Review

Edward Elgar
Pomp and Circumstance No.1:

Arranged by Andrew Heading


Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2013
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass

Andrew Heading’s new arrangement of this old, musical friend will mean different things to different people. To folks with ties to the United Kingdom it will invoke the patriotic fervor of “Land of Hope and Glory.” To people in the United States and Canada it may bring back memories of their high school graduation. 

The opening section is deftly set with each brass instrument retaining the essence of its original orchestral part but with the addition of the other crucial melodic material. The swift sixteenth note motion of the opening provides the main technical challenge of the work. Rapidly alternating portions of the melody, especially in the trumpet parts, provides the main ensemble challenge. The famous trio section begins with a low brass trio - first the tuba and then the horn takes the melody. Sorry trombonists, you play a quarter-note accompaniment throughout the entire section. Trumpets eventually gain the melody and the arrangement comes to a majestic end.

There are a few important things to note about this arrangement. First of all it ends with the familiar trio melody. It does not contain the repeat of the opening section, or the truncated trio, or the brief, rapid coda of the original work. Thus it comprises about half of the original composition. Trumpet parts are offered both in B-flat and C although C trumpet seems the wisest choice. The trumpet parts also have a relatively high tessitura and Heading wisely provides plenty of rest, perhaps with the idea that the trio might need multiple repetitions in a commencement setting. Also be aware that the beginning of the 2nd trumpet part is misleadingly notated. The other four parts begin the work with a half-beat pickup, but the 2nd trumpet part shows an entire measure rest. This setting of a familiar work is worthy of consideration. It will provide both challenges and rewards for your student brass quintet.

-Paul Overly
Bob Jones University