composer: Jeff Smallman
Duration: 16:00
Grade level: 5
Commissioned by the Stratford Concert Band in memory of euphonist John Belland.
Written in three movements. Movement #1 begins with a fanfare reminiscent in tone to Mussorgsky. This gives way to a restless, repetitive figure coloured with a slight Spanish tinge. The second movement begins and ends with a euphonium solo, and is very lyric throughout. The third movement, which begins with four sharp chords, is constantly driving forward and employs constant changes in texture. Brilliant band writing takes full advantage of the tone colours available in a wind ensemble.
