Malvern Chase Suite was commissioned by the Malvern Chase Brass Band to celebrate their 40th anniversary. It was premiered in April 2008 at the Malvern Theatres, conducted by the composer. The work is a concerto for brass quintet and band that incorporates parts for beginners up.
It was additionally re-scored for wind band and performed at the 2008 St Asaph Festival. The work is in seven movements embracing a wide variety of styles and can be played either complete or as separate movements.
Movement titles:
Busy Shopping (Rue Mouffetarde - Paris) (4:00)
Break Dance (Bronx - New York) (1:45)
Installation (Tate Modern - London) (1:00)
A Walk in the Gardens (Botanical Gardens - Kyoto) (3:00)
Toreadors (Plaza de Toros - Sevilla) (3:50)
Chorale & Fanfares (At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) (4:15)
Good Times Past (Old Town - St Louis) (2:40)
Malvern Chase Suite was commissioned by the Malvern Chase Brass Band with funds from Arts Council, England and the Elmley Foundation. It was written to feature Fine Arts Brass and an accompanying ensemble of either brass or wind. At the premiere in Malvern Theatres in April 2008 this ensemble was the Malvern Chase Brass Band.
The work is designed to involve the virtuoso and the community/school musician together in a suite of movements centred round city themes. The music is designed to be played by musicians of all standards, whilst the quintet features as a solo group.
The first movement is entitled Busy Shopping (Rue Mouffetarde - Paris) and characterises the popular pastime of retail therapy with Gallic ebullience.
The second movement is a minimalist Break Dance (Bronx - New York) in which the band abandons its brass instruments in favour of percussion.
Movement three features the solo brass quintet in a contemporary styled Installation (Tate Modern - London).
A Walk in the Gardens (Botanical Gardens - Kyoto) represents a gentle stroll with an oriental flavour. Although Kyoto is mentioned in the title it could equally refer to the Malvern Winter Gardens or any gardens where a peaceful promenade may be enjoyed.
Toreadors (Plaza de Toros - Sevilla) contains references to the Spanish fandango dance and the famous old bullring in Seville.
Chorale & Fanfares (At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) has no specific city reference, but draws on the universal remembrance of the fallen soldier. It concludes with a quotation from Bach's famous setting of the chorale Es is genug (It is enough).
The finale looks back to Good Times Past (Old Town - St Louis) with a deliberate reference to the style of Scott Joplin and the city in which he gave many performances.
Rehearsal with Malvern Chase band
