Beara (2001)
Form: Solo Instrumentation: violoncello Year: 2001 Duration: 6:00 Premiere: 3/03, Jennifer Devore, CAMI Hall, New York
The Beara Peninsula, straddling the counties of Cork and Kerry juts out into the Atlantic like a forearm. One of Ireland’s most beautiful and unspoiled reaches, Beara, with its fantastic cliff-studded coastline, bays riddled with islands, and the mighty Hungry Hill and Mare’s Tail – Ireland’s tallest waterfall – inspired this music. No other extra-musical associations need be mentioned, but those who’ve been to this wild place may detect a hint of turf fires, the vertigo of the Connor Pass, or the mountain spine that splits this spectacular place in two.
Sean Hickey
October 2001
New York City