Compositions

Roots
(Guitar and Orchestra, 2010).

World Premiere, The Ulster Hall, Belfast Date: June, 2010 Performer – Craig Ogden with The Ulster Orchestra Further Information: Commissioned by BBC radio 3. See 'News' section for further details.

Spirit of the Sea

(Orchestra, 2009).

World Premiere: National Concert Hall, Dublin  Date: September 2009 Performer – RTÉ Concert Orchestra conducted by David Brophy Further Information: Commissioned by RTÉ Performing Groups for the RTÉ Summer Lunchtime Concert Series.

Proverbs

(Piano, 2008).

I Proverbs 25-11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
II Proverbs 22-06 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
III Proverbs 16-25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death
IV Proverbs 25-28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
V Proverbs 11-25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

World Premiere: Radio Latvia 3  Date: December 2008 Performer - Darina Gibson. Further Information: These pieces were commissioned by Washington DC based philanthropist Tom Ayers to accompany paintings also commissioned in response to a number of biblical proverbs. Tom commissioned twenty paintings in all and has commissioned other American and international composers to set the remaining fifteen proverbs/paintings. This suite is also being developed for full symphony orchestra.

Meditations

(Choir and Soprano Sax, 2007).

I The Six Syllable Mantra of Vajrasattva and the Hundred Syllable Mantra of Vajrasattva.
II Sonam Di Yi and Phowa.

World Premiere: Downpatrick Date: May 2007 Performers – Codetta (Choir) conducted by Donal Doherty, Gerard McChrystal (Saxophone). Further Information: Commissioned by Codetta and Gerard McChrystal for the NI Opera Fringe festival. The piece was recorded and broadcast by BBC Radio 3.

Around and About
(Flute, Guitar 2000 rev. 2007), (Flute, Vibraphone, 2006), (Flute, Piano 2006), (Soprano Sax, Piano 2006).

I The Garden
II The Lake
III The Woods

World Premiere: St.Michan’s Church  Date: June 2000 Performer – John Feeley (Guitar) and William Dowdall (Flute) Further Information: Originally commissioned by the Feeley/Dowdall Duo for the RTÉ lyric fm radio feile this piece has since been arranged for a number of different combinations most notably for Flute and Vibraphone. The flute/vibraphone version was recorded for the RTÉ lyric fm release, ‘Perfect State’, by Sinead Farrell, (flute) and Roger Moffat, (vibraphone). This piece has been performed extensively and is regularly broadcast both here and abroad.

The Shannon Suite
(Guitar, 1996 rev. 2006). (Guitar, Soprano Sax, 1996 rev. 2006).
I Lough Allen
II Lough Ree
III Lough Derg

World Premiere: National Concert Hall, Dublin  Date: September 1996 Performer – John Feeley (Guitar) Further Information: This piece was commissioned by John Feeley and was recorded for his CD of Irish Contemporary Music, ‘E-Motion’. The solo guitar version is published by US based publisher Mel Bay. It has also been arranged for Soprano Sax and Guitar by Derry born saxophonist Gerard McChrystal. This new version has been recorded by Gerard and Australian born guitarist Craig Ogden for their own release ‘Pluck Blow’ and is also available on the RTÉ lyric fm release ‘Perfect State’. This piece has been performed extensively and is regularly broadcast both here and abroad.

The Pilgrim's Return
(Soprano Sax, String Quartet, 2005), (Flute, String Quartet, 2005), (Oboe, String Quartet, 2005), (Clarinet, String Quartet, 2005).
I Homeward Bound
II Journey’s End
III Hero’s Welcome

World Premiere: Wigmore Hall, London  Date: September 2007 Performers – Gerard McChrystal, (Saxophone) The Smith Quartet (String Quratet) Further Information: This piece was commissioned by Gerard McChrystal and the Smith Quartet. It was recorded for the RTÉ lyric fm CD, ‘Perfect State’. It has been performed extensively and is regularly broadcast both here and abroad.

