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Calgacus returns to Glasgow

20 January 2007

Calgacus - Orchestral Poem by Edward McGuire performed by the BBC SSO under Douglas Boyd - Celtic Connections 2007

McGuire Calgacus

It was the Roman historian Tacitus who described Calgacus as leader of the united tribes of Caledonia who continued the Boudiccan revolt of 20 years earlier and halted the Roman invasion at the battle of Mons Graupius in AD84. Tacitus attributes to him what must be the earliest definition and condemnation of imperialism and slavery, which included the famous phrase “they created a desert and called it peace”. The pipes – representing Calgacus’ heroism and idealism – make a sudden appearance but are gradually submerged in the chaos of battle. The music is not of a documentary nature; it rather takes inspiration from the imagery and spirit of defiance and optimism in the speech of Calgacus. The music also captures something of the desolation and pity of the aftermath of battle.

It was commissioned and premiered by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra in 1976.

... the fusion was sensational. Edward McGuire's Calgacus - his credentials as a Whistlebinkie and "serious" composer are impeccable - proved the one truly inspired meeting of styles. Scored for symphony orchestra and solo piper, its emotions are deep-rooted in Scots tradition, reflected through a turbulent, rugged tonal world, and a metaphor of war tellingly captured by the central tussle between timpani and pipes. The BBC SSO, under Douglas Boyd, conjured up a vivid scene.

Kenneth Walton, The Scotsman

For more information on the music of Edward McGuire