THE MIGHTY VOICE Op. 71  (1991)

Symphonic Wind Band 16'

Commissioned by WASBE.

First performed by Sinfonishes Jugenblasorchestra  Baden-Wurttemburg at the WASBE Conference at the RNCM in Manchester in April 1991.

 

I. Maestoso 
II. Scherzo 
III. Dramatico 
IV. Giocosa e) Vivace

The work was inspired by Wordsworth's poem "Sonnet to Liberty":
"Two voices are there - one is of the sea
One of the mountains - each a mighty voice
In both from age to age, thou didst rejoice
They are thy chosen music, Liberty!'

The work is cast in five contrasting sections and lasts  approximately 18 minutes. The first section is grandiose in character, conveying images of the sea; starting on low instruments and answered by a series of triplet fanfares. Following a gradual increase in intensity, the second movement follows: a rhythmic scherzo of wit and vitality. The central movement is sombre, while the fourth evokes images of mountains with alpine horn calls and echo effects. The triumphal finale brings together several of the earlier ideas in a virtuosic display of rejoicing.

 

Chamber Music
Chamber Orchestra
Children's Music
Concertos
Choral & Vocal
Chorus & Orchestra
Ensemble
Keyboard
Strings
Symphony Orchestra
Wind & Brass

 

Alphabetical List
Chronological list