RECORDING DAY

"A Fife Cantata" was especially written for the 3rd St Monans Community Arts Festival in 2011. It is a setting of 5 poems by John Brewster, with music composed by Brian Craib. The first and third poems are in English, whilst the second, fourth and fifth are in Scots.

John Brewster, a Fife born poet and now resident in St Monans, was the initiator of the first St Monans Community Arts festival and was eager to take up the challenge of writing poems for the Cantata when approached by Brian Craib.

Brian has lived in the village for 30 years, working during that time as a double bass teacher and player in Fife and beyond. Now retired, he spends much of his time composing and arranging along with working to help promote village events.

Inspired by the project,local artist and choir member, Martin F. Salvage produced a painting based on the work. An adaptation of this has been used as our CD cover.

Following the performance of " A Fife Cantata" it was felt that it would be fitting to make a recording of the work. Lottery Funding through "Awards for All Scotland" was applied for and granted to enable the choir to make the recording.
Marcin Buczek of "DM Audio" came to St Monans to record the choir with instrumental accompaniment in February 2012 and the choir's debut CD was consequently produced.

Local input continued with the CD and inserts being designed and made by choir member George Brown. Photography for the CD insert was provided by choir member Vicki Salvage and Post Office owner, Peter Marr.
A true community project!