Martin Ellerby

Duration: c. 7.30 minutes

 

Audio:

 

 

 

Publisher: STUDIO MUSIC COMPANY

 

Programme Notes:

The Battle of Solferino was fought in northern Italy on 24th June 1859 between the alliance of France and Sardinia, and Austria. After some 15 hours of fighting the Austrians retreated leaving some 40,000 killed or injured. Such medical forces that existed were unable to cope. Many died from simple wounds. At the same time a Swiss businessman and social activist Henry Dunant was passing through the region and witnessed the suffering of the soldiers left on the battlefield. He set about a process that that led to the Geneva Conventions and the foundation of the International Red Cross movement. All this is detailed in Dunant's little book A Memory of Solferino still available today and there also exists a more recent film (available on DVD) called Henry Dunant: Red on the Cross which tells the story of Dunant and his mission. Further information can readily be found on the internet with regard to the Battle of Solferino, Dunant and the Red Cross. 

 

International Commissioning Consortium:

Lead Commissioners

Felix Hauswirth – Zurich Switzerland

Glenn Price - Calgary – Alberta Canada - University of Calgary

James Ripley - Kenosha, WI USA - Carthage College

Mark Scatterday - Rochester, NY USA - Eastman School of Music

 

Supporting Commissioners

Drew Anderson - Bettendorf, IA USA - Pleasant Valley High School

Leon Bly - Stuttgart Germany

Michael Burch-Pesses - Forest Grove, OR USA - Pacific University

John Burdett - Pomona, CA USA - California State Polytechnic, Pomona

Joe Brashier - Valdosta, GA USA - Valdosta State University

Robert Cesario - Rolla, MO USA - Missouri Science & Technology

Demosthenes Dimitrakoulakos Luxembourg - International School of Luxembourg Symphonic Band

Robert Gifford - Cape Giraudeau, MO USA

Peter Haberman - Eau Claire, WI USA - University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Marianne Halder - Albstadt Germany

John Holland - London England - Lambeth Wind Orchestra

Matthew Holzner & Lori Schrock - Mendota, IL USA - Mendota Township High School

Anthony Houghton - Cheshire England - Sheffield University Wind Orchestra

Scott A. Jones - Moorhead, MN USA - Concordia College - Moorhead, Minnesota

Per Lyng - Nacka Sweden

Andrew Mast - Appleton, WI USA - Lawrence University

Markus Mauderer - Kuppenheim Germany

Patrick Murphy - Portland, OR USA - University of Portland

Craig Pare’ - Greencastle, IN USA - DePauw University

George Pinchock & John Dunphy - Villanova,PA USA - Villanova University Band

James Popejoy - Grand Forks, ND USA - University of North Dakota

Anthony Reimer - Calgary, Alberta Canada

Marc Sackman - Menasha, WI USA - University of Winconsin - Fox Valley

Tim Shade - Bethel, KS USA - Bethel College

David Vandewalker - Kennesaw, GA USA - Harrison High School

Jay Watkins - Gainesville, FL USA - University of Florida

 

Acknowledgements:

World Premiere:

Carthage Wind Orchestra conducted by James Ripley,

March 16, 2012, University of Wisconsin - Fox Valley Auditorium,

Menasha, Wisconsin, USA

 

UK Premiere:

Sheffield University Wind Orchestra conducted by Anthony Houghton,

25 March, 2012, Firth Hall, University of Sheffield, UK

 

European Premiere:

International School of Luxembourg Symphonic Band conducted by Demosthenes Dimitrakoulakos,

15 May, 2012, Luxembourg

 

Instrumentation:

Piccolo, Flutes 1.2.3.4, Oboe, Bb Clarinets 1.2.3, Bb Bass Clarinet, Bassoon,

Eb Alto Saxophones 1.2, Bb Tenor Saxophone, Eb Baritone Saxophone,

Bb Trumpets 1.2.3.4, F Horns 1.2.3.4, Trombones 1.2.3, Euphonium, Tubas 1.2,

Double Bass, Harp,

Timpani, Percussion 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8

 

Percussion Requirements:

TBC

 

Performance Notes:

If possible a 5 string Double Bass should be employed.

 

As most concert bands have more than a pair of flutes I have written for an ideal number of four. However some simple editing by band directors can move this down to two parts if necessary.

 

The harp is optional but would enhance performances. It is also possible to play this part on a synthesizer should a harp be unavailable.

 

The two glockenspiel parts would benefit from being antiphonally positioned.

 

In addition to the Timpani part there are parts for eight percussionists. As it is appreciated that not all bands will have the luxury of this number of performers it is perfectly permissible for band directors to edit the parts to their own numbers and thereby reduce the number of percussionists required. 

 

Available Recordings: