An iconic piece of music for the Wind Concert Band repertoire by Ottorino Respighi (above) is now available for brass bands to perform, thanks to Pennine Music.

'Huntingtower' (Ballad for Band), was composed in 1932 for a special concert in memory of John Philip Sousa, who had passed away earlier in the year. It is believed that the inspiration came from an earlier visit made by the composer to Huntingtower Castle in Scotland.

Premiere

The composition received its premiere at the special concert on the 17th April, 1932 alongside the premiere of Holst's work 'Hammersmith', performed by the United States Army Band.

Pennine Music's MD Gavin Somerset told 4BR: "Whilst the wonderful Howard Snell arrangement of 'The Pines of Rome' is perhaps best known in the banding world, this fantastic six-minute arrangement by Alastair Wheeler makes for a great Respighi alternative to some of the more traditional overtures in band libraries."

this fantastic six-minute arrangement by Alastair Wheeler makes for a great Respighi alternative to some of the more traditional overtures in band librariesGavin Somerset

View

You can view this new release, as well as the rest of the Pennine Music catalogue at www.penninemusic.com

Free PDF scores, solo parts and audio samples are also available to help bands in their quest for new music.