A Chime of Wrens

Music of Sally Greenaway
Commissioned by Dee & Gregg McFaul

A Chime of Wrens is an exquisite Art Song by Australian composer Sally Greenaway. Performed by soprano Jade McFaul and pianist Anthony Smith, the piece delivers a heartfelt message from afar, transcending the barriers imposed by distance against a backdrop of unpredictable and unrelenting Covid lockdowns.

"The piece was borne from the wish of Gregg and Dee McFaul," says Greenaway. "They wanted to send a musical hug across the country as a celebration of an 80th birthday milestone and a family's love for mother/grandmother Merlene Poole".

John Banister Tabb's poem embodies quiet resilience and strength through the ups and downs of life. Like a mirror on the poem, Greenaway's song is a joyful and earnest reflection, wondrously providing metaphorical wings to meaningfully celebrate Merlene's love of community, family and her faith.

One little flower still lacked a stem
So into it He breathed a song...
And suddenly, with petals strong
As wings, away it flew.

Category: Vocal, Choral, Art Song;
Instrumentation: Soprano Voice, Piano
Year: 2021
Work duration: 4min

Versions of this work appear in these recordings

A Chime of Wrens
Sally Greenaway
Released 2022

Performed by Jade McFaul and Anthony Smith

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