Martin Bussey has frequently extrapolated short works for a solo instrument from his more elaborate stage and concert works. This study for unaccompanied solo cello explores themes from his chamber opera,
Mary’s Hand, about Mary Tudor. In the opera, the movement ‘Soul Song’, from which most of the material here is taken, reflects Mary Tudor’s deeply held faith which ultimately blinds her to political reality.
A work is a reflective, melodic study exploiting a wide pitch range within a flexible tempo. Expressive appoggiaturas and long-phrased melodies carry the musical sense of this piece and hint at Mary’s struggle between the spiritual and the political.
Cellist Gabriella Swallow, for whom the piece was written, performs it here: