Compositions by Nigel L. S. McBain


Sheet music for selected compositions is available for purchase in the Online Shop

List of Compositions

Orchestral Music

Lindisfarne - [1992] 2fl.2ob.2cl.2bn.strings (4'00"), prelude using the Lydian mode, primarily inspired by plainchant melodies and modal cadences.

Flute Concertino - [1992] 3fl.3ob.3cl.3bn.3tr.4hn.3tbn.1tba.timp.3perc.strings and solo flute (5'30"), short orchestral concertino for solo flute and orchestra, which quotes a theme of Shostakovich as the opening motif.

Redemption by Grace - [1993] 2fl.2ob.2cl.2bn.4hn.2trp.3tbn.1tba.timp.perc.strings (6'00"), tone poem using tone centres of D and G. Inspired by a visit to the Daintree rainforest near Port Douglas, Queensland.

Behold and See - [1994] 3fl.3ob.3cl.3bn.4hn.3trp.3tbn.1tba.timp.3perc.strings (10'10"), tone poem using sustained notes and long timpani roles. The piece depicts the devastation of the loss of Jerusalem in "Lamentations". How solitary lies the city...

Chamber Music

Zephyrian Dances - [1992] for solo flute in five movements.

Puzzlement and Resolution on the Verandah - [1993] for oboe and 2 clarinets in A.

Suite Normande - [2003] For Clarinet and Piano. Nine movements (45'00").

Segesta - [2006] ob.harp.strings (10'00), A chamber work in 3 movements: Tempio, Agora, Teatro, inspired by a visit to the archeological site of Segesta, an ancient Greek colony in Sicily.

Lullaby - [2007] cl.in A.hn.hp.vlc. (1'53") A lullaby written for my mother.

Ballet Music

Peter Pan - [1996] 1fl.1bn.2hn.1vlnI.1vlnII.1vla.1vlc. Music for a ballet school production of Peter Pan.

Opera

Don Stefano - [begun July 2006 - ] 2fl.2ob.2cl.2bn.2hn.2trp.2tbn.1tba.2perc.harp.strings. A comic opera, still in the process of composition.

Oratorio

Defeats and Reversals of Byzantine Emperors - a work for Treble, Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass, Treble Chorus, Full Chorus and Orchestra. 

Incidental Music

Music for The Tempest by William Shakespeare - [2007] Chamber Orchestra and choir. Commissioned by the Derby Playhouse for the Youth Theatre production of The Tempest 2007, directed by Bethany Sheldon.

Sacred Music

Anglican Psalm Chant Collection - [1994] 13 Psalm Chants for varying combinations of voices.

Missa in Adventu - [1995] S.A.T.B. Kyrie, Sanctus, Pater Noster, Agnus Dei. Bb Minor. Latin.

Missa Sol Iustitiae - [1997] T.T.B.B. Kyrie, Sanctus, Agnus Dei. For ferial celebrations. Latin.

Missa in Transfiguatione Domini - [1997] T.B. and Organ. Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei. Ab Major. Latin text.

Magnificat - [1997] Unison and Organ. ICEL English text (3'00'' approximately).

Sub Tuum - [1998] T.B.Organ. Prayer to the Mother of God. D Major.

Mass of St George - [2000] T.T.B.B. Mass setting for the Novus Ordo Missae in English.

The Angel Cried I - [2004] S.A.T.B. A setting of the text in English from the Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom based in the Phrygian mode, for choir, a capella, commissioned by Rev Dr Lawrence Cross.

The Angel Cried II - [2004] S.A.T.B. A setting of the text in English from the Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom based in the Phrygian mode, for choir, a capella, commissioned by Rev Dr Lawrence Cross.

The Angel Cried III - [2004] S.A.T.B. A setting of the text in English from the Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom based in the Phrygian mode, for choir, a capella, commissioned by Rev Dr Lawrence Cross.