Concert Band

Concert Prelude

Grade 2 | 4 Mins

In 1974, whilst a student at the Royal College of Music in London, Philip Sparke responded to an advert from music publishers R. Smith & Co. for new works from student composers. After a meeting at the company with Geoffrey Brand, he went home and composed Concert Prelude that evening. It was his first piece for brass band and was immediately accepted for publication.

The work starts and ends with a majestic fanfare, which surrounds a quicker modal section, characterised by rhythmic ostinati and multiple meter changes.

The concert band version was made by the composer in 1979.