music has found its way into the hands of civilian teacher was Aloys Fleischmann, one of the

the ‘It was not until 1980 that I became

bands, the majority of it remains the preserve of most important Irish musicians of the twentieth interested in writing for brass and
the army and is rarely performed outside of century and a noted composer in his own right. concert wind bands. My new interest
military settings. One series of works that are of It is unfortunate that he wrote just one short was aroused by a number of factors –
note from the early years of the state are the six work for band, the Four Fanfares for An Tóstal, the European Broadcasting Union’s
fantasias on Irish airs composed by Fritz Braze, which was written for one of the army bands to scheme ‘New Music for Bands’, the
of which the first was published by Boosey & perform at the opening of a festival celebrating infectious enthusiasm for the medium of
Hawkes subtitled ‘Let Erin Remember’ and as Irish culture in the 1940s. Fleischmann, born in RTE’s Assistant Head of Music, Michael
recently as 2002 was recorded by the Irish Cork of German parentage, died in 1992 Casey and the encouragement I
Guards Band of the British Army on a CD of the without ever having written a concert work for received from an enterprising young
same name. An article in Winds described the band, despite a long-time professional music publisher from County Down,
work as being ‘wonderfully gothic’; however it is relationship with members of the Band of the Martyn Imrie. Marche Bizarre was my
now unfortunately out of print. Southern Command of the Irish Army, based in first work for concert wind band.’
that city. A third figure, also hugely influential
The influence of nationalist ideas in composition during his lifetime and one of the most Marche Bizarre, which has been recorded by the
can be seen in some of the first works created important Irish composers of the last century Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, is described by the
for band by composers from outside of was Brian Boydell. He also contributed just composer as being a ‘novelty piece with a mock
traditional band circles. Of these, one of the one work for band before his death in 2000, serious style’. Though the work is not
most endearingly popular is Thomas Kelly’s the light work Fred’s Frolic, written for Colonel programmatic, he suggests that one could imagine ‘a
Wexford Rhapsody, composed in the early 1950s Fred O’Callaghan and the Army No. 1 Band. procession of wizards who are both macabre and
for the Band of the Curragh Command of the yet slightly comic’. A more substantial work by the
Irish Army and premièred by that band at a One of the best known and most performed same composer is the St James’s Suite for brass and
concert given as part of the Wexford Opera composers of the middle part of the twentieth reed band written in 1992. This three movement,
Festival. Kelly was from Wexford and studied century was A. J. Potter, who was born in 10-minute work was written in response to a
with the influential John Larchet, Professor of Belfast in 1918. Following studies at the Royal commission from the Irish Music Rights Organisation
Music at University College Dublin, before College of Music, London with Ralph Vaughan to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Performing
spending the majority of his working career as Williams, he returned to Ireland, gaining a Right Society. A number of other works exist,
Head of Music at Clongowes Wood College in Doctorate in Music from Trinity College Dublin including the Mayo Rhapsody, written for the Band
