Tom Harrold
Gnarled Winds
Duration: 5'
Instrumentation details:
flute
oboe
bass clarinet in Bb
bassoon
horn in F
Gnarled Winds
Sample pages
Work introduction
I first holidayed on the Isle of Arran at the age of just six weeks, and have returned at least once every year since. The island, with its majestic yet crooked mountains, lorn landscape, and often-unfortunate weather has left (and continues to leave) a great impact on me, and I have a real affinity and affection for it. A particularly memorable occurrence, several years ago, was when summiting the Corbett Cir Mhor.
The wind was howling, the rain battering against us, and we were firmly within the depths of the clouds. This experience of being one amongst such harsh elements was electrifying, and one which has left a lasting impression: the feeling of exposure to such wild nature and savage weather resonated strongly with me.
Gnarled Winds loosely portrays these harsh conditions: the opening monody (which uses a trio within the quintet) weaves restlessly, eventually entwining the absent pair into its bluster. The piece is dedicated to the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, for whom it was written for and premiered by.