Par SPARKE PHILIP. MASQUERADE was commissioned by Stadtmusik Willisau from Switzerland (Reto Güdel, conductor) to celebrate their 175th anniversary in 2003 and first performed by them in November that year. 1. OvertureThe first movement opens with a fanfare-like figure, featuring the brass, before the main them is introduced over staccato chords. After a short, syncopated interlude a legato theme is introduced in the tenor register and material is developed until the music slows temporarily. The opening theme returns and the ‘tenor’ tune is taken up by the whole band until the opening fanfare returns to close the movement. 2. ElegyThe slow movement opens intensely with a bare two-part theme, whichleads to a passionate chorale-style melody. A second theme is introduced and leads to a climax, a return of the chorale theme and a pianissimo repeat which again leads to a full-band climax. The two-part theme returns quietly to create a peaceful close. 3 InterludeA short movement which changes the mood to introduce:- 4 FinaleThree violent chords preface a lively syncopated opening theme. The trumpets introduce a second idea, which is treated fugally, and this in turn leads to the main melodic idea of the movement, over staccato chords. A contrasting subject is then introduced in the middle of the band, followed by echoes of the first movement fanfare. The opening theme returns and material is revisited until the opening fanfare returns in full to end the work triumphantly. / Niveau : 4 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par HESKETH KENNETH. Un Masque (abréviation de Masquerade) a été défini par les historiens comme ' A revel dans laquelle mimes ou masqués folk viennent avec des torches blazing dans la salle de fête et appeler à la compagnie de danse et couper en dés '. Le chaos de cette danse dramatique est représenté dans cette ' Masque ' par Hesketh. Le thème principal est la bravoure et est souvent présent, à l'arrière-plan. La forme de la pièce est un scherzo-trio-scherzo simple. Notation colorés (solos de vent supérieur, solos de trompette et de la corne alternant avec plein de corps tuttis) avec un trait de caractère sauvage peut tease joueur et auditeur à décevoir leurs cheveux un peu ! ' Masque ' a été transcrite pour bande par Kenneth Hesketh de son ' Scherzo pour orchestre ', commandée par l'Orchestre National pour les enfants en 1987. Cette fine pièce peut être entendue sur le CD de la bande Leyland, photos de la côte est (numéro de catalogue 0-571-52109-6)./ Répertoire / Brass Band

Par HESKETH KENNETH. A Masque (short for Masquerade) has been defined by Historians as 'A revel in which Mummers or masked folk come with torches blazing into the festive hall and call upon the company to dance and dice' . The chaos of this dramatic dance is depicted in this Masque by Hesketh. The main theme is bravura and is often present, in the background. The form of the piece is a simple scherzo-trio-scherzo. Colourful scoring (upper wind solos, trumpet and horn solos alternating with full bodied tuttis) with a dash of wildness may tease both player and listener to let their hair down a little! Masque has been transcribed for wind band by Kenneth Hesketh from his Scherzo for Orchestra , commissioned by the National Children's Orchestra in 1987. / Niveau : Assez Facile / Répertoire / Orchestre D'Harmonie