Malcolm Watson

Welcome baby Freya!

On Tuesday April 14th Madeleine welcomed her little girl Freya Alexandra into the world after a long physical and emotional journey.  To celebrate this wonderful family event, Madeleine commissioned me to write this orchestral suite in four movements, to be played as Freya finally meets her mother and family face to face. 

 

1. Hope

This journey has been a roller coaster of hopes (and fears), but mainly hope.  It is Hope that has been the sustaining force over several years of planning and sacrifice. 

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A haunting, slowly shifting and chromatic motive is played by a synthesiser pad before being repeated,  accompanied by a pulsating string section. Above this texture of mystery, the theme of Hope is announced by a flute before being shared by an equally optimistic oboe. A double bass comments upon the quiet determination. After some repetition and reinforcement, the music fades away, as one wave of hope subsides awaiting the arrival of another.

 

2. Joy

The confirmation that new life was present was a joyful time for everyone close to Maddy. While early days, everyone shared in the celebration that Hope was progressing closer to reality. 

 

In the traditional form of a classical Scherzo and Trio, the jaunty opening theme moves through several keys before transitioning to a calming waltz where the melody is turned upside down.  After a brief respite, the opening theme of joy returns to reinforce the mood of elation.

 

3. Arrival

The day has come. The miracle and mystery of new life is unfolding as Freya emerges into the outside world and meets her family for the first time.

One of our local, highly musical Mont Albert birds heralds the morning. Bells ready themselves to sound the welcome.The opening strings, reminiscent of a Hitchcock film,  reflect the mystery and anticipation of the event. Cellos soar beneath the tapestry.  Harps glide through the texture. An organ matches the cellos in intensity. The key changes ever upwards as ominous chords sound, bells ring, cymbals clash and a gong rings as the little girl is born.​

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4. Evolution ​

Now life begins in earnest for Freya. She is part of everything that has preceded her and everything she will become.  Her journey begins, nourished by the love and support of her mother and close family.

 

The music combines many of the themes of hope, joy and arrival already experienced, but packaged as a web of life in sound.  The Mont Albert birds (and even some zoo birds) play a strong role in the montage, as they will as this little girl grows.