Paul Lewis – A Somerset Garland (Flute, Violin or Harmonica & Piano)

Arrangements of Somerset folk songs to give them a new lease of life and introduce them to audiences who might never otherwise hear them. Very popular with audiences, its individual movements are useful as fillers or encores. Martock Jig and Langport March are also playable on Piccolo. It is a very direct and enjoyable work and is also versatile, with versions for flute, violin or harmonica with piano accompaniment. The original harmonica version is very idiomatically written by the composer, who was long associated with the late great virtuoso Tommy Reilly. It is folk material very well suited to the instrument. For teaching studios, conservatories, libraries, amateurs and professionals. The last movement of this work Langport March was a Trinity College London Grade 5 Exam Piece for Flute between 2007 and 2022.

Review: “This is a rather light-hearted collection of five pieces representing different areas of Somerset. The five short tunes are accessible and pose no real difficulties to get together with the piano, and only the odd passage which would require extra practice. They are about grade 5 level, and cover all three octaves of the flute but sit well under the fingers and would be useful as a solo item for a school concert perhaps, and definitely worth looking at the rest of the movements if the student chooses the Langport March as a grade 5 exam piece. The first, Bridgwater Shanty, opens with a lively tune which passes between both instruments, and appears up the octave on the flute and slightly ornamented on its repeat. Martock Jig is in true gig style, lively and light-hearted. Muchelney Ham Lament is slower in tempo, with the flute taking the tune throughout. Huish Episcopi Sarabande is lyrical and typical of Paul’s style and ability to write a flowing melody to bring out the nuances of the flute. Langport March has been on the grade 5 exam list and is again a lively rendition of the Duke of York together with variations and tempo increases at the end. A lovely fun set of dances.” – Dr. Rachel Smith DMA, MA, BMus (Hons), FTCL – December 2012

Review: “This is a set of three dances, one lament and one march, with piano accompaniment: the solo part can be played on either the flute, violin or harmonica. The fiddler should be Grade 6-7 standard, as despite the Bridgwater Shanty and Huish Episcopi Sarabande being fairly straightforward, there are some awkward thirds in the Lament and the Langport March goes quite high.  However, as one would expect with folk (or quasi-folk) music, these all work on the violin, and if upon first reading the violin parts seem a little bland, play them as soon as possible with the piano. The accompaniments are very clever, create much colour and interest and will make the playing experience highly enjoyable. The composer is also a highly skilled composer for film and televisions.” – David Angel in Music Teacher March 2008

Biography

Lewis, Paul

Paul Lewis, born in 1943 in Brighton, England, has composed prolifically for British television since the age of 20, as well as producing a large body of tonal and melodic concert works. His TV scores for drama series such as Arthur of the Britons and The Prisoner of Zenda, children's series such as Seal Morning and Woof! and comedies such as Monty Python's Flying Circus and The Benny Hill Show have been heard all around the world.  His instrumental works, several of which are in the U.K. exam syllabuses, are usually happy and romantic, inspired mostly by favourite places, close musician friends and loved ones. The Campion Cameo label has issued a CD of his TV themes, and his orchestral concert music appears on CD alongside the music of other English composers such as Arnold, Holst and Delius. Some of Paul's flute and harmonica works published by Broadbent & Dunn are also available on Campion Cameo. See www.paullewiscomposer.com for full details.