Seven Ages a journey through the early history of Engiand. The music is inspired by the real eras and events which have inspired and intrigued me. As a historic Tour Guide, Engish cities and its landscape have fascinated me for many years, and these compositions draw on the tales and sagas of forgotten civilisations, dramatic conquests and the vital reclaiming of the people's Liberty through the sealing of Magna Carta. The music is varied and has shades of dark and light, but has a broadly folk/classical instrumental feel with an intrinsic power behind some of the tracks - and even a musical interpretation of the Battle of Bosworth! I hope it will add to the discoveries and findings of anyone interested in English history, as these eras are seared in my memory and I hope the music reflects my passion for both history and music. Tracks Celt The Celt is a symbol of an ancient civilisation, once dominant in English villages, but displaced by subsequent invasions. Resonances of its Brythonic language may still be heard in Cornish, Gaelic and Welsh. The South West of England in particular paints a picture of Celtic culture and mystique. Stone circles at Avebury and Stonehenge still standing resolutely, despite the passage of over 4,000 years, and the ravages of English Winters. The land here also claims the legend of King Arthur, leader of the Britons, resisting Saxon invasion after the departure of the Romans in 410. Cadbury Castle may be Camelot, Glastonbury perhaps Avalon, and rumoured to be the resting place of the venerated King himself. This track takes particular inspiration from the legends and the landscapes of the South West. Rome Invasion and conquest of the Celtic Britons came in 43 AD. This track is inspired by the might of the Roman army, fearsome resistance, and finally a merging of the cultures and the emergence across nearly 400 years of the Romano-Britons. Alfred of Wessex The South West again as it becomes the heartland of the settled Anglo-Saxons. These Germanic tribes will become the bloodstock of the emergent nation, and give it its name and language - English. The Saxons lay down their roots and their laws perhaps in line with Celtic traditions, and create hierarchies based on justice and equality. King Alfred the Great in particular is remembered as the king who led them and resisted the advance of the pagan Vikings. The track reflects the grandeur of Saxon royalty and the defence and ultimate victory of one key part of England against Viking dominance - Wessex. Viking Raids The Vikings were reputed to be ruthless, Godless and relentless! Nevertheless this track has a light and airy feel about it as the image of the elegant longships crossing the North Sea is both powerful and poetic. Scandinavian Vikings intermarried with the established Anglo-Saxon bloodstock (itself having interbred with the Romano Britons) and became part of the folklore, culture and even language of the North East of England. Normans The invasion of 1066 put the country firmly under the control of the Normans, a fighting people who spoke French, but who descended from Viking ancestry and were duly North Men. William, Duke of Normandy, commanded an army set on vengeance for the treachery of Harold the Saxon King, who seems to have promised to support Duke William in his claim for the throne of England, before claiming it for himself and the native people. The Norman army established itself as the new aristocracy, taking land and enslaving the established Saxon population, and imposing Feudal law, which would sow the seeds of resentment for 150 years. The music contrasts the comfort and beauty of the Southern coastline with the unwelcome arrival of a brutal invader. Liberty In 1215 King John's Barons reflect a widespread distaste for the autocratic nature of his Norman rule. They unite against him and pressure him to put his seal to a document which will later earn totemic status as a symbol of freedom. It is Magna Carta. The music represents the joy of rejecting the shackles of feudalism, and moving to embryonic democracy and greater justice and freedom for all. Something which will remain a quintessential piece of the culture. Tudor Rose The final track has, as its backdrop, the seminal Battle of Bosworth Field. Henry Tudor, Lancastrian aspirant to the throne, lands with an army to challenge Yorkist King Richard III. The dispute between the two Houses has raged for 30 years. Landing on the Welsh coastline and marching nearly 200 miles Henry's army decisively face down Richard's superior forces and the king is slain in the battle. Tudor is crowned Henry VII and the Tudor dynasty will reign for 118 years. The track depicts the dark clouds gathering around Richard's unpopular reign and the joy greeting the arrival of Henry Tudor, before the raucous battle, and final triumph. And England has changed forever...