Brookwright Music continues to bolster its ever-burgeoning library of repertoire with new additions of engaging genres.

Owner Andrew Wainwright’s approach is one of eminently intelligent eclecticism – balancing academic interest with marketable popularity. 

His own skill set as a composer/arranger and designer is obvious in the production values of the music available in PDF download format through the company website (and which comes with a good quality ‘follow the score’ preview performance). 

He has also attracted a stable of composers that can cater to a wide range of ensemble or solo needs – from established names to emerging talent.  

Well-crafted

The latest is Marcus Venables, who has already made a mark in different spheres – from being a highly respected cornet player with the Canadian Staff Band to winning the 2019 Cory Band Composition prize with his work, ‘Colossus’.  

He currently works for the Salvation Army Music and Gospel Arts Department in Toronto and his music has a readily identifiable touchstone of well-crafted tonal inspiration. 

There is plenty for everyone to do: Sop players will certainly enjoy the opportunity to ring out a couple of extended top C’s, the middle band and back row get their moments in the spotlight, whilst the percussion writing in particular adds both interest and colour.

Neatly aimed at Second Section plus level bands ‘Call of the Victor’ is a celebration of victory – although one with momentary segues of reflection.  

The  ‘Grandioso’  opening is a fanfare of acclaim – although any sense of triumphalism is left to a cleverly realised climax. 

There is plenty for everyone to do: Sop players will certainly enjoy the opportunity to ring out a couple of extended top C’s, the middle band and back row get their moments in the spotlight, whilst the percussion writing in particular adds both interest and colour.

Ideal opener

Well-structured (the Con brio = 172 – gives things a vibrant, filmatic pulse) the energy is contained within the writing, with subtle dynamic changes adding to the overall effect. 

At just a snip over 5 minutes it is an ideal opener; allowing a confident band to display its stylistic talents without over-egging things with misplaced enthusiasm. 

A MD with a sure touch can make this really sparkle – leaving them with ample opportunity to regal the audience with their own tales of triumphs, past, present and possibly future.

Good stuff this.

Iwan Fox

To Purchase: https://www.brookwrightmusic.com/product-page/call-of-the-victor-brass-band-marcus-venables

All items are available for instant PDF download from the publisher, although for those preferring the printed music this is available from its distributor, Solid Brass Music Company at: http://www.solidbrassmusic.com