These pieces are reflections of some of my favourite places, remembered from childhood and still the types of places I love to explore and spend time in. There is, I find, a sense of peace and contemplation in being near water, whether in the height of summer, the first stirrings of spring or even the depths of winter. No matter what emotions or thoughts you take there, you can find a quiet joy and contentment by the waterside.
A lade, as it’s called in Scotland, is a mill lade or mill race, which runs the water wheel. Lochs are of course abundant here and a major part of the landscape. The word burn is used for both streams and larger rivers at times too. Where I grew up in Kilbirnie the River Garnock was always just called the burn. I crossed it every day on my way to primary school and it was a great place to play too! A lea is a flat grassy field, often beside a river.
The four pieces can be played as a suite (about 8-9 minutes), in pairs, or each piece can stand alone. Dynamics are given and tempos suggested, but fingerings are left to the preference of each player.