Grandchildren’s Suite

Audio file (17:18) – rendered by MuseScore

1. March of the Young Penguins

For James, born 12th May, 2004.

James has always liked activity, so he got a rather jaunty set of three marches with various syncopations and frequent semi-tone icy slitherings.

Score (PDF)

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2. Catherine’s Lullaby

For Catherine Grace, born 22nd May, 2000; died 24th May 2000.

The suite’s origin, this was written in response to the deep family trauma of our first grand-child being born prematurely and living for only two days. It is spare and bleak & was played at her funeral. It fits the Kyrie very well.

Score (PDF)

Audio file (1:45) – rendered by MuseScore

3. Jumping Frog

For Tom, born 17th April, 2002.

Tom had a green plastic leaping frog, so more jaunty and syncopated tunes jumping about in 15/8 and 12/8 time, with occasional extra leaps. By the age of 6⅓ he had leaped over all the ‘Wainwrights’ in the Lake District!

Score (PDF)

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4. The Big Red Tractor (Chickens everywhere)

For Ben, born 27th June 2009.

From being very small Ben loved tractors so this is a trip on one round the farm. There are sharp corners in the lane and into the field, rough ground, and chickens everywhere – Ben’s phrase describing his father’s three hens! There are warnings and instructions in the score.

Score (PDF)

Audio file (3:09) – rendered by MuseScore

5. Playing in the Park

For Lucy, born 19th January, 2007.

Lucy likes to do everything, so she can go walking, jumping, skipping and running in the park; dancing, turning somersaults, playing games, climbing trees and generally having a lively time.

Score (PDF)

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6. Song without Words

For Molly, born and died 12th November, 2005.

Molly was afflicted with Edward’s Syndrome, with many abnormalities incompatible with life. What words could there be, only an elegy.

Score (PDF)

Audio file (1:09) – rendered by MuseScore

7. Music for Dancing

For Anna, born 11th June, 2003.

Anna was always dancing, so I gave her a piece with opportunities for many different sorts of dancing, with instructions in the score. (3‘15”)

Score (PDF)

Audio file (3:18) – rendered by MuseScore

Anyone wishing to perform this work may do so and make copies enough for that purpose. We would be grateful if we were told about any performances. Scores must not be sold and the music cannot be published in any form without permission from Tom Fryers’ estate.

Contact: paul.fryers@gmail.com