HERALDIC BEASTS by ANDREW WILSON

Heraldic Beasts BY Andrew Wilson Opus 455 is a collection of musical pictures of five of the mythical animals that have frequently appeared in heraldic coats of arms over the centuries. 1.THE ALPHYN is an uncommon medieval heraldic beast: a strange hybrid with features of the tiger, griffin, dragon, goat and the lion. The music is flamboyant and extrovert. 2 THE SALAMANDER in heraldry it is depicted as a dragon-like lizard that lives in blazing fire. In the music the bassoon represents the salamander surrounded by the licking flames of the flute and clarinet. 3.THE WHITE HART symbolises innocence and purity and the music mirrors this in its gentle, pastoral atmosphere. 4.MARTLETS are mythical heraldic birds which have no feet and remain constantly on the wing from the moment of birth until their deathThis is reflected in the perpetual movement of the music until the birds disappear into the distance. 5. THE LION PASSANT GUARDANT has been part of the arms of English monarchs since at least the time of Richard the Lionheart. The music is suitably dashing with flourishes and fanfares surrounding a ceremonial march. It is performed in this video by the Serendipity Woodwind Trio: Anna Hopkins (flute), Karen Verrechia (clarinet) and Sylvia Newton (bassoon). This recording was made at a public concert given in Binham Priory. Norfolk, England.