Perfect State
(String Orchestra, 2005), (Violin and Cello, 1996).
I Intro
II Perfect State

World Premiere: Hugh Lane Gallery Date: October 1998 Performers Concorde -Alan Smale (Violin), David James (Cello) Further Information: This piece was originally composed for Concorde and has since been developed for string orchestra. It has been performed many times in it’s original form and was recorded for the RTÉ lyric fm CD, ‘Perfect State’ by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra conducted by David Brophy. This version is regularly broadcast both here and abroad.

Hopkins on Skellig Michael

(Orchestra and Voice, 2004).

I Landing
II Steps, Saddle and Final Flight
III Enclosure
IV Source
V Storm
VI Empires
VII Leaving
VIII Finale

World Premiere: RTÉ lyric fm Date: December 2008 Performers: Barry McGovern (Voice), with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra Text: Paddy Bushe. Further Information: This piece was commissioned by RTÉ lyric fm for their Christmas Special and was broadcast on Christmas Day in 2004. It was also re-recorded for the RTÉ lyric fm CD, ‘Perfect State’ and is regularly broadcast both here and abroad.

Waves and Caves

(Flute, Clarinet, Violin, Cello, Vibraphone, 2002).

World Premiere: Hugh Lane Gallery Date: May 2002 Performers: Concorde. Further Information: This piece was commissioned by Concorde.

Shine
(Solo Mezzo-soprano, Choir {Alto, Tenor Bass}, Tin Whistle, Flute [wood], Percussion, Harp, Guitar, Strings, 1997).

World Premiere: Unknown Date: 1997 Performers: Katie McMahon and selected session players. Further Information: Katie recorded this song for her CD of the same title. It has been part of her concert programs for over a decade and it receives regular broadcasts in the US where she is presently based.

Lament
(Tin Whistle, Low Whistle, Flute, Harp, Bodhran, Strings, 1995).

World Premiere: RHA Gallagher Gallery Date: 1995 Performers: Selected session players. Further Information: This piece was commissioned by Irish Modern Dance Theatre for their dance show entitled ‘Macalla’ which ran at the RHA for a number of nights. The whole gallery was used and each room had a different piece of music associated with it and a uniquely choreographed dance routine.

The Salmon
(Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn, Percussion, Strings, 1995).

World Premiere: RHA Gallagher Gallery Date: 1995 Performers: Selected session players. Further Information: As above.

Macalla
(Choir, Flute [wood], Tin Whistle, Low Whistle, Bodhran, Harp, Strings, 1994).

World Premiere: RHA Gallagher Gallery Date: 1995 Performers: Selected session players. Further Information: As above.

A World of Colour
(Choir, 1995).

World Premiere: Trinity College Chapel Date: 1995 Performers: DIT College of Music Chamber Choir. Further Information: Irish choir Cantique also gave performances of this work.

 

Works for TV (1994 – 1998).

 

Shell - Challenge I,
(Soprano, Uileann Pipes, Percussion, Strings, 1998).

Shell - Challenge II,

(Orchestra, 1998)

Heineken - Leaky Biros,
(Flute, 3 Tenor Saxophones, Baritone Sax, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Percussion, Electric Piano, 1997).
Heineken - Fresh Avocados,

(Flute, 3 Tenor Saxophones, Baritone Sax, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Percussion, Electric Piano, 1997).

Andrews – Ant-on-acid,
(2 guitars, Bass Guitar, Percussion, Electric Piano, 1997).
Christmas Music,
(Flute, Percussion, Strings, 1996).
Eyes on the World - TV series,
(Flute [wood], Percussion, Strings, 1996).
Divine Magic - TV series,
(Mixed Ensembles, 1995).
Undercurrent – Film,
(2 Flutes, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Percussion, Strings, 1994).
Un Milione - Short film,

(Flute, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Percussion, Strings, 1994).

About Ciarán

Ciarán Farrell is a full time composer living and working in Ireland.

On graduating from Trinity College Dublin he was dubbed by then head of department, Hormoz Farhat, as being, '...one of the most promising composition students I have had in a teaching career spanning some thirty five years.' Read more