Concert Band

Hymn at Twilight

Grade 5

Hymn at Twilight was commissioned by Banda Municipal de Barcelona and given its world premiere by them on 22nd March 2022, conducted by Andrea Gasperin.

Although specifically describing the uncertainty of approaching night and an evening prayer, the piece can really be seen as a description of the conflicting human emotions of doubt, insecurity, hope and resolve.

The piece opens quietly, in apprehensive mood, and introduces a four-note rising figure, which becomes a recurring feature of the work. A climax is eventually reached and is followed by a yearning flute melody, accompanied by the rising figure. The brass offer a moment of optimism, but this is short-lived and the troubled mood returns, again with flutes taking centre stage. Another climax is reached and this subsides to introduce a woodwind chorale - Twilight Hymn. This is taken up by the brass and the mood becomes more hopeful, before the insecurity of the opening returns. However, the work winds down to a close in resigned manner and ends in a mood of sanguine optimism.