Echoes of the East
This exciting addition to the brass band repertoire comes from the pen of Rodney Newton. He has taken traditional Bulgarian and Romanian folk tunes and blended them into a showcase featuring both soloists and the band as a whole. All aspects of playing are explored, from the lyrical and expressive first and third movements to the technically exciting second and fourth. This piece is sure to be a firm favourite with bands and audiences alike!
Movement I: Aubade
It is dawn in the Bulgarian countryside, and the workers are already in the fields. One begins singing a traditional song and the others join in one by one. The sun rises and church bells welcome a new day.
Movement II: Village Wedding
It is midday and a wedding is taking place in a Romanian village. A gypsy band has come down from the mountains to entertain the guests with its distinctive dances.
Movement III: Twilight Romance
It is evening in a Bulgarian village and lovers walk hand in hand, as a soft love-chant drifts through the balmy air.
Movement IV: Gypsy Festival
The Romanian gypsies have their own band tradition and gypsy bands compete at festivals. Everything is done at maximum speed, all the soloists trying to outdo each other in terms of brilliance.