Hildegard von Bingen: O frondens virga Context The Roman Catholic definition of an antiphon is “liturgical music, chant melody and text sung before and after a psalm verse, originally by alternating choirs.” Hildegard von Bingen’s O frondens virga is a psalm antiphon that is sung by a choir. Often accompanied Read more…
Edward Gregson: Of Distant Memories Context Commissioned by Black Dyke Band and the Worshipful Company of Musicians, Of Distant Memories marked the centenary of the first original test piece for brass band for the 1913 National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. The work is firmly in Championship standard repertoire, Read more…
Peter Graham: Shine As The Light Context Peter Graham was born in Scotland in 1958. He is most known for his works for brass and wind bands. He studied under the tutelage of Edward Gregson, where he completed a PhD in composition from Goldsmiths College, London. Many of Graham’s works Read more…
John Williams: Theme from Jurassic Park Context Composed for the 1993 Steven Spielberg film Jurassic Park, the theme to the film has remained one of John Williams’ most iconic works. The soundtrack was conducted a month after its composition, with Williams conducting a large proportion of the recording. However, after Read more…
Hans Zimmer: The Battle Context Hans Zimmer was approached to compose the soundtrack for Ridley Scott’s popular film Gladiator in 2000. The film follows main character Maximus Decimus Meridius as he experiences slavery and seeks revenge on the corrupted leader Commodus. Zimmer’s music reflects this with bold orchestrations, memorable melodies Read more…
Hans Zimmer: He’s a Pirate Context He’s a Pirate is one of the most iconic tracks from the 2003 Disney film Pirates of the Carribean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. There is often some confusion around who actually composed the original soundtrack to the first instalment in the Pirates Read more…
Hans Zimmer: ‘This Land’ from The Lion King Context The original motion picture soundtrack for The Lion King was released on May 31, 1994. Subsequent special releases have been seen for this film and the stage production, with ‘This Land being under various titles. For instance, in the legacy collection Read more…
Hans Zimmer: Supermarine from Dunkirk Context Taken from the 2017 film Dunkirk, Supermarine is the fourth track in the original motion picture soundtrack. Zimmer began working on the score in 2016, and due to the importance of the music in the film, he made a demo of the music. Director Read more…
Giacomo Puccini: Nessun Dorma Context Nessun Dorma is a tenor aria that features at the end of Giacomo’s Puccini’s 1926 opera Turandot. The aria is sung by the main male character, Calaf, who fall in love with Princess Turandot. Any man that wishes to marry the Princess must successfully answer Read more…
Camille Saint-Saëns: Danse Macabre Context Camille Saint-Saëns’ tone poem, Danse Macabre was composed in 1874. It started out as an art song for voice and piano, but was soon adapted as an orchestral work. The work is based on a poem by Henri Cazalis, which is based upon French superstition: Read more…