Graham releases A Cappella Duets
Internationally acclaimed composer Peter Graham has written ‘Six A Cappella Studies for Brass Duet’. Peter is renowned within the brass band movement for his phenomenal compositions, many of which have tested the very finest bands in major competitions. Whilst it is unlikely that bands will be playing any test-pieces for quite some time, brass players can now keep themselves very busy with six brand new duets for brass instruments, inspired by some of Peter’s most loved works.
Commenting on the project Peter stated, “Covid-19 has had an impact on daily life almost beyond comprehension. For musicians, both amateur and professional, new ways have been sought to create performance opportunities and social media is awash with recordings and videos. One of the most popular ways of media creation is through Acapella, an app which allows users to record themselves singing or playing in multiple parts. As a music student in the late 1970s A Cappella to me meant singing unaccompanied contrapuntal works with our music department choir! These practical sessions complimented the study of strict counterpoint, starting with species and advancing to the master Palestrina. As an alternative to crosswords, some students would doodle two part fugal exercises to stimulate the mind. With pencil and paper in hand I returned to this activity recently, and as I did so the idea of a book of two part studies started to take root.
“As a source/starting point I’ve used motifs from some of my test-pieces for brass band and followed where instinct led. Each study can be played by any instrument of the same pitch. I’m extremely grateful to the performers who readily agreed to contribute to this project. They will be names familiar to brass enthusiasts everywhere and needless to say are at the very top of their chosen specialism.”
Today’s instalment was duet number three, demonstrated by father and son virtuoso euphonium players, Robert and David Childs. Peter explains, “I wrote my first (and only) duet for euphoniums, Brillante, back in 1987 to be performed at the British Bandsman Centenary Concert by the legendary Childs Brothers, Robert and Nicholas. I believe Robert’s six year old son David was already showing an interest in following in his Dad’s footsteps. The rest is history as they say… What a thrill to hear and see father and son team up to play today’s study, Ablaze! (after The Torchbearer).”
Previous releases include ‘Energico’ (after ‘Prisms’) performed by the exceptional James and Thomas Fountain and ‘A Time to Love’ (after ‘The Essence of Time’) with both parts performed by tenor horn star, Sheona White.
The first three videos can be viewed below or on BBW's Media sharing platform. Keep checking back to the Media platform for new videos and free sheet music downloads of Peter's next three A Cappella duets. Tomorrow's instalment requires a journey across the oceans to hear a wonderful symphonic trombonist.
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