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Gordon Crosse

Ariadne, Concertant for solo oboe and twelve players was commissioned for Sarah Francis.  The composer's inspiration for the piece resulted from a trip to Knossos on the island of Crete.  Crosse's retelling of the Ariadne myth is not programmatic music.  The whole composition is based on opposition and interplay, with simple expressive statement set against passages of intricate thematic and rhythmic development.

Ariadne lasts for just over 20 minutes and plays continuously.  It was first performed on 11 July 1972 at the Cheltenham International Festival by Sarah Francis and Contrapunkti, conducted by Michael Lankester.

Changes is a major choral work requiring soprano and baritone soloists, children's choir, chorus and symphony orchestra.  It is formed of four parts and has two orchestral interludes.  The composer writes, "My chief conscious aim in writing this piece was to fashion something enjoyable to listener and performer alike."

Changes was commissioned for the 1966 Three Choirs Festival in Worcester.

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