Gavin Bryars: Winestead [Live]

Bryars is inspired by the landscape and unique character of Holderness - the area of East Yorkshire between Hull and Spurn Head landscape, and at the same time the life and poetry of Andrew Marvell (1621-1678), the metaphysical poet who was born and raised in the Holderness region. When a young man of just 19, Marvell witnessed his father drowning as he was crossing the Humber by ferry. In its original form this new work took several iterations, the first being a performance by his ensemble of four musicians and tenor in the Church of St Germain, Winestead, where Marvell was baptised and where his father was rector. The second involved a sound installation in Hull and the third, concert performances in Hull and London, with harmonium replacing the tiny Winestead organ heard in this recording.

This piece is part of New Music Biennial 2017.

Winestead is commissioned by Opera North.

John Potter tenor
Morgan Goff viola
James Woodrow electric guitar
Nick Cooper cello
Gavin Bryars harmonium

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