Around the Block and Back Again

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Around the Block and Back Again Audio Samples

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“Around the Block and Back Again” is a collection of 14 short pieces for Guitar Solo. The set is an eclectic bunch of works written over many years. Suitable for intermediate to advanced level students, these works present a variety of styles and techniques. Hey are all suitable for performance.

The works all have titles that reflect the nature of the music:

“Caprice” is a fast moving piece - impulsive and unpredictable (formerly listed in the Australian Music Examination Board syllabus as an examination piece for Grade 3).

“March” is a zany and sardonic caricature of an overly pompous strutter.

“Daydream” is a relatively straightforward piece for guitar solo.  It reflects those moments of casual neurological scenarios. 

“Driving Along” is in a style of perpetual motion with occasional interruptions. This is represented musically by triplet arpeggios and scales interspersed with single bars of a slower motif.  This piece is suitable for more advanced performers.

“Off-beat Waltz” is a waltz in 6/8 time. It is not as the title may suggest, syncopated; but instead, more of a waltz for those who are definitely not ballroom dancers.

“Song” is a song without words - one melody repeated.

“Meander on High” is in a quasi question and answer format whereby the melodies seem inexact or aberrant. The tone is of aesthetic beauty; but represented in a meandering mind.

“But sir! I didn’t do it.” is an interplay between admonishment and the ‘truth’.

The piece is of a question and answer style, represented by a strong melody followed by staccato semiquaver repetitions.

“Pottering About” is a piece which represents the dichotomy between random thought and equally random action. It is a light hearted and happy composition; and is pleasantly cheerful to listen to. 

“Sad Dream” as the title suggests is an exercise in musical melancholia. The work consists of a quasi drone base with accompanying chords, over which a somber yet wistful melody drifts.

“Spanish Song” presents the melody in the bass against an alternating accompaniment above. As the piece progresses the interplay between the two varies adding interest for the listener.

“In the Carpark” is essentially a waltz in 6/8 time, utilising a simple melody over two and three note chords. The music represents a type of rollicking and happy environment full of anticipation.

“Run for Your Life” is a tremolo work in 4/4. The piece can be represented as running, then slowing to take a breath.

“Study in 6/8” is a fast moving performance piece in 6/8 time. The work requires a constant tempo and dynamic.