Derek Bourgeois

Concerto For Brass Sextet And Wind Orchestra

The musical world is full of pieces of failed profundity. The intention of this work is to be light-hearted and entertaining.

The first movement has three contrasting themes evenly distributed and its shape could be thought of as sonata form with three themes. The emphasis in the sextet in this movement is on ensemble playing. The first theme is rhythmic and neo-classic in flavour. The second is more pungent with spicier harmony. The third theme is calmer and much more romantic than the other two.

The first movement links into the second with a three note phrase which moves the key from B flat major to G flat major which is the opening key of the second movement. There follows an almost metronomic theme with a repeated chordal accompaniment over which a perky tune is the basis of a monothematic structure. This theme is seen in various guises throughout the movement each time in a new key. There is a secondary theme but this is much less important. In the centre of the movement there is an angry outburst which is based on the same material. At the climax of its vitriol the piccolo decides to end the episode with a flippant reprieve of the opening tune, dispelling the mood completely.

The last movement starts off with a theme played by the entire solo sextet and repeated by the band. There follows a set of six variations with greatly contrasting moods. Each variation features a particular soloist from the sextet. These appear in the order: trombone, trumpet, horn, euphonium, tuba and then cornet. Finally the theme is repeated in its entirety with the briefest of codas.