Suivez la Piste! (1980)

for ensemble

Duration: ca. 6 minutes

Commissioned by Cockpit Music, Inner London Education Authority

This work was written for "Opus Twenty", the contemporary music group of London's Centre for Young Musicians, which McQueen directed during 1980 and '81.

The ensemble of 2 fls; ob; treble rec; 2 cls; 2 hns; tpt; timp; 2 perc; 3 vlns, vla, cello and bass; reflects the composition of the group at that time. There are ten short sections but the tutti is used with restraint. The music let's many time-space and improvised elements rub shoulder with fully notated rhythmic themes, chorale-like harmonies, and counterpoint.

The piece is technically demanding, both individually and in terms of ensemble. It should be approachable, however, for an imaginative and resourceful conductor and players of Associated Board Grade VI and above.

Other Music for Young Players or Amateurs:
Infinity Contained
Timeflight
Dayspring - a Madrigal for May
Beggarman-Thief!
Three Carols for 1984
Alice First and Last
By Fire [Per Ignem]
The Owl and the Pussycat
Four Traditional Christmas Carol Arrangements
The Darkness Declares
Fanfares and Nocturnes
Ring Out Wild Bells!