County Kildare, the same institution at which in 1953. He succeeded John Larchet as of An Garda Síochana to celebrate the 75th
the Irish writer James Joyce received his Professor of Composition and Allied Studies at anniversary of the founding of the Irish Police Force
education. Wexford Rhapsody comprises three the Royal Irish Academy of Music in 1955. A and dedicated to the then President of Ireland, Mrs.
ballads that are all associated with County prolific composer, he wrote numerous works Mary Robinson. Also of importance are the Tableaux
Wexford in southeast Ireland and, in particular, for band, mostly incorporating existing traditional Sportifs, which were written in 1988 for a
the failed uprising against British rule in that melodies. The best known of these is probably commission from Radio France, and consist of eight
county in 1798, and finishes with a skilful setting Finnegan’s Wake, a humorous take on an already movements over 15 minutes which were
of two quite different tunes, adapted to work in humorous ballad, which he also set for subsequently transcribed by the composer for
counterpoint to each other. It has been orchestra. Instead of a straight setting, Potter orchestra and for chamber ensemble.
recorded on the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble CD jolts the rhythm in places by adding beats and
Where the Wind Blows. augmenting the original melodic rhythm and at The Irish pianist Philip Martin has established
one point has two muted trumpets playing the a reputation not just as a renowned concert
A number of Ireland’s most significant tune a semitone apart, effects that were most pianist and teacher, both in Ireland and abroad,
composers in the course of the 20th century uncommon to Irish bands of the era, least of all but also as a composer. While he has a
passed away without contributing works for when playing arrangements of Irish airs. Of the significant output as a composer of works for
band. The most famous, Seán O’Riada has many other works that Potter wrote, the piano, he has also composed important works
one work listed on the website of the majority are unpublished and the manuscripts for chamber ensemble and for orchestra. In
Contemporary Music Centre of Ireland. The that exist are held by the various bands for 1987 he was commissioned by the Irish Youth
work’s title, Ceól Mearsáile i gCóir Socraide, which they were written, including the Band of Wind Ensemble to compose for that group and
translates as ‘Marching Music for a Funeral’, but An Garda Síochana (the Irish Police Band) and the result was the work Rain Dance, described
the website has no further details on why it was the Army No. 1 Band. as ‘A Fantasy for Wind Ensemble with Piano
written or for whom. The work is for traditional Solo’ but in effect a concerto for piano
Irish warpipes - similar to the more famous The composer Gerard Victory (1921–95) accompanied by winds, in the tradition of the
Scottish bagpipes - and band, a combination that was Director of Music in RTE (Radio Telefis Stravinsky concerto for similar forces.
is not as unusual as it sounds, considering the Eireann, the Irish state-sponsored television and
tradition that Irish military bands have always radio broadcasting service) from 1967 to 1982. John Buckley was born in County Limerick in
had of combining with pipe bands, both for He writes: 1951 and studied composition with James
ceremonial and concert purposes. O’Riada’s Wilson, Alun Hoddinott and John Cage. He

