*
banner

Full musical Code to be unearthed and recorded

Euphonium player Dr Matthew van Emmerick is to set out and record the full list of solo works written by the pioneering Australian composer Percy Code.

Percy Code
  The full collection of Percy Code's solo music is to be recorded

Australian euphonium player Dr. Matthew van Emmerik is to undertake a new CD project featuring the entire solo repertoire of celebrated composer Percy Code.

Code was born in Melbourne in 1888 and went on to become a giant in the Australian brass band movement — first as a renowned cornet soloist, then as a conductor, composer and educator.

Standards

Many of his works still remain standards for aspiring top flight soloists throughout the world; including the likes of 'Zelda', 'The Emperor', 'Miranda', 'Neath Austral Skies' and 'Valse Caprice', whilst others, from marches to trombone trios still remain popular to this day.

His life has been subject to a great deal of academic interest in recent years, with Matthew hoping to solidify his complete list of solo works for the first time.

Matthew's will record alongside long time collaborative pianist, Peter Baker and associate artist Jessica Buzbee for Code's trombone solo 'The Emperor', originally composed for his brother Stanley.

Far reaching

Matthew told 4BR: "There has been a far reaching appreciation of Code's music in Australia for many years, and he remains something of an iconic figure.

I've been overwhelmed with the interest in this project from all corners of the musical globe and further discussions with Graham Code, Percy's nephew, have really opened further significance avenues in this far reaching research."

It is also hoped that future generations will be able to enjoy Percy Code's music, as the recording will also come with piano accompaniment backing tracks to give students, professionals and enthusiasts an opportunity to perform, rehearse and play along.

Percy Code was and remains universally admired — an unassuming man with exceptional gifts. I think this project is just the start of a larger recognition of his life Geoff Payne, Principal Trumpet, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Great influence

Geoff Payne, Principal Trumpet of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, is one musician who fully appreciates Code's unique contribution to Australian brass music.

He told 4BR: "Most people know of Percy Code's influence through his initial solo repertoire, but he also had a great influence on professional orchestras in Australia where he was the first conductor for many as they were established in each state.

Without that, much of what we have today in musical terms throughout Australia would be very different."

Universally admired

He added: "Percy Code was and remains universally admired — an unassuming man with exceptional gifts. I think this project is just the start of a larger recognition of his life, and I hope Matthew can expand on a story that needs to be conveyed and documented further."

Percy Code died in October 1953.

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    


Holme Valley

Full house signs up for Holme Valley Contest

April 2 • A fine turn out of bands have been attracted to compete at the Holme Valley Contest later this month.


Besson

Hodgkiss claims Besson prize at RWCM&D

April 2 • Ebbw Valley euphonium player Ollie Hodgkiss has claimed the prestigious Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Besson Solo Brass Prize.


Thea Musgrave

Thea Musgrave Funds set up to help musicians

April 2 • Two new funds supported by the celebrated British composer have been set up in collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Society


Motor City

Motor City welcomes guests for preview

April 2 • Motor City Brass Band will be hosting a special National Preview concert ahead of their trip to Fort Wayne this weekend.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


Chris Wormald

B.Mus (Hons), LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, adjudicator, arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd