Par HIGGINS GAVIN. Der Aufstand (German for 'riot') is not a descriptive work, nor is it solely based on the riots of 2011. It does, however, draw on the idea of opposing forces and escalating anger. The work falls into two contrasting sections that are linked by a series of repeated, 'screaming' chords. A slow build drives the first section from a single pitch to a blazing orchestral tutti. The second section is a fast and wild series of fanfares and driving rhythms that ultimately cannot be sustained. In many ways this mirrors the first. Both sections open on single tones (Bb and E) and grow to a climax of brass and hammered chords. The first performance took place on the last day of the 2012 Olympic Games. Der Aufstand is a noisy antithesis to the celebratory fanfare. Wind Band Grade: 6 (Professional and elite student and 'national' bands) Duration: 10 minutes/ Répertoire / Ensemble à Vent

Par HESS NIGEL. Chansons de Normandie was commissioned by the Central Band of the Royal Air Force and premiered on BBC Radio 2 as part of their D-Day broadcast from the Royal Albert Hall on June 6th, 2014. This 4 minute piece is based on three traditional Normandy folk songs: Les Metamorphoses, Le marchand de velours and Le corselet. An ideal concert opener, the work is in a lively dance tempo with suggestions of Renaissance dance music./ Répertoire / Orchestre à Vent