The [bclink id=”1513″ target=”_blank”] has announced the publication of the first five items in a new brass band music series, Maple Leaf Brass. The initial offerings include some old and some new pieces, all associated in some way with the territory.
The five opening pieces in the series include:
- Overture to a Joyous Occasion, written by noted Canadian composer Morley Calvert to commemorate the centennial of Salvation Army bands in Canada.
- Mountaintop, a march originally titled Calgary Centennial, penned by Kenneth Smith in 1987.
- Christ Triumphant (Thomas Rive), a somewhat mysterious transcription of three of the composer’s songs originally published in the Salvation Army’s vocal series. No original score for this piece has been found, and the actual intent of the writer is unknown, however, the reputation of the composer suggests that the music is of high quality.
The remaining two offerings are by the editor of the series, Kevin Norbury. The suite Three Images uses musical imagery to highlight different aspects of the Saviour. The final selection in the initial set is Hallelujah Parade, which progresses from a quintet to a full brass band in Count Basie “big band” style. It was written for the Canadian Staff Band tour of Australia and New Zealand in the summer of 2001.
Source:
[bclink id=”1513″ target=”_blank”] web site