Williams, First Fall

‘First Fall’ is a highly challenging melodic piece.  The origin of the title is that, for the composer, the image it conjours is of snow beginning to fall in dark woods. It has a mysterious feel, partly because of its unusual wandering tonality – it has sections in D# minor and C# major, both intractable and rare keys for guitar music.  Not only is it difficult to read, but it requires extensive use of barré throughout, and has few opportunities for open strings.  This gives it a flat, closed, somewhat claustrophobic resonance and makes it extremely tiring to play – this one is for advanced players only.

Hear the composer playing 'First Fall':