The Sea Symphony Is Finished
Monday, 24th of August 2026
It's finished! And what a journey – two years of composing – sitting on the rocks at Spanish Point, walking on Clare Island with the sounds in my head, marvelling at the transformation in my creative subconscious.
The final dots were added yesterday to the first movement, Dawn Of Civilisation, which opens with two ancient melodies, separated by 4,000 km of sea.
We see the same sea as our ancestors. Their music echoes across the centuries – Sciathlúireach Mhuire, an ancient Irish melody, and Doxazomen Sou Christe, a Byzantine hymn by Kassia from Constantinople, the other side of Europe. These two melodies evolve through the orchestra, erupting in a blaze of glory as they are joined by Mo Ghile Maer, a song to Ireland's protector, gone across the sea. Dawn Of Civilisation is the sea as our constant companion through the centuries, connecting us to distant cultures and bringing us home again.
The second movement, Wild Dance, the sea dancing on the rocks. Sunset At Sea is the slow movement, capturing the hidden movement of the ocean under a serene surface. The symphony ends with Tide, an epic finale mirroring the first movement. The power of the ocean is revealed in all its glory when we finally hear the big tune complete!
Of course, it is not yet available, but you can have a sneak preview on my Youtube channel. I have put the videoscore playback up there and you can only access it with these links.
Tell me what you think of it!
And, does anyone know anyone at the National Symphony Orchestra Ireland?
Comments