Listen to the whole piece on this link vimeo.com/ondemand/ebbc18ownchoice/270381570
Fairey Band conducted by Garry Cutt plays Defiance by Andy Scott at the European Brass Band Championships 2018 in Utrecht.
Fairey Band conducted by Garry Cutt plays Defiance by Andy Scott at the European Brass Band Championships 2018 in Utrecht.
A single movement work, Defiance is inspired by and dedicated to the spirit of the people of Manchester U.K.
Defiance opens with a chorale-like statement that moves through several key centres, with a spiritual centre of strength. The top brass bands possess an ensemble sound, dynamic range and emotion second to none, and this sets the tone for the piece, with solo horn and flugelhorn leading the way. Fairey Band, who commissioned Defiance, was formed in 1937 and the music that follows is influenced by the music of this era. A ‘jungle’ swing feel sets the tone for ensemble and soloistic challenges. The bass trombone and bass section locking in with drums and tom toms, over which solos follow for euphonium and horn. However the main emphasis is on the full ensemble, exploring colours and textures whilst all the time challenging the players to swing! Out of the 1930’s groove emerges an Eb bass unaccompanied cadenza, which explores different emotions in a lyrical setting, followed by a virtuosic flugel horn cadenza that leads us into a bridge section that is a variation of the opening theme. There are optional solo cadenzas that are written for euphonium and solo cornet, giving bands a choice of which players to feature.
The second half of Defiance brings us to the present day. Insistent rhythms and riffs represent both the industrial heritage of Manchester and regeneration of the city, with a ‘four on the floor’ kit bass drum tipping it’s hat to ‘Madchester’ of the 1980’s. A short edgy and angular ensemble section that features a number of time changes returns as a solo cornet and solo trombone duo, almost fugue-like, with solo euphonium and flugelhorn augmenting the duo to a quartet. The band then moves into the ‘remembrance’ section of Defiance. ‘We will not be beaten’ is the clear message, carried by the tone, emotion and power of the full band. The short coda of Defiance sends out a message of positivity, drawing on elements heard in the second half of the piece.
Andy Scott
Defiance was commissioned by Fairey Band with support from Brass Band England and funding from the PRS Foundation. The World Premiere of Defiance was given by Fairey Band conducted by Garry Cutt at the European Brass Band Championships, Utrecht, Holland on 5th May 2018.
Percussion 4 players. Timpani, Glockenspiel, Drum Kit, Tam-tam, Vibraphone, Cowbell, Whip, Xylophone, Clash cymbals, Tom-toms, Tubular bells, Vibraslap, Bass drum, Waterphone.
Defiance opens with a chorale-like statement that moves through several key centres, with a spiritual centre of strength. The top brass bands possess an ensemble sound, dynamic range and emotion second to none, and this sets the tone for the piece, with solo horn and flugelhorn leading the way. Fairey Band, who commissioned Defiance, was formed in 1937 and the music that follows is influenced by the music of this era. A ‘jungle’ swing feel sets the tone for ensemble and soloistic challenges. The bass trombone and bass section locking in with drums and tom toms, over which solos follow for euphonium and horn. However the main emphasis is on the full ensemble, exploring colours and textures whilst all the time challenging the players to swing! Out of the 1930’s groove emerges an Eb bass unaccompanied cadenza, which explores different emotions in a lyrical setting, followed by a virtuosic flugel horn cadenza that leads us into a bridge section that is a variation of the opening theme. There are optional solo cadenzas that are written for euphonium and solo cornet, giving bands a choice of which players to feature.
The second half of Defiance brings us to the present day. Insistent rhythms and riffs represent both the industrial heritage of Manchester and regeneration of the city, with a ‘four on the floor’ kit bass drum tipping it’s hat to ‘Madchester’ of the 1980’s. A short edgy and angular ensemble section that features a number of time changes returns as a solo cornet and solo trombone duo, almost fugue-like, with solo euphonium and flugelhorn augmenting the duo to a quartet. The band then moves into the ‘remembrance’ section of Defiance. ‘We will not be beaten’ is the clear message, carried by the tone, emotion and power of the full band. The short coda of Defiance sends out a message of positivity, drawing on elements heard in the second half of the piece.
Andy Scott
Defiance was commissioned by Fairey Band with support from Brass Band England and funding from the PRS Foundation. The World Premiere of Defiance was given by Fairey Band conducted by Garry Cutt at the European Brass Band Championships, Utrecht, Holland on 5th May 2018.
Percussion 4 players. Timpani, Glockenspiel, Drum Kit, Tam-tam, Vibraphone, Cowbell, Whip, Xylophone, Clash cymbals, Tom-toms, Tubular bells, Vibraslap, Bass drum, Waterphone.