DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS PERFORMANCE PORTFOLIO ...

This particular work was commissioned for the Festival of Britain in 1951 and is the largest
and probably the most widely known of Jacob's works for band. It has rightly become a classic. Its
eleven movements are shared by a fanfare brass group (four trumpets and three trombones) and the
full band. The brass group play the odd-numbered movements (interludes), except for the Finale
when both forces combine. The Interludes seem to hark back to Tudor times in character, in contrast
to the movements for full band which clearly belong to the present day. The work contains much
memorable music, such as the mastedy Round of Seven Parts for the brass group and the March for
band which cleverly combines the March and Trio themes in the final section. The work contains
plenty of good tunes and the musicians give it a sparkling performance.
Finally in this collection is the arrangement, for fanfare group and band, of the National
Anthem, originally conceived as an orchestral version for the Coronation in 1953. Jacob's stirring
arrangement has stood the test of time and far outshines all others. It is frequently used on state and
other important occasions.
The recording quality is excellent. Part of the general clarity must be attributed to Jacob's sidi Is
in orchestration but the recording conditions and the musicianship of conductor and band in achieving
a good balance of sound all play their part. This CID is highly recommended.
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