Programme note from the composer:

“This piece forms a companion piece to 'Fragile Landscapes'. The title, taken from the Song of Solomon, is evocative both of a mood of anticipation of spring and of the Purcell anthem, 'My Beloved Spake': while this piece is not quoted directly, the magic of its text and music were a constant, yet wistful, inspiration to the composer. 'The Time of the Singing of Birds' is in arch form, returning at its end to its beginning. Its c...