DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS PERFORMANCE PORTFOLIO ...

A FESTIVAL OF MUSIC - SLEEVE NOTES
An Original Suite was Jacob's first work for military band, having been
completed in 1928. The word Original in the title is believed to have been used to
distinguish the composition from the transcriptions, which made up the majority of
the military band's repertoire in the early part of the twentieth century. Jacob may
also have wanted audiences to know that the "folk song" sections were in, fact original
material. The score is dated 1st January 1928 but no records appear to exist about the
work's first performance.
The suite is divided into three movements. A brilliant March that includes four
themes introduced by a solo snare drum, a beautiful Intermezzo featuring a lyrical solo
for alto saxophone
and a runibustiousfinale, reminiscent of the first movement.
The overture Alexandra Palace was commissioned by the Greater London
Council in 1975 to celebrate the centenary of Alexandra Palace in North London,
which stands as an enormous landmark boasting a history of concerts and events to
match its magnificent structure. On 25th May 1975, the Massed Bands and Fanfare
Trumpeters of The Royal Marines performed the premiere in the Great Hall. Such a
large ensemble, and the grandeur of the music, was entirely in keeping with the
building's lofty architecture. Geoffrey Brand has incorporated
the original Fanfare
Trumpet parts into the main score making this beautiful, yet almost forgotten,
overture accessible to wind bands.
Fantasiafor Euphonium (soloist: LCpl John Storey) was originally composed
for euphonium and piano on I Oth July 1969. Jacob re-scored his Fantasia in 1973 for
euphonium and Concert Band, which was premiered by Michael Mamminga whilst he
was researching his PhD on British Brass Bands at. Florida State University. Fantasia
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