Tears

Clouston, Keith

About the work

Tears was written especially for the COMA London Ensemble and is a development of a song originally composed for soprano, oud (Arab lute), flute and tabla. Using a lyric by the poet Jessica d’Este, Tears comprises three sections: a prelude for string orchestra and flutes; a solo meditation for oud; and a lament for soprano with orchestra accompaniment. The three sections are linked thematically and through the use of notes derived from the classical Arab mode Soznak maqam.

First Performance: COMA London Ensemble, 26th Jun 1995, Spitalfields Festival, London

Technical notes

The soprano part goes up to top Bb.