Irish Stew

Description

Leslie Craven and Peter Fielding were preparing for the Clarinet Convention in Cardiff and asked me if I could provide them with an interesting new ensemble piece for the final concert that would include all the instruments available at the Convention in April. It was a cold December  day and I was enjoying my favourite comfort food – Irish Stew – and I thought that this was an apt title.  The medley includes The Irish Washerwoman, The Star of the County Down, The Rakes of Mallow, The Mountains of Mourne, Boolavogue, and several others including my favourite, Danny Boy. It moves through varied styles and moods, with all the parts contributing to the melodies. Irish Stew can be adapted and modified, and could include many elements of theatre, with the addition of props and percussion as envisaged by the players and their director.