*
banner

New euph concerto with a tale to tell

Daniel Hall's new euphonium concerto has a surprisingly dark inspiration...

Pinocchio
  Daniel Hall's new concerto is a story with a much darker inspiration than you may first think

A new euphonium concerto inspired by the story of Pinocchio will come to life in Cardiff next month.

Fresh from his success in writing 'Smoke Sketches' for the National Youth Championships of Great Britain composer Daniel Hall will hear his new work performed by his friend Matthew Rowe.

Pinocchio

The 'Pinocchio Concerto' is inspired by the famous story written in 1883 by the Italian Carlo Collodi, with each of its four movements exploring the tale — from the puppet's awakening and love of dance, to his realisation that he will never be able to love as he doesn't have a heart and the final acknowledgement of who and what he is.

The 18 minute work for euphonium with piano accompaniment was written for Matthew to form part of his final Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama degree recital, with Daniel telling 4BR that it was the darker elements of the original story, and not the celebrated Disney film, that caught his musical imagination.

Much darker

"The original story is much darker than you might imagine — and is really an allegory,"Daniel explained.

"Collodi represents Pinocchio as a tragic, disturbing figure, his misdemeanours a warning to others — especially his Italian countrymen. It isn't quite what Walt Disney made of it all. In the end he accepts his fate and finds true comfort and meaning."

He added: "I wrote it for Matthew as he's such a wonderful player — both with Tongwynlais Band and with the Indigo Brass Quartet who recently won the Philip Jones Ensemble Competition at RWCMD. We are also great friends, so I knew he would enjoy the work."

The original story is much darker than you might imagine — and is really an allegoryComposer, Daniel Hall

Premiere

The premiere will be held at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama on 25th of May (1.15pm).

Entry is free, and Matthew will also be performing works by Philip Wilby, Martin Ellerby and Lucy Pankhurst.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


nybbgb

NYBBGB Tidworth Concert now on YouTube

May 30 • The impressive concert given by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and featuring Isobel Daws can now by enjoyed time and time again.


mUSIC

Pressure pays off as music still on offer at Cardiff University

May 28 • Music degrees will still be on offer at Cardiff University although under new plans to revise entry targets and content.


John Wallace

Wallace honoured by International Trumpet Guild

May 28 • John Wallace CBE follows in the musical footsteps of Maurice Andre, Philip Jones, Miles Davis and Maurice Murphy with his latest accolade.


BBE Seaside

Oh we do like to play beside the seaside...

May 28 • BBE launches its 'Brass at the Seaside' initiative to help bands reach out to new audiences.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


Croy Silver Band - Summer Concert

Thursday 26 June • Holy Cross Parochial Hall, Constarry Rd, Croy, Glasgow G65 9JG


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Croy Silver Band

June 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but we always welcome enquiries for any section of the band. We rehearse in Croy on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7:30pm.


Epping Forest Band

May 31 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn.. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year.. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band

May 29 • The RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band has an immediate vacancy for French Horn and Oboe players. The RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band is a Cambridgeshire based symphonic wind band with an excellent reputation within the local community and surrounding area.


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd