Programme Note

The original version of Partita was written for brass band in 1971.  The version for symphonic wind band was made by Geoffrey Brand in 1999, specially for the G&M Brand wind series.

The musical thread that runs through the work is the 13th century plainsong Dies Irae from the Requiem Mass. This gives the work a rather sombre tone which is audible right from the start of its first movement Intrada. The initial hammer-like chords of the opening and conclusion are only interrupted momentarily by a more lyrical modal tune. Even here, on its repetition, it is surrounded by more insistent textural patterns.

The second movement, Chorale and Variations, uses the Dies Irae as the basis for an extended melody in the manner of a baroque sarabande. The five variations that follow are varied in texture, tempi, and dynamics. The final March is more optimistic in mood and presents as its main idea a rather jaunty theme which gets developed throughout the movement. However, the ominous presence of the Dies Irae has the last say with a final statement to round off the work.

Written: 1971

Instrumentation:
symphonic wind band

Genre: Symphonic Wind Band

Publisher: G&M Brand

Duration: 11'