The Solitary Reaper (1995)
soprano and violin (or treble recorder/flute, or oboe, or piano) 5 mins
A setting of the Wordsworth poem, dedicated to the memory of Elizabeth Maconchy; the lyrical portrayal of a maiden working in the fields, singing ‘as if her song could have no ending’ inspired the composer to write a delicately flowing setting of the words supported by a ‘never-ending’ instrumental ostinato.
`The revelation, when listening to this admirable CD, was the music of Alan Bullard. The Solitary Reaper is such a fascinating composition I found myself returning to it time and time again’ Steve Ford, Avant magazine
First performed by Lindsay Gowers (soprano) and Lesley Larkum (violin), Colchester 8 March 1995, and recorded on the CD New British Music Vol. 1 (same performers) FMR CD35-0996
Live recording (voice and piano) on SoundCloud
The Solitary Reaper Sample pages (two pages of each version)
Printed copies of the voice and piano version are available to order from Colne Edition in the UK at £4.95 per copy plus postage, delivery approximately two weeks.
Digital downloads / pdfs of all four versions (voice and violin, voice and piano, voice and oboe, and voice and treble recorder / flute) are available instantly in one file, worldwide, from Sheet Music Plus or Sheet Music Direct These sites also contain a recording with voice and violin.