Variations on a Theme of Michael Tippett

Processional Michael Tippett (arr. Hindmarsh)
Danse des Amis Bramwell Tovey
Midsummer Song Edward Gregson
Scherzettino Michael Ball
Collage Elgar Howarth
Birthday Fugue – Finale Philip Wilby

Devised by Paul Hindmarsh to celebrate the centenary of Sir Michael Tippert in 2006, this unqiue collaboration between five leading creative voices in brass band  music of recent years also celebrated the 60^th and 70^th birthdays of two of its contributors, Edward Gregson and Elgar Howarth. Philip Wilby pays birthday tributes in his dramatic fugal finale. The theme is taken from Tippett’s opera The Midsummer Marriage, and it also appears in his Birthday Suite for Prince Charles (1948), scored predominently for brass.

The work was written for Foden’s Band and Bramwell Tovey to perform at the 2006 RNCM Festival of Brass in Manchester (UK). The same artists have also recorded it for NMC. Variations on a theme of Michael Tippett is a demanding work that has techncial and musical challenges appropriate to Championship Section brass band competitions, while also possessing considerable audience appeal.

The work was selected as the set test for the 2017 Norwegian Brass Band Championships

Duration: c. 13-14 mins
Score and parts: £85      Score: £15.00

Variations on a Theme of Michael Tippett performed by Foden’s Band (Bramwell Tovey)