Four Noble Gases

The composer writes, "Four Noble Gases" is a set of small scale character studies offering a musical response to the personalities of Neon, Argon, Krypton and Xenon. Although my scientifically better educated friends tell me that the periodic table of elements actually contains six noble gases, I decided to restrict myself to these four. (Radon is radioactive and thus difficult to get close to, and Helium is quite light and thus a bit of an airhead.) The four movements arrange themselves nicely into a slow-fast-slow-fast grouping for use together, but may be freely excerpted by players who need something shorter. Although one of the movements is frankly sentimental in nature, the two quicker movements are both quite forthright, proving unequivocally that it is quite possible to be bold and still be a gas."

DH0701 - Four Noble Gases - $14.95 -

Neon

Argon

Krypton

Xenon

Mr. Gawthrop's latest offering prove that good things, indeed, come to those who wait. Four Noble Gasses is another fantastically beautiful, eminently useful piece for the repertoire of any organist, be he concert or church musician. The last 'movement' has become a fast favourite as a postlude in our church: its tunefulness and infective rhythms catch the ear of many of our congregants! Neon gives wonderful examples of the sublime harmonic flow Mr. Gawthrop is known for, playable on the most modest of instruments, but truly resounding on the larger ones. Truly, this is an excellent piece (or group of pieces) suitable for concert or Sunday service. I hope that the reader will enjoy them as much as I have, and take much joy and glee in playing these works of Dan Gawthrop. Bravo to him for doing it again!

Posted by Nicholas Russotto