The Foehn Wind — sheet music PDF

This swirling, unpredictable composition takes its name from the hot, dry wind that flows down from mountains. As I was writing it, I was thinking of balmy sunny evenings drinking wine on a sun-baked terrace, looking out towards mountain ranges standing tall in the distance.

I love playing it, it's a real joy. I'm also really pleased with the way it came to me. Part of its unpredictability comes from a set of unusual chord progressions (Eb major - A major, amongst others). I've often been attracted by such weird chord progressions but it can be hard to make them sound natural. Here I feel like it makes sense. (Maybe that's just me!)

The other thing I really enjoy is — nerd alert — it's in two different metres at once. It's easier to write it out in 3/4 time in the left hand and 6/8 time in the right hand. The music nerds amongst you will know that these are different but closely related metres, and the combination of the two creates this lovely rhythmic interplay.

Key/mode: A major with frequent modulations

Tempo: c. 134

Metre: 3/4 and 6/8

Characteristic features: modal inflection, rhythmic interplay, unusual chord progressions, 7ths and 9ths

Space for improvisation: No

Difficult: UK Grade 6