for David Stirling Cooper of the Graham and Colquhoun clans

 

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Three epic tone poems paint a soundscape of an ancient Celtic world, depicting the final days of Camelot - from the death of Arthur, through the ceremony of his burial at sea on a funeral pyre to the dawn of a new day.

 

Battle of Camlann

 

In an ancient land, knights ride into battle wearing their courage like a comfortable mantle and passions flare as barbarously as the law of survival and all is sheathed beneath an illusory swirling mist.   Against this background, Arthur is mortally wounded at the hands of his nephew and bitter rival, Mordred.

 

 

Duration:  Just over 3 and a half minutes

Grading: 6th Grade - AMEB/ANZCA

 

Ashes of Avalon

 

In the bloody aftermath of the Battle of Camlann, Camelot lies in ruins, the battlefield strewn with bodies and the remains of many small fires.  Arthur is ceremoniously carried away and prepared for burial and a hazy, red glow settles over the land which still rings with the cries of battle

 

Duration:  Approx. 4 and a half minutes

Grading:  Approx. 7th Grade - AMEB/ANZCA

 

Sunrise over Camelot

 

Long after the dust has settled on the final battle, the sun finally rises on a new and fresh Camelot, her tales and secrets remaining forever buried deep in the soil of those ancient lands.

 

Duration:  Just over 5 minutes

Grading:  Approx. 6th Grade - AMEB/ANZCA

 

 

 

These tone poems draw deep on my Celtic heritage and are dedicated to my father - a man of extraordinary courage and will, who was born near Camelon in Stirling, Scotland, a natural stronghold forming the gateway to the highlands and believed to be the true location of the legendary Camelot or Camlann.