Contrasts In Brass

Symphonic Contrasts is an original composition in three harmoniously connected movements. The fi rst movement opens with a brilliant introduction and presents two themes that are developed simultaneously and become intermingled. The second movement is at a slower tempo and gives several soloists the opportunity to showcase their expressive skills. The last movement begins with a musical dialogue between timpani bongos and cymbals. Symphonic Contrasts has been selected as the set piece (2nd section - Brass Band) for the 2010 Lucerne Cantonal Band Music Festival Competition in Willisau (Switzerland).

Destroy Trample As Swiftly As She was commissioned by the Tredegar Town Brass Band. This dramatic virtuoso score contrasts episodes of visceral energy of pounding rhythms and wild flutter tonguing and brassy angular themes with the ominous stillness of calmer moments suffused with the unique sound of four flugel horns. Brass Band Grade 6: Championship Duration: 18 minutes

When I was approached to compose a work for brassband and church organ I already envisioned the concept I would use. It would indeed literally become a work for brassband and organ. Without the traditional solos the organ would form an addition to the brassband orchestration as would the brassband provide an extra register for the organ. In short a homogeneous entity. The most important reason for doing this is quite simple. Since this work can only be performed in a church and because of the specific acoustics of the church the brassband would sound in al its tone colour like an organ. By using certain registers of the organ and combining these with the brassband a wonderfulsound palette can be created. The use of complementary or contrasting tone quality is also possible. The primary theme of this composition is based on these three methods of ?colouring?. As far as structure is concerned this work consists of two parts. slow ? fast. It is built on a number of motifs in which some behave like a consecutive canon. In the fast movement the primary motif develops into a fugue-like section. The canon and fugato are techniques frequently used in classical and contemporary organ literature. The liberal use of structure and motif has lead to the title. ?Fantasy for Brassband and Organ?.

Short light-hearted and tuneful piece for a brass quintet consisting two trumpets horn trombone and tuba. This is a one-movement rag that is not difficult and employs many devices characteristic of this kind of music such as glissandi and strong dynamic contrasts.

Worn Down Piano was a huge hit for the Mark & Clark Band in 1977. This arrangement by Klaas van der Woude makes an entertaining piece with its tonal contrasts working exceptionally well for brass band.

Spain is a country like no other. Its scenic beauty colorful history and bold arts and literature are unique and legendary. In this overture Carmine Pastore skilfully portrays this timeless region of many contrasts with the widely-varied orchestration portraying many of the opposing and unique qualities of the brass band.

A Bandsman’s Overture was commissioned by British Bandsman magazine to celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2012. It was premiered by Black Dyke Band conducted by Dr Nicholas Childs at a special anniversary concert held in Symphony Hall Birmingham on July 1st.British Bandsman was for a period known as British Bandsman and Contest Field following an amalgamation of two magazines. The then owner John Henry Iles celebrated this new title by commissioning Ord Hume to write the famous march BB & CF. As a salute to this heritage A Bandsman’s Overture starts with the four notes B(b)-B(b)-C-F a motive which permeates an opening fanfare which contrasts a busy opening with a more legato central section. This gives way to a bustling Vivo based on repeated staccato notes. A change of key heralds a central cantabile melody first on euphoniums and baritone and then played by the full band which is followed by a short development section. This leads to a transformed reprise and a return of the opening fanfare decorated this time by florid muted cornets.

This composition of Marc Cunningham has four parts and takes place on a sunny day in a picturesque town. 1. Promenade Many people walk through the city. The band passes through the streets. People are strolling along the avenues and amorous couples are sitting on a park bench. 2. Lovey Dovey One of these couples is knee-deep in love. 3. Crispy and Creamy Here the contrasts between a crisp staccato section in two-four time signature and a smooth legato section in three-four time signature are depicted. Is Crispy the boy and Creamy the girl? 4. Farewell In the last particle the couple says goodbye. We still think back tothe walk through the city. It sounds a little less happy now. Not everyone is good at saying goodbye sometimes a tear flows.