1(afl, pic).0.ca.0.ssax.1(cbsn)-1.0.1.0-perc(crot, vib, mar, bell plate, sizz cym, Swiss cow bell, gong [horizontal], tam-t, 2 bng, 2slit drum, wood drum, 2cong, 2b.d, marac, 5tempbl, vibraslap)-hp-str(0.0.1.0.1) 4 voices (Countertenor, 2 Tenors and Bass) and ensemble - Digital Download SKU: S9.Q19665 For four voices and instrumental ensemble. Composed by John Casken. This edition: study score. Music Of Our Time. Downloadable, Study score. Duration 30 minutes. Schott Music - Digital #Q19665. Published by Schott Music - Digital (S9.Q19665). English.The Anglo-Saxon poem The Dream of the Rood was probably written in the 8th Century and is the earliest dream-vision poem in Old English. A fragment of the poem from the section that describes the crucifixion can be found carved on the Ruthwell Cross in Dumfriesshire, and set in stone at a time when Ruthwell was part of the ancient kingdom of Northumbria. In responding to a commission for the Hilliard Ensemble, I was keen to find a dramatic text, but one that would also invite a musical response appropriate to the very nature of this kind of vocal quartet. Writing for the Hilliards together with a mixed instrumental ensemble, and for a generous cathedral acoustic, has had a strong influence on the types of textures and sonorities I have used. The structure of the work is dictated by the form of the poem, but the music could also be seen as consisting of a sequence of motets with both vocal and instrumental interludes. John Casken.
