"Thank you so much, Helen! The Bach minuets were beautiful – absolutely perfect for Daphne – and you were such a gentle and sympathetic presence at a time of mourning. And thank you for helping guide our choice to that piece of music. You’re providing a wonderful service here. "
— David
"Helen was the most treasured cello teacher for my son for eight years. Planning my wedding last year, the first thing I did was to ask her to perform. Our wedding ceremony was accompanied by the Prelude and Minuets and it was perfect - the music coming from her cello is divine. Thank you!"
— Hanne
Helen Duncan offers music for celebrations and ceremonies
“Where words leave off, music begins.” — Heinrich Heine
Helen offers live performance of music by J.S. Bach for solo cello throughout the Lothian area.
Within Bach’s music we find the very essence of our emotions, and a wisdom that bears witness to our most poignant feelings of grief and joy. His music never fails to offer us what we most need in these moments - whether it be a warm hand to steady us or a voice to sing our joy.
About Musical Contemplations
The seed for Musical Contemplations was sown after a concert in Bute when an elderly gentleman confided that whilst listening he had become aware for the first time of his wife who had died a few months earlier being very close and enjoying the music with him. He said that from that moment on he felt sure that things would start get better for him. This profound and poignant reminder of the almost magical power of music inspired the idea for this enterprise.
Based in the Edinburgh area, Musical Contemplations offers live performance of music from the famous cello suites for occasions and ceremonies that play such an important part in all of our lives. The emotional compass of this extraordinary music helps to bring us together to navigate a whole range of feelings from joy, gratitude and optimism to moments of dark sadness and loss.
Each of the movements is around 4 minutes in length. Their rich variety means that there is music to suit all spiritual and secular occasions and celebrations such as christenings/naming ceremonies, weddings of all varieties, memorial services and funerals.
About Helen
Born in Edinburgh into a musical family, Helen knew from a young age that music would be important in her life. After studying at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester she returned to Scotland to start her playing career. Although she enjoyed many years of varied orchestral work, her first love has always been chamber music and since forming the Roxburgh Quartet in 2005 she has had the pleasure of sharing the wonderful string quartet repertoire with audiences all over Scotland. Helen also has a small number of widely varied cello pupils whom she loves teaching.
Sarabande
From J.S. Bach’s Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007
Please note that repeats have been removed in this recording; when performed, this piece lasts for approximately four minutes.
Prelude
From J.S. Bach’s Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007
Courante
From J.S. Bach’s Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007
Please note that repeats have been removed in this recording; when performed, this piece lasts for approximately four minutes.
Minuets
From J.S. Bach’s Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007
Please note that repeats have been removed in this recording; when performed, this piece lasts for approximately four minutes.
Contact me
helen@musicalcontemplations.co.uk
07914 909 553