Ode to Broadway

'Ode to Broadway' was commissioned by Charley Brighton for the group 'Celebration Brass.' The piece was composed with the music of Cole Porter in mind (hence the title). The work was completed on the 18th January 2002.

Recent Performances:
-(May? 2002) Slough, Uk. Premier at St. Mary's Slough in an evening concert. Performed by Celebration Brass.
-(Summer, 2004) Chertsey, UK. Performed at Egham Choral Society's Summer Prom, by Celebration Brass.

Analysis:
After a 6-bar introduction employing call and response between the lead Cornet and band, the chord sequence for the piece is established (bb.8-9: I, vi, ii, V). This chord sequence is used throughout the piece, sometimes with jazz substitutions such as tritone substitution. The main theme is constructed in 'standard form' sometimes know as 32-bar song form. This form consists of four lots of eight bars in the following pattern: AABA. Owing to the way this piece is written, the number of bars per section is varied in order to stray from tradition. The first 'A' has the main theme played by the Cornet 9-16. This is then repeated with slight variation by the Euphonium (A 18-24) with imitative countermelody provided by Tenor horn and Baritone. The 'middle 8' (or B) begins at 26 and contains new material but retains the style. After four loud tutti chords, the final 'A' begins (43-49). Bars 50-57 see the majority of the instruments take a brief solo, interspersed with chords from the band. This leads into a short climatic tutti section (58-64) before the original chord sequence returns. The final part of the piece consists of two repetitions of 'A', the first with the imitative countermelody and the second with a varied ending. The ending builds up (81-85) before ending on a brief tuba solo and closing chord.

Instrumentation:
-Soprano Cornet Eb (or Trumpet Bb)
-Flugel horn Bb
-Tenor Horn Eb
-Baritone Bb
-Euphonium Bb
-Tuba Eb

If you would like to view the score, please click here. If you wish to purchase the scores (and parts), please email me for a price list. Upon receipt of the fee, a PDF of the score will be emailed to the purchaser.