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- Edward Gregson
Euphonium Concerto (orchestral version) (2018)
- Novello & Co Ltd (World)
Commissioned by Euphonium Foundation UK.
- euph + 3(2pic).2(II:ca).2(II:bcl).2/4.3.2+btbn.0/timp.3perc/hp/str
- Euphonium
- 22 min
Programme Note
The first movement (Dialogues) is concerned with contrast and development, using as a reference point a five note musical cypher (BACH – B flat, A, C, B natural – followed by a tritone F). This is used is various guises throughout the movement and acts as a ‘pillar’ in an ever-changing musical canvass. The movement’s sonata form structure contrasts highly charged rhythmic ideas with a lyrical second section, where perhaps the euphonium takes on the cloak of a cello with its soaring melodicism. This leads to a central section, with scurrying semiquavers, culminating in a frenetic fugal climax before returning to the opening ideas, now further explored and developed.
An extended cadenza, with brief but dramatic interruptions from the timpanist, leads straight into the slow movement (Song without Words). Here, the peaceful mood of the opening tutti section (orchestra alone) leads to a wistful ballad for the soloist (which pays nostalgic homage to another era long since gone). The opening music returns, this time developing into an intense climax, before quietly sinking into a reprise of the opening music, with the soloist’s ballad now transferred from minor to major. The movement ends quietly (muted trombones) and leads without a break into the final movement.
A Celtic Bacchanal is, as the title suggests, a wild dance that takes on the character of Celtic folk music (the dedicatee is Celtic, and the composer half-Celtic!). It is a technical tour-de-force for both soloist and band. However, at the heart of the movement, the euphonium changes mood with a more lyrical utterance to the undulating accompaniment of triplet figurations in the orchestra, reaching a majestic peroration before subsiding into tranquility. The folk-like dance starts up again, this time culminating (via a reference to the first movement) into an exuberant and life-affirming coda.
Edward Gregson 2018
Media
Reviews
Review of the piano reduction
The first movement, "Dialogues," is dramatic, intense, and rigorous. Written in sonata form, the movement contains a great deal of rhythmic and lyrical contrast throughout. The well-exposed technical passages are great features for the soloist and highlight the virtuosic traits of the euphonium. The dreamlike contrasting sections are memorable, accessible, and quite appealing to the listener. The movement concludes with a cadenza featuring a great deal of range, open harmonics, and lip trills.
"Song Without Words" is, according to Gregson, "a homage to another era long gone." This second movement features a beautiful and melancholy melody with moments of periodic intensity. A shift from minor to major mode during the movement fosters the calm conclusion and transitions to what will be a rousing final movement.
The third movement, "Celtic Bacchanal," is written as a wild dance based on Celtic folk music, as the title suggests. The movement shows off the technical prowess of the euphonium while also intertwining lyrical passages.
This concerto is truly a tour-de-force for the performer. The technique, range, and stamina needed to perform this piece will be a challenge for many, but it is not unreachable to a talented musician. This is a work that is sure to be loved by performers and audiences alike!
There seems to have been a long wait in recent years for such a fine new work for the euphonium... now we are fortunate to have this wonderful concerto by Edward Gregson.
Although difficult, this concerto is most definitely accessible, and not only for the top 10 players in the world. Range-wise it is demanding, but never unrealistic, but great flexibilty is demanded of the soloist, and the ability to switch styles from technical to lyrical with consummate ease.
...with this new concerto, there is great, original writing that I believe audiences can enjoy on a first heading.
... Gregson's Euphonium Concerto is a tremendous addition to the repertoire list for Euphonium.
The 1st movement is versatile, ingenious and innovative.
The 2nd movement has a refined mid section that enriches this work and gives it allure.
The 3rd movement is an accomplishment for the soloist and accompaniment in an attractive and traditional style.
Discography
The Symphonic Euphonium II
- LabelChandos
- Catalogue NumberCHAN 10997
- ConductorBen Germon
- EnsembleBBC Philharmonic Orchestra
- SoloistDavid Childs
- Released1st November 2019