‘Glass Cathedrals’ (2019) for solo harp is inspired by the conceptual image of a grand cathedral constructed entirely of glass. The work seeks to create a delicate sound-world to emulate the fragility of the glass structure, contrasted by the use of prevailing, stronger indicatory material to emulate the large, imposing building itself. The piece aims to capture a moment of fleeting, temporary splendour before its great, and expectedly enduring, structure shatters. The melodic content is also inspired by lines from the poem ‘Adonaïs’ by Shelley: ‘Life, like a dome of many-coloured glass, Stains the white radiance of eternity.’

Written for Lauren Scott as part of Psappha’s ‘Composing for…’ programme is supported by: Arts Council England; Garfield Weston Foundation; Idlewild Trust; PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme; Radcliffe Trust; and RVW Trust.