Peter Lawson
OVERTURE: THIS SCEPTRED ISLE for orchestra
Goodmusic Concert Originals GMCO195
Catalogue Number: GMCO195
Difficulty level: D What's this?
ISMN: 9790222319783
Orchestration: 2 Flutes (2nd db. Piccolo), 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets in Bb, 2 Bassoons, 4 Horns in F (3 & 4 optional), 2 Trumpets in Bb, 3 Trombones, Tuba, Timpani, Percussion (3 players: Triangle, Snare Drum, Cymbals, Bass Drum, Glockenspiel), Harp (or Keyboard)
Strings (Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Bass)
A new and exciting overture which begins with a stunning fanfare and incorporates, amongst other things, pastoral folk-song-like and regal Elgarian-style tunes to evoke a portrait of our ‘green and pleasant land’. British through and through!
"This Sceptred Isle" owes its title to the opening of Sir John of Gaunt’s soliloquy in Shakespeare’s Richard II. It is a concert overture celebrating the spirit of Britain in music. It begins with a dramatic fanfare, which leads to a group of two themes, the first with a punchy, Elgarian motif and the second more lyrical in nature. A second group of two themes follows, representing the beauty of the British landscape: a pastoral melody in triple time, then a long, noble melody over a march rhythm.
A short development section ensues, featuring a march-like version of the pastoral theme. This leads back to a shortened recapitulation of the two groups in the home key. This time the noble march tune has floral decorations from the woodwind, representing the results of the endeavours of those dedicated to conservation and the protection of nature. This builds to a triumphant conclusion - there’s still much about Britain to celebrate and of which we can be proud! Peter Lawson
Duration 8 minutes
A PACK includes a full score plus a full set of wind, brass and percussion parts plus strings 4/4/3/4/2.
Strings (Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Bass)
A new and exciting overture which begins with a stunning fanfare and incorporates, amongst other things, pastoral folk-song-like and regal Elgarian-style tunes to evoke a portrait of our ‘green and pleasant land’. British through and through!
"This Sceptred Isle" owes its title to the opening of Sir John of Gaunt’s soliloquy in Shakespeare’s Richard II. It is a concert overture celebrating the spirit of Britain in music. It begins with a dramatic fanfare, which leads to a group of two themes, the first with a punchy, Elgarian motif and the second more lyrical in nature. A second group of two themes follows, representing the beauty of the British landscape: a pastoral melody in triple time, then a long, noble melody over a march rhythm.
A short development section ensues, featuring a march-like version of the pastoral theme. This leads back to a shortened recapitulation of the two groups in the home key. This time the noble march tune has floral decorations from the woodwind, representing the results of the endeavours of those dedicated to conservation and the protection of nature. This builds to a triumphant conclusion - there’s still much about Britain to celebrate and of which we can be proud! Peter Lawson
Duration 8 minutes
A PACK includes a full score plus a full set of wind, brass and percussion parts plus strings 4/4/3/4/2.
