w14379
| Title | Stone of Destiny |
| Contributors |
John McLeod (composer) |
| Composition date | |
| Duration (mins) | 0 |
| Category | |
| Instrumentation | |
| Commissioned by | Perth Orchestral Society |
| Key signature | |
| First line | |
| First performed | 09 11 2003 Perth Symphony Orchestra City Hall, Perth |
| Notes | Composer requested work be withdrawn Feb 2016. |
| Programme Note | The so-called Stone of Destiny (also known as the Stone of Scone and the Coronation Stone) has now found its home in Edinburgh Castle. Few famous artefacts have aroused such interest and controversy over such a long and colourful history - much of it shrouded in myth and legend. My inspiration for this symphonic suite came when I read some of the stories attached to this incredible object. The most famous account of its origins comes from the Old Testament and so the first movement, Jacob's Pillow - the legend begins, is, in musical terms, a depiction of Jacob at Bethel where he lay his head upon a stone and dreamt of angels ascending to heaven. In the second section, Odyssey - a journey through time, I have tried to conjure up a journey through the ages and across many countries - Egypt, Spain, Africa and finally to Iona and thence to mainland Scotland where it came to rest at the ancient royal centre at Scone. Here at Moot Hill it became the sacred stone on which Scottish kings were crowned until 1296 when it was seized by Edward I and taken to Westminster Abbey. Moot Hill - ghosts of ancient kings is the third movement which makes way for a rousing finale - Crown Triumphant - a Coronation March echoing much of the ceremony and music which has surrounded this stone throughout history. |
This work is associated with the following collection items:
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