonian Sketchbook

•  1. Reivers Jig (3:15)

The Reivers were a group of war like clans straddling the border between England and Scotland from the late thirteenth to the early seventeenth century, one of the bloodiest periods of territorial dispute between the two nations. This movement tries to capture the Reivers war like ferocity and hardy spirit. It features a central section based on the traditional melody ‘The Wail of Flodden’ which mourns the loss of sons and husbands at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.

•  2. Lovely Morar (3:00)

Morar is an area of outstanding natural beauty on the West coast of Scotland. The movement depicts the rolling hills, deep lochs, and gentle breeze blowing through its ancient woodlands. The threat of a storm pushing in from the Atlantic is also never far away in this part of the world.

•  3. Mairi’s Wedding (1:50) This scherzo-like movement is based on the popular melody that every Scottish bride seems to be piped into church with. The jaunty melody is shared around the ensemble, and there is of course an intoxicating ceilidh section featuring ‘Scotland the Brave’ and ‘The Wedding March’.

•  4. Teribus (2:30)

For the last movement we return to the South of Scotland. ‘Teribus ye Teri-Odin’ is the ancient war cry of the people of Hawick (known as ‘Teries’). The melody was first referenced in 6/8 time during the first movement. Here it sparkles in joyful celebration featuring war-like drones, florid scales and arpeggios, and a jubilant conclusion. ‘Teribus ye Teri-Odin, sons of heroes slain at Flodden, imitating border bowmen, aye defend your rights and Common’ (Teribus).

I hope you enjoy rehearsing and performing this concert suite. I aimed to give a snapshot into some of the wonderful music to be found in this part of the world.

Rob J. Hume, July 2020