Third of a set of six short pieces for piano with the collective title
Shocklach Diary. These stemmed from moving in 2015 to a converted Methodist Chapel on the borders of Cheshire and Wales. Border lands have long held a strong interest for Martin Bussey, and the English/Welsh borders are represented in varied genres, including his
Border Studies for organ and the stage works
A Shropshire Lass and
Timeless Figure. Links between place and music are hard to define and seldom absolute, but they form a common strand in much music that has influenced Martin.
‘Bodnant Redwoods’ was begun following a summer walk through the towering redwoods in the gardens at Bodnant Castle. Immensely tall by British norms they are reflected in the expanse of keyboard used in the piece. Laid out on three staves, specific pedalling techniques enable melodies in octaves in both hands to merge and come back into focus.
You can watch Martin Bussey play the piece here: