BY LINDISFARNE This composition was written for my beautiful wife, Nadia, as a 2014 Christmas present (hence the final section which I wanted to sound ‘Christmassy’). Lindisfarne Castle is a 16th-century castle located on Holy Island in Northumberland, England. For several years, at Christmas-time, we have taken our four dogs and rented a cottage near to the castle but being out of season, we have never managed to see inside; hence the title. CALLANISH This four-movement work, written in 1998, took as its’ inspiration, the magnificent standing stones on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. With the exception of the third movement, these pieces are not particularly meant to sound ‘Celtic’; instead, I tried to give a musical representation of the ancient, mystical atmosphere of this area. From a compositional viewpoint, this was a change of direction for me. DERBYSHIRE SUITE This is one of my earliest ‘large-scale’ compositions. It was inspired by the attractive area of the United Kingdom known as the Peak District where I live. NINE MICRO STUDIES In 2000 I had the idea of writing a set of advanced studies for guitarists. Each one had to have a technical purpose as well as hopefully being musically interesting and brief enough as to not outstay their welcome. I stopped at 9. SAUDADE This short composition was written in memory of a dog named ‘Daisy’ who shared my life for over 17 years and was my constant companion. The word originates from the Portuguese and is difficult to translate into English, but basically it means a sense of sadness over something which is no longer there. CIRCLE’S END One of my all-time favourite singer/songwriters was Harry Chapin who, in my mind, wrote some of the most beautiful and interesting songs of all time. Shortly after his death in a car accident in 1981 in New York, I was inspired to write this ‘memorial’ piece in his memory. Programme notes by Steve Marsh. For information about Steve Marsh or if you wish purchase any of the music played on this CD, please visit his website at: www.stevemarsh.uk.com Review Bucolic beauty and sweet sadness in atmospheric gem This most recent release from the talented and prolific Irish guitarist Brian Farrell is devoted entirely to music by Steve Marsh— composer of more than 300 works, publisher of many pieces for the guitar and other instruments (through his Lathkill Music), a teacher, and, yes, a writer for Classical Guitar. It’s a lovely album from beginning to end, brimming with pleasing and often haunting melodies that manage to sound at once affirmative and mysterious. The first time I listened to the CD, my mind was instantly filled with vivid images of the English countryside—so much of it has a relaxing, pastoral feeling. I looked up some of the places referenced in titles—“ Callanish,” an ancient stone circle on a remote Scottish isle; “The Derbyshire Suite,” inspired by scenic spots in the East Midlands of England, where Marsh lives; “Lathkill,” the name of a local river dale; and “Lindisfarne” (not the British band of that name I heard in the 1970s), another picturesque island with deep history and mystical connections. Marsh— and his vessel, Farrell—tap into all these places, evoking a wide variety of moods, from bucolic bliss to quiet contemplation to sweet sadness. The nine “Microstudies” seemingly depart from the composer’s concern with place, but still feel very much a part of the overall tapestry. And my favourite track may be the lilting final one, “Circle’s End,” which feels almost like a capstone for the CD’s journey. The recording is superb and Farrell’s playing sparkles like morning dew throughout. Blair Jackson Editor Classical Guitar Magazine