The Five Joys of the Virgin Mary (1981, revised 1997) for female voices, nine part brass ensemble and organ (25 mins). Modern and Medieval in style.
Diversions for Strings (1983) Five movements (20 mins). Commissioned by South West Arts.
Dove Sta Amore (1983) for oboe d’amore and strings. Final of Barclaycard Composer of the Year. Subsequently re-scored for soprano saxophone and later cor anglais. Finally, in 2020 it was re-orchestrated for Chamber Orchestra for the ‘Ensemble de la Belle Musique’. To listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNYPcLyKL1c
In Freedom’s Name (1984) A dramatic cantata, celebrating the 300th Anniversary of the Monmouth Rebellion. Full orchestra, male voice choir, tenor and bass soli and audience participation. Commissioned by Somerset Orchestral Society Text by Robin Bush.
Solos and Refrains (1983, revised 2005) for chamber ensemble (13 players). First performed by the Dartington Ensemble.
Bombshells (1986) A two hour stage musical Winner of the Six Counties Festival in 1988.
Praise to St. Cecilia (1988) for female voices and organ.
Cantata Europa (1992) Full Orchestra, mixed chorus, soprano and tenor soli (40 mins). Commissioned by Wincanton Arts Association
She Walks in Beauty (2001) for Soprano and Tenor soli, Chorus and Full Orchestra. Seven movements (40 mins). Commissioned by Clifton High School Old Girls’ Association.
Magnificat (2003) for SSA and organ.
December Suite for Orchestra (2004).
Five Christmas Funtasias for small orchestra (14 mins).
Rejoice for Music (2006) for Massed Voices and full orchestra. (“Suddenly, everyone here is singing….”) First performance took place in the Colston Hall, Bristol on 9th February 2007.
The Starlight Night (2008) for voice, clarinet and percussion, text by Gerard Manley Hopkins. First performed by Gemini at a lunchtime concert at the University of Bristol in February 2009.
String Quartet No 2 (2010) First performance by the Brodowski Quartet at a lunchtime concert in the University of Bristol on 23rd November 2011.
Misgeoff (2010) for solo piano, one of twenty Miniatures in honour of Geoffrey Poole.
Double Bass Concerto (2011) Commissioned by David Heyes. First performance at Holy Trinity Church, Henleaze, Bristol on 26th November 2011, soloist: Davd Heyes with Bristol Chamber Orchestra, conducted by the composer.
Doom Triptych for Trumpet and Organ (2012). Commissioned by Colin Bloch. First performance on 28th February 2013 at St Mary Redcliffe Church, Bristol. See video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0li-EOKG9I
Sweet Somerset (2012), Commissioned by Bruton Choral Society a Cantata for Mixed Voices and Small Orchestra. First performance took place on 18th May 2013 at Bruton.
Crystal Eyes for Wind Quintet (2012). First performance/recording by Notus Winds, 25th September 2013.
Awake the Voice (2014) Commissioned by Portishead Choral Society for SATB soloists, SATB Choir, Audience and Chamber Orchestra.
Happy Returns (2015) Anniversary Concert Overture for full Orchestra. (A Rutter/Palmer joint 70th birthday celebration. First performed on December 12th 2015.
Two Concert Duets for two unaccompanied cellos (2018) first performed by the composer with David Ellery at the SCA New Music Day on Feb 22nd 2020.
Haiku for solo cello. “Harmonies mingling, Distant faces comfort, with Scent of irises” (November 2020). Words and musical performance by David Ellery: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb11SImLNLg&list=RDmb11SImLNLg&start_radio=1
Tre Balli for Brass Quintet(2019). First performance by Bristol Brass Consort at the Arnolfini, Bristol on March 4th 2022.
Suite for three unaccompanied cellos, based on movements from those Suites of J. S. Bach (2021)
‘In Praise of a Saint’ (2026) A cantata in six movements on the life and legend of Saint Congar of Congresbury, commissioned by Congresbury Singers for their Golden Jubilee, for SATB chorus, SAT soloists, brass sextet, organ and handbells. First performance on March 20th 2027.
Jonathan Palmer - Composer 