Philip Sparke

Music For Arosa

This work was commissioned in 1996 by the Arosa Cultural committee and first performed in Arosa in that year. The majestic introduction opens with trombones and euphonium, heralding a legato theme, chorale-like in character. A pair of flutes introduce a new theme. A trumpet introduces a series of highly syncopated solos, which feature many metre changes, and the tempo increases when playful motifs are exchanged between various sections of the band. A solo clarinet introduces an expressive tune. A brass chorale follows, with interruptions from the flute and bassoon, until the clarinet tune is played by the whole band. This reaches a climax and the mood subsides to reach a quiet horn chord. The broad legato tune returns and the excitement increases until the march theme triumphantly returns to full band. This leads to the coda which is based on the opening fanfare and closes the work emphatically. (Grade 5) (Recorded on QPRM138D BREAKING THE CENTURY, Central Band of the Royal Air Force)