Through the Spiral by Claire Cope is a dramatic and exciting 5-minute journey through the Milky Way for brass band. From sparkling star textures and majestic chorales to a thrilling race past planets and a triumphant final fanfare, this cosmic piece brings the galaxy to life. Commissioned by The Fairey Brass Band.
A4 score only (28 pages). Parts sold separately.
A4 score only (28 pages). Parts sold separately.
Score & parts sold separately. Parts available here
About the Piece
This piece is a short but exciting journey through our great Milky Way galaxy. At first, a gradually building texture increases in density as more and more stars begin to shine in the blackness. This gives way to large-scale chords, rising and falling in great height like giant nebula and cloud dust. A more majestic and expressive chorale takes over, as we move past great planets and moons. As the opening star-like texture returns, building in intensity and with added percussion, we near a black hole, at the centre of the galaxy. The final rhythmic section is a race back through the galaxy, as stars, nebula, planets and asteroids whizz by, concluding with a triumphant fanfare as we look back at the great Spiral.
Commissioned by The Fairey Brass Band.
World premiere given by The Fairey Brass Band on 16th March 2025 at the Royal Northern College of Music Young Explorer’s Concert ‘Space, Stars and Video Games’.
Instrumentation
Brass band
Percussion (3 players)
This piece is a short but exciting journey through our great Milky Way galaxy. At first, a gradually building texture increases in density as more and more stars begin to shine in the blackness. This gives way to large-scale chords, rising and falling in great height like giant nebula and cloud dust. A more majestic and expressive chorale takes over, as we move past great planets and moons. As the opening star-like texture returns, building in intensity and with added percussion, we near a black hole, at the centre of the galaxy. The final rhythmic section is a race back through the galaxy, as stars, nebula, planets and asteroids whizz by, concluding with a triumphant fanfare as we look back at the great Spiral.
Commissioned by The Fairey Brass Band.
World premiere given by The Fairey Brass Band on 16th March 2025 at the Royal Northern College of Music Young Explorer’s Concert ‘Space, Stars and Video Games’.
Instrumentation
Brass band
Percussion (3 players)
- Timpani
- Percussion 1: Vibraphone, Wind Chimes, Xylophone, Tubular Bells, Sus. Cymbal, Bass Drum
- Percussion 2: Triangle, Glockenspiel, Anvil, Bass Drum, Snare Drum
