S t a p l e

Revelation Strings

(Adapted from a Kent-Online article)

A string orchestra, whose members produced a piece of music from a jigsaw of recordings, did it again, and created a new sound for 2021.

The first composition - Lockdown Loops in June 2020 - saw members of East Kent based Revelation Strings record themselves playing the music individually at home, and then it was digitally mastered to create one orchestral symphony.

The project brought the musicians back together - albeit virtually - when they had not been able to perform together in months because of social distancing regulations.

Then in November, composer David Burridge set about creating a new piece.

The result of that - Lockdown JIGsaw - breathed optimism into the New Year and has now attracted more than 3,300 online views.

Mr Burridge said: "When Lockdown Loops received such a great reception during the first lockdown, Revelation Strings decided to produce a sequel and I composed the new piece, Lockdown JIGsaw.

It is is based on Gravel Walk, a traditional Irish tune and a favourite concert piece of the orchestra.”

Each member of Revelation Strings recorded nine short jigsaw pieces and the whole piece was assembled by Dr Richard Burridge who also plays viola in the video."

Thanks to digital imaging, there were no geographical limitations to performing great music - creative input was added from members near and far.

Solo Cellist Matthew Sharp recorded his part from the South of France where his family were living that year.

Mr Burridge added: "Having a project for musicians to be working on in lockdown was a great way of keeping performing skills active and to motivate players because they know that their contribution is a link in the chain and important."

Feedback from the orchestra and has been encouraging and accolade was quick to come from outside the organisation - the Lockdown JIGsaw won first place in the Maidstone Festival's composing competition, having been entered in secret by one of the group's trustees.

Musician David Burridge composed Lockdown JIGsaw and Lockdown Loops

The competition's adjudicator Roy Robinson said: “This lockdown project was so exciting and I really enjoyed listening to the music and seeing how much all the performers were so involved. Terrific!”

Mr Burridge said: "I had a great comment from one of our violinists, who said: 'Your insane lockdown ideas are weirdly keeping us sane!'”

Despite his love for composing and performing, Mr Burridge said it is the process of putting the jigsaw together that he finds most exciting - especially when it is heard for the first time.

"Luckily my son Richard does this technical wizardry which is a mammoth task.

"We are so fortunate to have such an amazing soloist in Cellist Matthew Sharp which means that I can write the solo cello line with no holds barred!"

Revelation Strings consists of members from the east Kent towns of Deal, Dover, Sandwich, Folkestone, Canterbury and Thanet.