This was originally titled A Simple Andante, and written for solo guitar. It is dedicated to guitarist, Alison Smith, who premiered the work at her recital in Plymouth in April, 2002. It does need, however, an excellent guitar technique, and as such cannot be described as 'simple'. On hearing her perform it so successfully, I feel that our idea to rename it Autumn Embers very much captured the nostalgic sentiments expressed.

This was originally titled A Simple Andante, and written for solo guitar. It is dedicated to guitarist, Alison Smith, who premiered the work at her recital in Plymouth in April, 2002. It does need, however, an excellent guitar technique, and as such cannot be described as 'simple'. On hearing her perform it so successfully, I feel that our idea to rename it Autumn Embers very much captured the nostalgic sentiments expressed.

I have already been asked to arrange it for piano solo, which I have done. This new orchestral version was commissioned by a local semi-pro orchestra in Plymouth, the Radio Light Orchestra, conducted by John Ware, former Principal Director of Music of the Royal Marines Band Service. It has just been recorded on their first CD, Light Fantastic!, which appeared in August 2005, and the track is attached as an MP3 file. John suggested that I might use solo oboe for the melody, which I have done, and I think local player and teacher, Teresa Maher, really does it justice, with her lovely, warmly expressive tone.
It received its first US performance on October 14, 2005, when it was one of two works by UK composers to feature in Symphony of Hope, an annual event organised, and conducted by fellow SibeliusMusic composer, Dee Braxton-Pellegrino, in Wintersville, North Carolina, in aid of the American Cancer Society.

All Reviews

There is 1 review for this score

Beauty redefined..
Although I have been a fan of your work ever since I first heard 'Samba Alla Turca', I have to say that you have once again astounded me. The guitar and strings version was great, but this transcription is truly wonderful. I've always enjoyed writing for oboe, but just because it sounds nice. In this piece, however, you have shown me exactly why the oboe is such a wonderful instrument. I really loved the motives in this piece, they are so wonderfully written and changes of tonality are always delivered with perfection. I also enjoyed the arpeggiaic harp part - again, I write for harp sometimes; again, only because it sounds nice. Pieces like this truly reflect the beauty of the instrument. Mr. Buttall, you do not cease to amaze me. Your work is fantastic, and, in my opinion, there are very few people who can match it.