Richard Huw Cole whose 'Three Ancient Customs' was used as the Third Section National Finals set work in 2012, has been talking to 4BR about his latest compositions and their historical inspirations, as he prepares to hopefully hear them performed in the near future.

Mercia

'Mercia’ is a darkly lyrical tone poem inspired by the legends and vision of the Anglo-Saxon King, Saint Ethelbert.

Huw told 4BR: "Aged about fourteen, he travelled to Merica to seek marriage, but became involved in political intrigue and was beheaded by King Offa in 794.

As with most medieval saints he had a vision of his demise and the work is an eleven minute tone poem with contrasting sections that continually transforms the fundamental musical material."

Fragment

Huw revealed that the musical foundation of the work comes from a unique fragment found in the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book.

The publication is a collection of early English keyboard music from the mid sixteenth century and contains works by composers including John Bull, Orlando Gibbons and John Tavener.

The work is based on a fragment that uniquely has no clefs or note values and which scholars believe is a sketch by Thomas Tallis of the ‘Alleluia’ portion of the Felix Namque.

Patron Saint

Huw added: "I came across the small sketch whilst studying early English keyboard music and I have been playing with the material for some time.

When I came across the legend of St. Ethelbert, a patron saint of Hereford Cathedral, I thought that it would be fitting to base the whole work on the ‘Alleluia’ material.

The work is unique in terms of brass band repertoire and is a stern musical and technical challenge I believe for the First Section."

Open champion help

Huw has been working with British Open champion, Tredegar and their MD Ian Porthouse, in bringing the music to life.

"It’s been great to visit Tredegar again, so many years after I was a member of their youth band," Huw said.

"They have been so helpful and encouraging, and it was fantastic to hear such a talented group of musicians perform the work and bring the music off the page.

I’m very grateful to the band and look forward to working with them again in the future."

As with most medieval saints he had a vision of his demise and the work is an eleven minute tone poem with contrasting sections that continually transforms the fundamental musical materialcomposer

Rhapsody for Baker

The composer has also written a new piece for solo trombone and band for the renowned soloist Brett Baker.

‘Myfrydodau’, is a rhapsody containing contrasting sections on a hidden theme, although Huw did give a tantalising insight:

"The piece is a fine balance between lyricism and technical wizardry, but unlike ‘Mercia’, you never get to hear the original musical material.

That said, it has a strong lyrical theme and it has been great fun to write. Being able to work with a world renowned professional such as Brett has been a fantastic experience."