DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS PERFORMANCE PORTFOLIO ...

The three movements, Allegro, Adagio and Allegro con brio are all very much
influenced by English folksong. The Allegro has great energy and vitality, in which
the jaunty opening theme is followed by a calmer tune, played on the clarinet. This
material is developed with other melodic ideas as the movement reaches its climax.
The Adagio begins with a complete contrast, the opening theme being
introduced by muted trLunpets with responses on muted trombones. Other
instrumental colours are added as this beautiful main theme is reiterated and explored,
becoming almost agitated as it reaches its climax before returning to serene
tranquillity, which eventually brings the movement to a close.
The Allegro con brio is as energetic and vigorous as the opening movement.
Its various themes are imitated in both forward and contrary motion from various tone
colours within the band. These imitations can hardly be separated from the theme
itself and may be considered as constituting the theme as a whole. After a slower
passage for the brass, the musical activity becomes intense when the main theme is
treated as afugato. The vitality of the music is maintained as this almost multi-
instrument concerto comes to a brilliant climactic conclusion.
Musicfor a Festival was commissioned by the Arts Council of Great Britain
to celebrate the Festival of Britain in 195 1. The first performance was held at the
Royal Festival Hall in London on 14 May 1951, performed by the Massed Bands of
the Brigade of Guards and the Fanfare Trumpeters of the Royal Military School of
Music, Kneller Hall, under the baton of Major Meredith Roberts. Musicfor a Festival
shows a classical influence both in its arrangement and style.
The general structure of the composition is an alteration of movements
between brass choir and full band. The brass, with timpani and percussion added from
time to time, play the odd numbered movements, being joined by the full band in the
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