Penderyn is a tiny village at the edge of the Brecon Beacons and is the birthplace of the compose’s grandmother. The old church of Penderyn is enclosed by trees that are home to scores of birds from which the village takes its name – ‘Hill of Birds’ is the English translation. The flute evokes the bird song and in the central section plays a folk style melody, while the piano takes a harp like role with an old Welsh hymn (Llef) hidden in the harmony and following the bird song.
Review: “A lovely atmospheric piece for flute and piano beginning with a cadenza on the flute leading into some lovely phrases with rippling arpeggio figures passed between flute and piano, with a lovely sonorous tune in the middle before returning to the earlier figures. The piano part is fairly straightforward and should fit together easily with the flute. Would suit about grade 6-7 standard or ideal for a recital piece on the concert platform. Accessible for both player and audience.” – Dr. Rachel Smith DMA, MA, BMus (Hons), FTCL, March 2015


