The Seven Arches

As well as traditional genres, Richard Bullen's music embraces several contemporary ones including video and electronics, and shows a keen interest in location both in its formal possibilities and in its genius loci - its spirit of place.

A five-minute stand-alone piece for SATB chorus, The Seven Arches was written for a site-specific project at the Dartington International Summer School: an invocation of the rich cultural and mythic past of the celebrated gardens.

In poet Steve Willey's multi-layered text the remaining seven arches of the medieval courtyard become metaphors for this continuing presence. Bold arched melodiesspringing from resilient, purposeful chords likewise animate the music, a sonic tableau of the sites/sights and sounds of history. The premiere performance was conducted by David Lardi with the Finchley Chamber Choir.