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.