Composition Notes
As the deadline for entries in the 1996 Canada Music Week Composition Competition drew near, Michael Maw set to work on a new composition for piano. Already, his composition teacher had suggested that he enter his first string quartet, but a performance of this work would not be possible for the Canada Music Week concert. Therefore, Michael decided to quickly compose a piece that he would perform himself at the concert. Starting on October 18, 1996 he composed during his spare time, finishing the work on the 21st. He then entered both his string quartet and his new piano piece (which he had titled “Evocation”) in the competition. The day he completed this composition, his piano was being tuned. Promptly afterwards, he sat down and performed the piece for the piano tuner, who remarked, “It sent shivers up my spine the whole way through!” Michael’s work paid off, and he was awarded 1st Prize [Age 16-17] in the 1996 Canada Music Week Composition Competition (BCRMTA – Victoria Branch).
28 years later, Michael found the original manuscript for this piece and decided to make a brand new arrangement for large orchestra. He also chose to rename the composition as “Oak Island” after completing the new arrangement, as the music had a mysterious quality that made him think of the search for hidden treasure on Newfoundland’s famous Oak Island.
Instrumentation
- Piccolo
- 2 Flutes
- 2 Oboes
- 2 Bb Clarinets
- 2 Bassoons
- 4 Horns in F
- 3 Bb Trumpets
- 2 Tenor Trombones
- Bass Trombone
- Tuba
- Timpani
- Triangle
- Tambourine
- Large Gong
- Xylophone
- Celesta
- Harp
- 1st Violins
- 2nd Violins
- Violas
- Violoncellos
- Double Basses
