Three Balkan Folk Songs: (arr. Forrest) Maričensko, from the village of the same name in the Bulgarian province of Sofia, is a lively 6/8 dance. More Sokol Pie (A Falcon Drinks), from Macedonia is a slower plaintive song while Eleno Mome (Hey, Elena) is an attractive, rhythmic song and dance in 7/8. Oblivion and Fugata: Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992) (arr. Scarth) In these pieces, the Argentinian composer Piazzolla shows two very different yet original interpretations of the tango form: a contemplative Oblivion and an energetic Fugata, which begins as a true fugue before developing in directions which show Piazzolla’s experiments with elements of twentieth-century music. Le Phénix: Michel Corrette (1707-1795) (arr. Forrest) Corrette was a Paris organist and composer, writing methods for many instruments as well as concerti, song accompaniments and instrumental chamber works. Le Phénix, originally written for 4 bassoons/bass viols, is in three movements. Quatre Pièces: Lili Boulanger (1893-1918) (arr. Forrest) D’un Vieux Jardin, D’un Jardin Clair and Cortège are taken from Trois Morceaux Pour Piano (1914) while the Nocturne (1911) was originally for flute or violin and piano. Boulanger, who died tragically at the age of 24, was the younger sister of the more well known composer, Nadia Boulanger. She was an excellent pianist and composer in her own right. These pieces demonstrate her skill with evocative harmonies reminiscent of Debussy. Suite Française: François Poulenc (1899-1963) (arr. Forrest) Originally written for a small wind ensemble with percussion (Op.80 1935), Poulenc also arranged this piece for solo piano. The suite is based on seven dances from Claude Gervaise’s Livre de Danceries (1545). Whilst the basic rhythms and melodies are original, the distinctive harmonies are Poulenc’s own. This transcription makes use of the guitar’s different sonorities to enhance the many colours of the original ensemble. Waves Obsidian: Haralabos (Harry) Stafylakis Stafylakis (b. 1982, Montreal, Canada) is a New York-based composer whose works have been performed internationally. His concert music strives for dramatic emotional and intellectual expression, seamlessly integrating idioms drawn from various genres, fusing contemporary classical with metal, pop, Greek traditional, and film musics. Fantasy on Two French Carols: Andrew Forrest The two carols upon which this fantasy is based are “La Ballade de Jésus Christ” and “Quelle est Cette Odeur Agréable?”. Landscape with Trees: Peter Byrom-Smith “Having known The Quartet personally, seeing them perform and listening to their recordings over many years, I loved the idea of writing a new work for them. The title is inspired by many thoughts I had about trees whilst writing; trees in nature, the sound of guitars (made from wood from around the world) and the series of tree paintings by David Hockney. The Quartet gave me ‘free rein’ in writing this work, which is always good for a composer! ‘Landscape With Trees’ is written in three movements, played without a break; the central movement is slow and expressive, whilst the outer two are more rhythmic.” P. B-S.