Eagle Wood

Eagle Wood (for Piano and 30 Strings) Recorded: Macedonia, 21 March 2026 Composer: Andrew March Piano: Marjia Vrskova Orchestra: FAME'S Skopje Studio Orchestra Conductor: Arber Curri Viola Solo: Marko Videnovikj Camera Operator: Kiril Shentevski Video Editing Facilities: Royal College of Music Studios Duration: 10:27 (Video: ~10:58) In Memory of Yvonne I Lee Eagle Wood is a deeply personal acknowledgement of composer Andrew March’s roots in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. The piece draws atmospheric inspiration from the landscape surrounding the Arbury Hall estate and the rolling fields of the historic hamlet of Old Arley. Etymologically, "Arley" originates from the Old English words earn (eagle) and lēah (a forest, wood, or clearing). From these ancient roots, the title Eagle Wood was born. The work is dedicated to the memory of Yvonne I Lee, a singer, oil painter, author, and the composer’s former singing teacher. The music captures the memory of an idyllic day spent together in Arley Wood—a place carpeted with spring bluebells and alive with free-running pheasants. For years, Yvonne was a pillar of musical encouragement, often painting in her studio while listening to tapes of March's piano improvisations. Following a brave battle with cancer, Yvonne passed away. In a painful turn of events, some of those who valued her most remained unaware of her passing for over three weeks. It seems she chose not to have any kind of funeral, leaving those close to her with a profound, unresolved burden of unspoken goodbyes. Eagle Wood strives to serve as a formal memorial for Yvonne. It is intended as an act of resistance against what seemed like the disappearance of her life and achievements. Musically, the first seven minutes possess a distinct grittiness and determination, reflecting the inner turmoil and suffering of her struggle. This complex structure mirrors Yvonne's brave cycles of remission and the false climaxes of her illness. Captured live during the recording sessions, the powerful dialogue between solo piano and the 30-piece string orchestra eventually allows the tension to yield. The Eagle finally soars, finding a place of absolute resolution and peace. © 2026 Andrew March. All rights reserved. Official Website: https://www.andrewmarch.com #AndrewMarch #EagleWood #ClassicalMusic #ContemporaryClassical #Orchestra #PianoAndStrings