Three Vignettes

The three short pieces that make up this suite are designed to provide an enjoyable challenge for the ensemble and an equally enjoyable experience for the listener. They can be performed as a suite or as individual pieces.

1. Celebration. This energetic piece incorporates elements as diverse as minimalist and Cuban influences. Sputato articulation gives the piece a percussive edge and the constantly changing time signatures add a euphoric energy that reflects the title.

2. Lament. This atmospheric piece echoes Celtic influences. It is written for the lower recorders (alto, tenor, tenor, bass, bass, great bass). The alto and tenor recorder soloist can soar above the repeated drone figure in the low recorders. A homophonic episode shows the beauty of the instruments when playing in tight harmony.

3. Frolic. This short, light hearted burst of energy reflects the title. Rapid polyphonic lines highlight the agility of the instruments

Born in New Zealand in 1953 Richard Percival moved to Sydney Australia, after completion of Bachelor of Music Degree at Canterbury University, to complete an Associate Diploma in Jazz Studies at Sydney University. Further studies took place in Los Angeles and New York with Victor Morosco (woodwinds) and Abbe Frazer (Counterpoint). Mr. Percival has been a professional woodwind doubler (saxophones, clarinets, flutes) for over fifty years, working in areas as diverse as symphony orchestras, television shows, recording studios, theatre orchestras, Afro –Cuban bands, and other ensembles. He has toured with such people as Maria Schneider, Bob Florence, Natalie Cole, Hugh Jackman, Olivia Newton –John, Cleo Laine, Sarah Brightman, Howard Keel and many others. He has been a prominent educator producing the Teacher On Tap series of Learning Modules for Woodwinds as well as many ensemble pieces for woodwinds, brass, string ensembles and percussion.

As a composer he has written for ensembles as diverse as string orchestras, big bands, various woodwind ensembles, Afro-Cuban ensembles and vocal ensembles. He won “First Place for the Nation” in the Maurice Ravel International Composition Competition 2017,2018.He also won First Prize in the Universal Marimba Competition in Belgium earlier in 2021.Performers of his compositions include The Sydney Wind Quintet, The Bourbaki Ensemble, The Sydney Jazz Orchestra, The Sydney All Stars, The Sydney Conservatorium Saxophone Orchestra, The Kerrie Biddel Singers and individuals including Ken Peplowski and Paquito D’Rivera. He currently resides in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney where he continues to teach and compose.