Unfortunately there are not many pieces being published written by British composers these days. Although including a few at the more advanced levels, there are still some really interesting works being published elsewhere; sparkling openers, challenging slower pieces, descriptive pieces and imaginative arrangements of folk tunes. Here are this year’s additions to our Wind Band Repertoire List. See the List for publishers.
Grade 1.5
Primeval Dance (Brian Balmages) combines raw, primitive-sounding harmonies with contemporary colours and haunting melodies in this unique composition for younger ensembles.
Grade 2
Doctor Tritonicus (Joseph Compello) uses the tritone (diabolical interval) to create a highly original piece depicting an imaginary character inspired by comic book villains. Be warned!
Grade 2.5
Lord Of The Lake (Thierry Deleruyelle) is a three-movement work telling the legend of the ‘Sea of Flines’ where children and their parents thwart the cruelty of a lord holed up in his castle. There is an optional narrators part, telling the story, that can be used between the movements.
In Sirens (Randall D Standridge) the mysterious voices of the sea serve as the inspiration for this piratical adventure. Another unique and highly playable descriptive number that both players and audiences will enjoy.
The Parting Glass (Irish Trad. arr Robert Sheldon) is a masterful arrangement of this beautiful Celtic folk song. Changing instrumental colours mix with unexpected harmonies to create moments of warmth, reverie, sentimentality, angst and resolve in equal measure.
Grade 3
Gold From Earth (Fergal Carroll) A follow-up to his Blackwater and Silverwinds, taking their names from both a colour and an element, it is typically inventive and appealing.
How Sweet The Sound (Brian Balmages) explores a multitude of soundscapes and styles as the lyrical Amazing Grace melody slowly unfolds. Largely original, the music draws heavily on gospel styles interspersed with contemporary harmonies on its way to a glorious ending.
Secret Valley (Michael Sweeney) is a musical journey exploring a winding road as it proceeds through the misty bluffs, or an unexpected forested valley, a grand view of the mighty Mississippi river, or a surprising burst of foliage on a crisp Autumn day.
Sunlight Dancing (Robert Buckley) Another journey, this time a walk through a forest on a bright summer day with the sunlight flickering between the leaves like the forest is dancing. This piece is full of tuneful melodies, driving percussion and dynamic contrasts.
Grade 3.5
Haunted Objects (John Mackey) is the piece that you really need to add to your programming. Highly original and brilliantly scored, it’s a musical ghost story capturing the the particular supernatural cultural phenomenon of Japan’s Tsukumogami - seen as pranksters rather than hurtful, generating music that alternates - and dances - between harmless and mischievous. In two movements, it captures the spirit of these old household objects that have attained a spirit and consciousness in Japanese folklore. Here’s Mackey’s wonderful music at an accessible level!
When Nature Strikes Back: Five Minutes To Twelve (Otto M Schwartz) is a warning against the dangers of an increase in global climate. This is a stunning musical depiction of what happens when things go wrong!
Grade 4
A Glimpse Of Paradise (Rob Wiffin) is the central movement of his larger work ‘Sinfonietta’. A gorgeous slow movement, the notation seems deceptively simple, but requires real musicality to realise its full potential. A thought-provoking change of pace for any programme.
Trad Session (William Chester) is “An informal, often impromptu gathering at which people play Irish traditional music. Often held in pubs, Trad Sessions are characterised by a cacophony of sounds where anything can happen from smashing glasses to spontaneous singing or even unexpected altercations”. …… and that’s what it’s all about …. and some …… in three great movements.
Grade 4.5
Fantasia On Welsh Nursery Rhymes (Grace Williams trs William A. Jones) is one of her most popular works for orchestra. A light-hearted journey through childhood in eight traditional tunes, it is now available in a very playable transcription for wind band.
Grade 5
Epitaph XIV: Harvest Of Sorrow (Ukraine) (Martin Ellerby) is a challenging, thoughtful new work from the pen of one of our most colourful wind band composers. Remembering the persecution of Ukranian peasant farmers in 1932 - 33 by the Soviet Communist Party, it is very moving music and a great change of pace in programmes by more advanced bands. It’s remarkable how history has a habit of repeating itself!
Hymn At Twilight (Philip Sparke) is another solemn piece. Although describing the uncertainty of approaching night and an evening prayer, it is more about the human emotions of doubt, insecurity, hope and resolve. With brilliant scoring by a master orchestrator, like the Ellerby, it provides unique musical challenges for bands at the highest level. Another great opportunity for bands to display their musicianship.
Just Flyin’ (Julie Giroux) is the piece to open your programme if you want fast and furious! It features the woodwind section, with particular emphasis on the clarinet family. Exciting dynamic contrasts and harmonic conflicts appear throughout, ending with frenetic activity over a solid and moving chorale.
Mannin Veen (Haydn Wood) Originally published in 1933, this outstanding tone poem, based on four folk songs from the Isle of Man, is an outstanding addition to any bands programming and an alternative to Holst and Vaughan Williams. Beginning with a plaintive melody in the Dorian mode, then going into a “fiddle tune”, a very lyrical melody and then a hymn, this is a superbly written work.
Grade 6
Mercury Rising (Philip Sparke) is another piece designed as a virtuosic and lively opener. A complete contrast to Hymn At Twilight, it is quality Philip Sparke ….. need I say more!! If you have the players, and you want to show them off, go for it!!