Festivo

Edward Gregson

Festivo for Symphonic Wind Band was commissioned in 1985 for the 10th Anniversary of the Bolton Youth Concert Band.

As the title suggests, it is a festive piece, exuberant in style and cast in rondo form. An introduction announces, in fragmented form, some of the melodic and rhythmic ideas. The main theme, which is light-hearted and exuberant, is then announced on clarinets but is immediately tossed around the band. The first episode is lyrical in mood with a variation of earlier material passed from one wind soloist to another, whilst the second episode starts quietly but gradually adds layer upon layer of repeated ostinato, rather in the manner of ‘minimalist’ technique, until the whole band eventually joins in. The final statement of the rondo tune is heralded by bell-like chords on the brass with tubular bells adding color leading to a short but triumphant coda. Throughout there is much emphasis on changing time patterns and asymmetric rhythms with the scoring utilizing solo and chamber music-like textures.

Edward Gregson (b. 1945) was born in Sunderland, Co Durham, England. He graduated from London’s Royal Academy of Music in 1967, having studied piano and composition (with Alan Bush), and then completed a B.Mus (Hons) degree at London University. He is a composer of international standing whose music has been performed, broadcast, and recorded worldwide. He has written orchestral, chamber, instrumental and choral music, as well as making major contributions to the wind and brass repertoire. He has also written music for the theater, film, and television.