Barcelona Postcards

About

1. The first movement illustrates the plethora of fish to be seen at the Aquarium at feeding time. There are small fish, big fish, colourful fish and plain fish. I have tried to mimic the darting movements of the small fish with quick high grace notes and tremolos. In contrast, the darker notes of the oboe and the piano represent the bigger, slower and brooding fish.

2. Watching the harbour in the morning is one of the most serene and beautiful experiences one can have in Barcelona. One morning I visited the harbour when the skies were clear and the sun was sparkling on the ocean, which was a most brilliant blue. The area was almost deserted; it was early. I have captured the tranquillity of the moment with an intimate trio of cello, violin and clarinet.

3. Finding large as life puppets in the square outside the Cathedral was a delight. I imagined them to be alive, moving jerkily, interacting and dancing a little in an empty space.

4. Stepping out of the Metro and being confronted by La Sagrada Familia was a momentous experience. I have chosen two aspects of what I felt for this movement. Firstly, there is the foreboding nature of the building; the way it looks as though it were melting, twisting and almost lurching as it towers over you. Secondly, there is the light and peace that radiates from it through the optimistic spires and delicate bird decorations.

5. The fun side of Gaudi can be seen in the fairytale-like Park Gell, which is full of excitement, laughter and maybe (if you're lucky) at bit of dancing.

Barcelona Postcards received a Honorific Mention Award in the 2005 Frederic Mompou International Award for the Young Composer Competition of the Joventuts Musicals de Barcelona.