Judith Weir, 'Upwards', for baroque orchestra. Autograph manuscript and sketches

Single Item

MS. Mus. b. 637

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Final autograph manuscript and sketches for Judith Weir's 'Upwards', for baroque orchestra. The work was commissioned by the Bodleian Libraries in celebration of the acquisition of the autograph manuscript of J.S. Bach's cantata Auf Christi Himmelfahrt allein (BWV 128) and much of the thematic material is based on the opening movement of the cantata. It was first performed in the Sheldonian Theatre by the Orchestra of the Age or Enlightenment, conducted by John Butt, on 7 May 2025 in a concert which also included the cantata. It is scored for the same orchestral forces, i.e. oboe, oboe d'amore in A, oboe da caccia in F, bassoon, 2 horns in G, trumpet in D and strings. Duration: 5' 30".

Dates

Creation: 2025

Extent

1 box

Language of Materials

English
No linguistic content; Not applicable

Conditions Governing Use

The copyright owner's permission must be sought before copies may be supplied for research use or any other use.

Preferred Citation

Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark and folio or page reference, e.g. MS. Mus. c. 637].

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Shelfmark:

MS. Mus. b. 637

Collection ID (for staff)

CMD ID 24382

Additional Description

Abstract

Final autograph manuscript and sketches for Judith Weir's Upwards, for baroque orchestra.

Biographical / Historical

Judith Weir (b. 1954) is a composer who was Master of the Queen's/King's Music from 2014 to 2024. She studied privately with Sir John Tavener then with Robin Holloway at King's College, Cambridge. She writes prolifically in many genres but is known particularly for her operatic works, such as A Night at the Chinese Opera, The Vanishing Bridegroom and Blond Eckbert. One of her best-known works is the choral piece Illuminare, Jerusalem, written for the King's College Cambridge carol service in 1985. She has won many awards worldwide and was awarded the DBE in 2024.