Two of the world’s leading euphonium virtuosos have linked up with Prima Vista Musikk to launch a brand new series of contemporary works for the instrument, entitled ‘The Leading Edge’.

Leading voices

Solos written for David Childs and David Thornton by some of the leading composers of contemporary repertoire in the banding world such as Jay C Batzner, Lucy Pankhurst (above), Paul McGhee, Kit Turnball and Mervyn Burtch MBE, will now be available through a new series of exclusive publications.

Innovative approach

And in an innovative approach to encourage performers to access the works, Prima Vista Musikk has included performance tips from both players — with the world’s leading euphonium exponents telling 4BR that they are keen to encourage players to expand the scope of their repertoire.

David Childs told 4BR: “It’s something David and I have been working on together. To launch the series we’ve presented five solos each.

The publications include our own performance tips, and for those which require Digital Playback, the accompanying tracks are available as free downloads from the Prima Vista website.

Push boundaries

David Thornton added: “The Leading Edge is a series of solo works for euphonium that push boundaries. The formats and structures are varied, using composers from many different backgrounds, but the concept is a constant: to provide our repertoire with fresh blood.

The works are innovative yet practical; pushing boundaries isn’t always about being super contemporary or extraordinarily difficult, though there are certainly some challenging pieces presented here.”

He added: “The compositional process is fascinating — especially how new ideas come to fruition and are given a voice through the chosen instrument.

The composers involved in this project have also been selected very carefully — musicians who see their work as having a distinct voice and strive for this in their musical language or sound worlds within their music.”

New expressive avenues

David Child concluded: “From unaccompanied works to electro-acoustic repertoire, from conventional form with piano to programmatic music with chamber groups, the series covers a broad spectrum of styles that will suit euphonium players with the desire to find new expressive avenues for our instrument.

We have enjoyed learning and performing these pieces as we hope you do too.”

Every publication in ‘The Leading Edge’ series comes with extensive programme note, composer biography, and performance tips from David Childs and David Thornton, with the first 10 titles now released.

Follow the links for further information:
http://primavistamusikk.com/

The Leading Edge is a series of solo works for euphonium that push boundaries. The formats and structures are varied, using composers from many different backgrounds, but the concept is a constant: to provide our repertoire with fresh bloodDavid Thornton

Calling: (Jay C. Batzner)
Solo Euphonium & Electronic Drone

The soloist performs above a drone track of ever increasing intensity, the single melodic line cleverly creating moments of harmonic tension and resolution.
http://tinyurl.com/k7tpwq3

Nocturne & Dance: (Mervyn Burtch MBE)
Solo Euphonium & Piano

The music depicts a dream of increasing tension, followed by an extrovert dance, before a final flourish brings reconciliation between the two instruments.
http://tinyurl.com/llszy6f

Let there be Funk: (D. Edward Davis)
Solo Euphonium: Octave Effects Pedal & Digital Playback

A virtuosic journey through funk styles enhanced by electronic effects and a backing track using rhythm section, low brass and vocals.
http://tinyurl.com/mk7ygeu

Phoenix Song: (David Harrington)
Solo Euphonium & Piano

A dramatic and challenging fantasy from a leading young composer inspired by the myth surrounding the great firebird of Persian legend.
http://tinyurl.com/mo5tsld

Analyse & Interpret: (Paul McGhee)
Solo Euphonium
Giving as much musical freedom to the performer as possible, the title gives a concise explanation of the composer’s hopes for this demanding work.
http://tinyurl.com/opbprq4

Tiamat: (Lucy Pankhurst)
Solo Euphonium & Brass Quintet

Named after a dragon from the adventure game and cartoon Dungeons & Dragons, Tiamat explores a narrative in which the soloist plays the role of a dragon slayer!
http://tinyurl.com/le2866l

Skunk:(Simon Parkin)
Solo Euphonium & Piano

Composed in a jazz-rock idiom Skunk seeks to explore both the technical and lyrical boundaries of both the euphonium soloist and pianist.
http://tinyurl.com/kweftt3

Kuklos: Deri Roberts
Solo Euphonium & Tape

Intertwined with pre-recorded tape, Kuklos, portrays a performer practising alone, bringing to the stage what is normally practised away from it.
http://tinyurl.com/mbphcbc

Nightwalker: (Kit Turnbull)
Solo Euphonium & Digital Playback

A light-hearted take on the ‘horror’ genre depicting a descent into nightmare, with wind, thunder, and lightning, intertwined with a whole host of other ghostly sounds.
http://tinyurl.com/l36vhhf

Jazz Disaster: (Alan Williams)
Solo Euphonium & Piano

Described by the composer as, “A kind of collision between ‘Balkan’ rhythms and funk-fusion, with some walking bass thrown in for good measure!”
http://tinyurl.com/qcvkzw3