Description
Rhapsody of Overturian Themes is an innovative concert programme/first half finale which builds its foundations from a broad collection of favoured classics, with references including:
- La Carnaval Romain – Hector Berlioz
- Le Roi d’Ys – Edouard Lalo
- The Marriage of Figaro – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- William Tell – Gioachino Rossini
- Light Cavalry & Tantalusqualen – Franz von Suppe
- 1812 – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
- La Forza del Destino (The Force of Destiny) – Giuseppe Verdi
The work uses inventive means to link the references, enabling it to present itself as an individual work with just momentary hints of the fragments passing almost before the ear realises. It has an upbeat side to its personality, bringing forth a modern sound to complement the classical interludes. The piece was originally written to make an impact in an entertainment competition programme, working extremely well as an exciting finisher.
Through combining new sounds with classically familiar melodies, Rhapsody on Overturian Themes is a feature piece which can find its worthy place in the concert programme of a championship section (or upper level 1st section) band.
