Wind quintet (soloists) Fl. Ob. Cl. Sax. Bassoon
Toriad y Dydd — literally “the breaking of day” — draws upon the distinctive character of a traditional Welsh air and places it within a new instrumental setting.
About the work
Written as a school or college ensemble item of imtermediate difficulty for use in competitions, assemblies or ensemble examination situations.
The music evokes that quiet, transitional moment when night begins to give way to morning. The opening is restrained and spacious, with the melody gradually emerging through the different voices of the ensemble. Flute, oboe, clarinet, tenor saxophone and bassoon each contribute to the changing colours of the music, allowing the traditional melody to appear, disappear and return in different guises.
Rooted in Welsh musical tradition but freshly imagined for wind ensemble, Toriad y Dydd is a musical portrait of dawn — a moment of transition, awakening and quiet renewal.
Phil Orrin 