Through the Spiral

For Brass Band and 3 percussionists (4′)

Programme Note

This piece is about 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 take a look back at the great ‘Spiral’.

*World premiere performance given by the Fairey Brass Band at the Royal Northern College of Music Young Explorers Concert on Sunday 16th March 2025

Published with Astute Music