Darrol Barry

Partita For Concert Band

This work is cast in four movements: Introit; Impromptu; Elegy (31.12.04); Finale. (Recorded on QPRM150D, CHIVALRY, Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra) PARTITA FOR CONCERT BAND is cast in four movements: Introit - begins majestically with brass, saxes and percussion carrying the main theme from which most of the following ideas originate. It is repeated by the woodwinds and moves via a solo side drum into the piu mosso. New ideas are introduced by trombones, the horns and euphoniums leading to the central idea played by oboe. This leads, in turn, via full band to the closing movement. 2. Impromptu -once again the opening theme is the basis of the whole movement, using most of the composer's tricks, augmentation, retrograde, inversion and fugato, it moves along in a very confident style. A muted solo trumpet links into the third movement. Elegy (26/12/04) - this movement was prompted by the devastating events of Boxing Day 2004, the Asian Tsunami. The movement opens bleakly until a solo flute gives us the main theme over a troubled accompaniment. The opening mood returns but timpani and tam-tam herald return of the main theme for the full band. The opening theme is heard again as the music subsides but never settles. Finale - this spirited 6/8 vivo opens up with percussion and horns and trumpets announce the main idea, punctuated with short chords from the lower band. A new four bar theme is heard over a bass tread, the theme overlaps itself and quavers swirl up and down the band. Material from the first movement is heard transformed by the energy of the finale and the music surges towards a sudden close.