Tuba Concerto - Gregson
Commissioned by Besses o' the Barn Band with funds from the Arts Council of Great Britain.
This work is dedicated to John Fletcher, who gave the first performance on 24 April 1976.
The concerto is in three movements, following the usual quick-slow-quick pattern: Allegro deciso, Lento e mesto, Allegro giocoso. The first is in a sonata form shell with two contrasting themes, the first rhythmic in character, the second lyrical. There is a reference made in the development section to the opening theme of Vaughan Williams's Tuba Concerto, but only in passing. The second movement unfolds a long cantabile melody for the soloist, which contrasts to a ritornello idea announced three times by the band/orchestra. The last movement is in rondo form, alternating the main theme with two episodes. The first of these is a broad sweeping tune, the second jazz-like in style. After a short cadenza, reference is made to the opening of the concerto, and the work ends with a triumphal flourish.
More infor on the link below:
http://www.schirmer.com/composers/gregson/bio.html
Malcolm Arnold
Lots of information on the following site:
http://www.musicweb.uk.net/arnold/arnold.htm
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