Paxton House was composed during the Covid 19 pandemic in the summer of 2020. During the lockdown, musicians could only play together in small groups and only outside. I organised a woodwind rehearsal in the gardens of Paxton House on the Scottish Borders near Berwick upon Tweed. It was a beautiful day full of colourful flowers and busy bees. Naturally, this setting was inspiring.
I want to thank Fiona Stott for commissioning the composition.
The Paxton Suite is dedicated to the Berwick upon Tweed violinist, Ross Hume, who is currently studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Paxton House belongs to a set of suites entitled Border Sketches. It is in three movements. Pavan, Laendler and Sarabande.
You can read more about Paxton House in the Blog.