Fawkes Concert Opener / Closer
Winner 1st Section Wychavon Festival of Brass - Sovereign Brass (UK)
Barnstorming concert set finisher / opener
Follow the score version
Recording by Sovereign Brass at Pershore Midsummer Brass 2024
Aust$60 (approx. UK£30 US$40 NZ$65)
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Synopsis
Written for Alan Gifford and Sovereign Brass, this piece explores the events of the Gunpowder Plot in London on November 5th 1605, and the explosive legacy created by Guy Fawkes.
This was a bold attempt to destroy both the royal and political power in England. There were no explosions that night, but the potential spectre of 36 barrels of gunpowder, already manoeuvered into place, looms as an unshakeable image.
For some reason, this unsuccessful plot is celebrated in ironic fashion by recreating the sort of pyrotechnics that could've instigated a big shift in history - one that would've changed the course, and even the existence of empires and superpowers that followed on, had one simple fuse been successfully lit.
Similarly, this piece attempts to celebrate the 'non-explosive event' with musical pyrotechnics, while attempting to capture the intrigue and latent historical tremors.
Fendall Hill 2023