Philip Sparke

Guardians of the Waves

Guardians of the Waves' was commissioned by the Japan Coast Guard Band to celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2018. They gave the premiere as part of a 30th anniversary concert on November 8th that year. Set in traditionalmarch form, 'Guardians of the Waves' opens with a short introduction, which leads to the main theme, played initially by the brass and then repeated with a florid woodwind descant. The theme is extended and morphs into asecond theme, first played tutti and then quietly repeated by bassoon, tenor sax and euphonium. This leads to a conventional 'bass strain', played twice with varying accompaniments. A quieter trio section follows, delicatelyscored and featuring the tenor instruments of the band. Taken up by the full band, this leads back to a recall of the introduction and a return to the main two themes, which lead to a triumphal close.