Phoenix 2023

brass​ band

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Initially commissioned by the East London Music Group for brass trio and drum kit, and first performed at Rich Mix (London) on 7th May 2022 by the ensemble conducted by Matthew Hardy. The brass band version was premiered by the Hepworth Band on 23rd September 2023 at St David's Church Hall, Holmbridge conducted by the Ryan Watkins. 

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Duration 3' | Difficulty ABRSM Grade 8 + 

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Scoring 

Full brass band with timp, drum kit and 2 perc. 

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Programme Note 

This fanfare was commissioned to open a concert by the East London Music Group celebrating the reopening of the British performing arts sector and the ability for musicians and audiences to reconnect. The mythological phoenix which dies in flames only to be reborn anew in the ashes, seemed to perfectly personify new life, energy and hope following two years of gruelling restrictions during the Covid pandemic. The cyclical nature of the phoenix’s life also plays out in the musical structure. Specifically, each phrase is an extended variation of the previous phrase, so that musical material returns in ever greater cycles, which I describe as a vortex structure.  

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Availability 

This work is available to hire. Please get in touch to find out more. 

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Perusal Score

Please note that this music is in copyright and it is illegal to copy or perform from the perusal score.