Murmuration: for solo pedal harp

This work for solo pedal harp is a response to the phenomenon by starlings to collectively create patterns of transformation. Yet, the movement of each individual bird is decided by information it receives from the surrounding seven birds. This number caught my attention, because on the pedal harp, out of twelve pitches in every octave, the player only has access to seven pitches at any one time. The current pedal harp mechanism was designed during the threshold between the classical and romantic eras, so it provides more easily for harmony of that time, characterised by major and minor keys which are related to one another. The challenge to the composer for harp is to find seven pitches which are more interesting to today's ears than the major and minor scale, lovely though these may be.
In this piece I devised a series of 22 different seven-note scales, each with a difference of one pitch from its neighbouring scale, and 17 different finger patterns, also shifting by just small differences. I then transformed these basic materials to create a sense of metamorphosis in the movement throughout the piece. Some of the patterns are interrupted by starling calls, created through different effects on the harp. I deliberately avoided reliance on a sound recording of starlings, - the commissioner may engage starlings themselves at any time, should they be available. I am much more interested in what can be said through a musical instrument in the hands of an artist, than in copying something already existing using prerecorded sounds. Meanwhile we treasure the experiences these mythical creatures bring us, and respond humbly to their creativity with our own.

Duration: 5'45

Commissioned by Music Network with funds provided by the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon.
Murmuration was premiered on 18th November 2025 by Emmanuel Ceysson in Warrenpoint Town Hall,
Warrenpoint, Co. Down.