Henry Purcell: With that Sublime Celestial Lay Context As the seventh movement of thirteen in Henry Purcell’s Hail! Bright Cecilia (1692), With that Sublime Celestial Lay is a trio composed for alto, tenor and bass. The work is in honour of the feast day of Saint Cecilia – the Read more…
Paul Hindemith: Trombone Sonata Context Throughout his career Hindemith set out to compose at least one sonata for every instrument. His Trombone Sonata was composed in 1941, and is in four short movements. There is an indication that Hindemith initially composed three movements and then added the fourth later on, Read more…
Paul Hindemith: Trauermusik Context Trauermusik was composed on the 21st January 1936 at very short notice in memory of King George V, who had passed away the previous night. The English translation of the title is ‘Funeral Music’, although it is always known by its German name. On the 19th Read more…
Joseph Turrin: Hymn for Diana Context Composed during September 1997, Joseph Turrin’s melancholy brass band work Hymn for Diana was dedicated in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales. After Diana’s shocking death at the end of August 1997, Turrin quickly got to work and within a week this work was Read more…
Paul Hindemith: Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber Context Born in November 1895 in Hanau, Paul Hindemith engaged with music at a young age. Starting with playing the violin, Hindemith later attended Frankfurt’s Hoch’sche Konservatorium, where he studied violin performance with Adolf Rebner. Further to this, Hindemith Read more…
Paul Hindemith: Plöner Musiktag – Morgenmusik Context Composed and premiered in 1932, Paul Hindermith’s Plöner Musiktag is a set of four works that sets a whole day to music. The four movements are: Morgenmusik (Morning Music) Tafelmusik (Table Music) Kantate (Cantata) Abendkonzert (Evening Concert) Each movement represents a different Read more…
Alexis Ffrench: Bluebird Context Contemporary pianist and composer Alexis Ffrench has been busy taking the world by storm in the last two years. His collection of solo piano works have been performed in a wealth of different venues. His music has made Ffrench a Spotify-era anomaly, with his music racking Read more…
Nigel Hess: Ladies in Lavender Context Composed for the 2004 Charles Dance film Ladies in Lavender, Nigel Hess’ soundtrack for the film became an instant hit with audiences. The film is set in 1930s Cornwall so the lyrical and romantic opening theme perfectly matches the scenery and general character of Read more…
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Waltz of the Flowers Context Tchaikovsky’s iconic Waltz of the Flowers is a piece of orchestral music that features in the second act of his ever-loved festive ballet The Nutcracker. The ballet was premiered at Christmastime in 1892, and has since been one of the most popular Read more…
Philip Sparke: Endeavour Context Born in 1951 in London, Philip Sparke studied composition, trumpet and piano performance at the Royal College of Music. Due to his affiliation with brass, Sparke is known for his many popular works for both brass bands and wind orchestras. Sparke has won notable awards for Read more…