A Brother Abroad recounts the exploits of Peter, Bishop of Corbavia in the 1300s. A Benedictine, Peter grew up in Italy and worked at the Papal Court before coming to England. In England he worked on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury, including performing the dedication of Pinner Parish Church.
A Brother Abroad was commissioned for the 2021 Pinner Music Festival to mark the 700th anniversary of that dedication. The text, by Anthony Pinching, tells of Peter’s many adventures, including being captured by outlaws on the journey to negotiate with Robert the Bruce in Scotland. Yet at heart, and foremost in the piece, Bishop Peter demonstrates an intense spirituality.
How does a 14th century bishop speak to us today? What traits of his might we reflect? Overwhelmingly the emphasis in both words and music is on integrity and inner peace.
Throughout, Peter is represented by the solo baritone at the heart of the work. The horn announces Peter’s arrival after his journey through the Archbishop’s hunting lands. The flute reminisces about Peter’s Italian life, the sun and the wine. The tuned timpani represent his turbulent political activities, while tubular bells and piccolo recreate the joyous crowds as he arrives in Pinner. Celebration mixes with spirituality and the real world of fourteenth century politics in a colourful but melodic score. The baritone voice reflects Peter’s strength and inner calm.
Two instrumental solo works were subsequently composed, each a metamorphosis of musical ideas from the work. These are also available from Composers Edition:
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La Rossa for flute
- The Rites Observed for French horn
A Brother Abroad was premiered at Pinner Parish Church on June 12, 2021, the role of Peter sung by Marcus Farnsworth. It was subsequently performed at Ludlow English Song Weekend in April 2022. It will be recorded, together with the solo pieces, by the original performers in February 2024, for release by Resonus Classics.
