Composer Peter Graham and the International Staff Band of the Salvation Army have released an intriguing snippet of the 2019 British Open test-piece, 'Dynasty', which was given a preparation run-out at the band's headquarters in London this week.
Described by Peter as 'a symphonic poem for brass band', it is inspired by the musical life of the legendary Harry Mortimer, and will be joint collaboration between the British Open and Belgian musical organisation VLAMO.
Premiere
It will be premiered at Symphony Hall Birmingham on 7th September, followed by a European contest premiere at the Belgian National Championships on 1st December at the CC Zwaneberg venue in Heist-op-den-berg.
Using Harry Mortimer's autobiography 'On Brass' as a source, 'Dynasty' presents a range of musical scenes which will incorporate solos, hymns and the occasional reference to brass band classics — opening with an opening six-note motif from 'The Severn Suite'.
The work concludes with a dramatic fugue based upon themes from music which was an integral part of band and community music-making in HM's lifetime; 'The Messiah'."
Described by Peter as 'a symphonic poem for brass band', it is inspired by the musical life of the legendary Harry Mortimer, and will be joint collaboration between the British Open and Belgian musical organisation VLAMO4BR
Everything in order
On his Facebook page Peter stated: "I was privileged to have the ISB read this through under Stephen Cobb's masterly direction (and) which gave me the chance to check everything is in order."
The work will be made available to competing bands on June 17th with study scores available for the general public on the contest day.
The 2020 Spring Festival qualification competitions will be held on Saturday 9th May.
