New Zealand Suite for Guitar

About

New Zealand Suite for Guitar is Bruce Paine's first composition for classical guitar. The aim was to create a work with immediate appeal to guitarists and audiences alike, and one that might be considered suitable professional concert repertoire.

Written in the early part of 2007, the three movements of the suite were a response to the composers experience of the beautiful landscape and scenery of New Zealand’s South Island. The first piece Mountain Cascade echoes the movement of mountain streams in particular near Mount Cook, where the water tumbles and bounces over rocks then suddenly calms as it reaches a lake. Rotoiti Twilight conjures up the atmosphere of an evening stroll from the village of St Arnaud in the Nelson Lakes District to the tranquil shores of Lake Rotoiti. The Forest Awakens presents a contrasting morning scene, again on the shores of Rotoiti, where native birds sing passionately and animals stir along the “Bell Bird Walk”.

The intention was for this suite to be easily playable and a possible concert opener that would not be too physically demanding. To an extent this has been achieved but a reasonably high level of proficiency is required to achieve a convincing performance, particularly with the third movement, which requires great dexterity and stamina.