DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS PERFORMANCE PORTFOLIO ...

UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD - PREMIERE CONCERT (4TH MAY 2005)
Moncks March
" It is impossible to discuss the history of the Coldstream Guard Band without
looking at the Regiment itself whose uniform we so proudly wear.
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" The Regiment was formed in 1650, as part of Oliver Cromwell's the new
model army by General Monckl.
" In 1659 London and other major cites were calling for the return of the Long
Parliament and the army was under strain, with officers and men alike
declaring their neutrality.
" Once Cromwell's son Richard recalled parliament General Monck decided to
act.
" On 2nd January 1660 General Monck and an army of some'6000 crossed the
tweed from Coldstream and set out on their 3 50-mile journey to London.
" In 2001 the band commissioned Nigel Hess to compose a work to
commemorate this epic j ourney.
" The work starts with a lone piper at Coldstream calling the Regiment to arms,
this is followed by the sound of drums as the Regiment starts its long march
south. The band takes up the theme from the pipes as the march intensifies.
" This theme is an original pipe time from the period-entitled Monck's March.
" It was a triumphant progress all the way, for in every town the troops were met
with ringing bells and cheering crowds.
" The General camped outside London on the 2 nd February 1660; you will hear
the calm at nightfall before there is an alarm by an officer who knocks on the
Generals door fearing a possible attack from the city. The General calms the