Martin Ellerby
Composer
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:
A Soliloquy for Solferino
Legacy of Dreams - Great British Music for Wind Band - Vol. 18
Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra
Cond. Mark Heron
Polyphonic Reproductions Ltd.
QPRM 158D
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