On the shoulders of giants

Graham, P

Abstract

“If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants”
Letter from Isaac Newton to Robert Hooke, 5 February 1676

The art of brass playing embraces a range of diverse approaches and styles. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the musical melting pot of the USA.

On the Shoulders of Giants pays tribute to this diversity and to the great American brass virtuosi whose legacy has provided the foundation for countless brass giants of today.

The opening movement, Fanfares, reflects on the legendary Chicago Symphony Orchestra brass section. It has been suggested that the much-admired and distinctive style of the CSO Brass was initially driven by the Germanic repertoire favoured by the early music directors. Here the opening bars from the finale of Bruckner’s 8th symphony provide the departure point for the musical journey.

The work continues (attacca) with an Elegy. America’s role as the birthplace of jazz and two of her leading brass lights are remembered here – Miles Davis (through the sound world created for him by Gil Evans) – and the father of lyrical trombone playing Tommy Dorsey. In acknowledgement that jazz owes its origins to Negro spirituals, the gospel song Steal Away underpins the movement.

The finale, a Fantasie Brillante, pays homage to the turn of the century brass virtuosi of Sousa Band fame. The centrepiece of the movement finds Herbert L. Clarke, Arthur Pryor and Simone Mantia stepping from the mists of time to deliver snippets from their greatest solos (together with passing references to Sousa’s highest pd soloist, drummer August Helmecke). Moments of individual virtuosity lead to a series of brass band power chords - giant footsteps in musical imagery – as present day brass giants conclude this tribute to their predecessors.

The world premiere was given by The Cory Band, Music Director Dr Robert Childs, at the Kursaal Ostende, Belgium on May 2nd 2009.

Citation

Graham, P. (2009). On the shoulders of giants. [print]

• Other Type: Composition
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2009
• Deposit Date: Jan 23, 2012
• Related Public URLs: http://www.gramercymusic.com
• Additional Information: Additional Information : The world premiere was given by The Cory Band, Music Director Dr Robert Childs, at the Kursaal Ostende, Belgium on May 2nd 2009.; Composition Type : Concerto for Brass and Percussion