Phantom Shanties by Kerry Turner - Martin van der Merwe, horn

From the book, "Nine Pieces for Solo Horn" by Kerry Turner, available at www.phoenixmusicpublications.com.

Martin van der Merwe: Horn

Video production: Catherine Catterson, ‪@catherinecattersoncreates5807‬

Phantom Shanties (Reflections on Rotterdam Harbour) was commissioned by the Maritime Museum in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. It was to be a gift to their esteemed director Mr. Coen Schimmelpinnenck van der Oije, who retired in 2005. This work is a complex tone poem containing 6 themes, each with its own meaning. At the beginning, the triplet motive in the low register represents the ships throughout the ages that have docked at Rotterdam Harbour. The low 16th note passage symbolises the deep water of the North Sea, which also "docks" ancient and less fortunate ships. The fanfare-like melody reflects the pride and security of the city of Rotterdam itself. At this point, the authentic sea shanty "Een Liedje van de Zee" makes an appearance, quoted in playful fashion, becoming interwoven with the other themes. In the middle of the piece, the simultaneous development of the different motives finds its true manifestation as a highly lyrical aria. Reminded once more, though briefly, of the ships harboured on the docks, we hear the beginning strains of the old sea shanty "Nelson's Blood." The piece concludes with the legends of this harbour slowly fading back out to sea.