SKU: CN.R10011

Cast your self into a storm at sea with this fantastic piece from John Ireland. Turbulent rhythmic motives launch the work to blend into a more lyrical melody contrasting the opening. Don't be fooled though; the first rhythmic motive provides the underlay, a reminder that the calm surface of the sea is only masking the swirling water underneath!

A Maritime Overture was written in 1944 and published in 1946. This edition was published in 1988. The score was prepared from the composer's full draft by Norman Richardson, and uses the same material as Tritons - a Symphonic Prelude for orchestra dating from the early 1900s. The development of the material however is different in each piece. The work is conceived in F major - but it is 24 bars before Ireland establishes this tonality. Fortissimo chords of B-flat major open the work, and the Overture hovers between G minor and B-flat as a restless rhythmic motif is introduced. As soon as F major is finally established it is contradicted as the music fragments, but the key is allowed a further 4 bars to consolidate before more lyrical interplay leads to a second idea, introduced by flutes and oboes in C major. Marked 'espressivo e ben cantando' this is a complete contrast to the opening, although the first rhythmic motif provides the underlay - a reminder after the opening storms that the calm surface of the sea is only masking the swirling water underneath. A Maritime Overture has a freer approach to form than say the first movement of a symphony might allow, enabling Ireland to introduce a totally new central section marked 'poco meno mosso' in F minor. A bold cornet (not trumpet) heralds this new idea, in a passage marked 'with freedom' and perhaps for the only time there is a true tranquility in the sextuplet accompaniment. Thus the restlessness is suspended, but not for long, as the opening storm returns and a recapitulation allows the F major theme and the second theme - this time in the sub-dominant (B-flat) - to reassert themselves.

SKU: AP.48144S

ISBN 9781470653668. UPC: 038081550756. English.

This piece has an attitude! A bit jazzy, a little sassy, and a touch of glitz and glam certainly sets this piece apart. Fast-paced rhythmic riffs in a minor key alternate with soaring melodies in a major key. A thoughtful and expressive lyrical section provides contrast. (5:00) This title available in MakeMusic Cloud.

SKU: KJ.GB861F

With its uncomplicated sostenuto opening, Prelude to a Festival initially sets a serene and tranquil mood. The upper winds and brass present the opening theme in a humble, yet stately manner as the low instruments lay a rich harmonic foundation. The percussion section enters the picture at measure 22, changing the feeling of the piece to one of energy and exuberance. Propelled by insistently rhythmic figures in the low winds and brasses, the band builds several layers on musical texture upon one another, exploring and developing several new themes. Always increasing the momentum, the band reaches the climax of the piece at measure 83 with full force. Here, the major melodic and rhythmic elements converge, leading up to the bombastic compound-meter conclusion.