Paul Lewis – Retrospective Family Portraits (Flute, ‘Cello & Piano)

Retrospective Family Portraits, written in 2002, four and a half years after the composer and his former wife parted company, is a deeply felt work. Lyrical and joyful but with an emotional sting in the tail, it is idiomatically written for the three instruments in the composer’s usual Anglo-French melodic style. The three movements are: Kim – the family dog – a white Boxer, pictured galumphing along Somerset country lanes before taking off across the fields in joyful pursuit of rabbits and moles, finally returning home to sink exhausted into her basket. Geneviève – the composer’s former wife – French, blonde, gracious, artistic and a wonderful cook, though not without her more enigmatic moments. Rowena – the composer’s daughter – memories of the young Rowena on happy holidays in France pervade the music until, without warning, the mood changes towards the end; composer and daughter had not met since the family break-up four and a half years previously, and the music calls out Rowena’s name into the distance, as did the composer’s heart.  The premiere took place as part of the 2002 Brighton Festival Fringe, and was performed by the Hilser Trio with Rachel Smith on flute, Rachel Firmager on ‘Cello and Yoko Ono on Piano.

Review: “This charming three movement trio for flute cello piano trio is a valuable addition to the repertoire for this popular combination in the true well written playful style of Paul’s. I gave the premiere performance with the Hilser Trio and we have performed it a number of times – which have been well received as have many positive comments that it adds variety to a standard classical repertoire programme. In three movements, each dedicated to a member of his family, using the three instruments well, showing off their individual characteristics and each having the tune. For the flute it covers the entire range with some demanding passages, and fits well with the cello and piano with some rehearsing – but well worth the effort and some lovely melodious tunes. Audience friendly and fun to play. Around 10 mins in total.” – Dr. Rachel Smith DMA, MA, BMus (Hons), FTCL – May 2015

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.