Autumn 2006 WINDS 11

wrote Where the Wind Blows for the Irish Youth commission from the IYWE with funding from vital structural element. It highlights the
Wind Ensemble in 1989, following a joint the Arts Council of Ireland and conceived the unique sound of the different sections of
commission between that ensemble and the work with the acoustical properties of the the concert band and the use of timpani
Arts Council of Ireland. The piece is in one National Concert Hall in Dublin in mind. Thus and unpitched percussion throughout
movement falling into two contrasting sections. the ensemble is divided into a number of sub- forms an important structural, unifying
The opening section is fast and vigorous and is groups to be divided throughout the hall and the function. The bass drum ostinato
characterised by a strong rhythmic drive and various motivic elements are designed to patterns are reminiscent of the force
constantly varied orchestral densities and interact with the specific acoustical proportions and power of the Lambeg drum, a
colourings. The second section is more in the of that hall. While poorly received on its sound very strongly etched into my
nature of a slow meditation with lyrical and première, a repeat performance in 2005 with a early soundworld.’
flowing melodic lines being highlighted against more mature ensemble in the same venue
sustained chords in brass and lower woodwind. gained an enthusiastic review from the influential Soundshock is one of the few works listed here
Fanfares, recalling the opening section, usher in Irish critic, Michael Dervan. that have found popularity amongst North
a calm reflective ending. Where the Wind Blows American ensembles, and it has been recorded
has been recorded by the Irish Youth Wind Two composers who are unknown to Irish by the Rutgers Wind Ensemble.
Ensemble and in recent years has been the test bands, despite having written for winds, are
piece in the advanced category of the Kevin Volans and Roger Doyle. Both have Declan Townsend’s Dreamworld (Taighreamh
Norwegian National Band Championships. been commissioned to write for the in Irish) was the result of a request for a piece
Netherlands Wind Ensemble, one of Europe’s for the Concert Band at Cork School of Music,
While Seán O’Riada was probably the first top professional wind ensembles, specialising in where at the time Townsend was Head of
significant Irish composer to incorporate chamber music for wind ensemble and spanning Wind, Brass and Percussion. The origins of the
twentieth century compositional trends into his repertoire from Mozart to the avant-garde. work lie in an earlier composition by the
compositions, in recent years a number of Volans, originally from South Africa but a composer for string quartet. The work was
works for wind band or ensemble have been naturalised Irish citizen wrote his Concerto for never performed by that ensemble, possibly
written that reflect a more general trend Piano and Wind Ensemble as part of a joint because some of the individual parts, especially
towards avant-garde music in Irish composition. commission between the NWE and the BBC the percussion, exceeded the capabilities of the
Raymond Deane’s Alembic, written in 1992 Proms in 1995. The concerto, along with a then young membership. The Royal Northern
for the DIT Wind Ensemble as a result of a number of other works, is available on a CD College of Music Wind Orchestra premiered
commission by its conductor, William Halpin, is released by Chandos Records. Roger Doyle the work in 1998 with the composer’s son
one such work. Deane, born in 1953, specialises in electro-acoustic music and has also Peadar conducting. It is published by Maecenas
graduated from University College Dublin in had a CD, entitled Under the Green Time and Music.
1974 before going on to spend long periods also featuring the NWE, released by Chandos.
abroad studying composition with, amongst This contains a number of works incorporating As can be seen, the majority of works discussed in
others, Karlheinz Stockhausen. The composer electronics, various combinations of wind this article are by composers with no specific
describes the work as follows: instruments, and the vocals of traditional Irish involvement in the band world and, as a result,
singer Sarah Grealish. Neither of these much of the core repertoire consists of one-off
‘An alembic is a distilling apparatus used composers’ works is likely to find its way into pieces written for specific purposes. One composer
in the alchemical process of transmuting the standard repertoire in Ireland in the short who has an on going record of writing successful
base matter into gold. The raw material term; a combination of unusual orchestration, works for band is Vincent Kennedy. Born in
of the work is the familiar “horn-call” difficult instrumental techniques and the use of Dublin in 1962, Kennedy trained as a trumpet
motif heard in the opening section, electronics in the case of Doyle’s works mean player before deciding to concentrate on
which leads to an aggressive and that these works will remain outside of the composition. Essentially self-taught as a composer,
increasingly elaborate passacaglia repertoire for Irish Bands. his style, while reflecting numerous eclectic
(alembicated = complicated). Off-stage influences, remains firmly rooted in tonal harmony.
trumpets sustain a dignified commentary Of works that go against the recent trend in Irish Typical of his recent output is the four movement,
on the proceedings, and all join composition toward avant-garde music, one 15-minute work What’s a Heaven For? which was
together for the triumphant close.’ such piece is Eibhlís Farrell’s Soundshock. This premièred by the Rathfarnam Concert Band in
work was written in 1992 for the DIT Concert Dublin in May 2006. The work contains elements
Band when Ms Farrell was a member of staff at of minimalism and atonality within a strongly
In 2001 the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble gave the the same institution. She writes: melodic framework, as well as using traditional Irish
première of Jennifer Walshe’s Small Small Big. dance rhythms in the up-tempo finale. Other works
While the performance of new music is nothing ‘Soundshock evokes the spirit of the late by Kennedy include the prize-winning Soliloquy and
new to this ensemble, the logistical details of this 16th century polychoral antiphonal style March in Memoriam Michael O’Hehir (1997), In a
work were a new departure. A former member where sonority and the exploration of Yellow Wood (2003) and Serendipity (2005).
of the ensemble, Walshe wrote the work under instrumental colour contrasts became a

12 Autumn 2006 WINDS

Another whose works avoid modern avant- the Greek modes and displays his very Ireland). Much important band activity, including
garde techniques in favour of more tonal values distinctive ear for sonority and instrumental a very strong brass band tradition exists in that
is the Cork-born composer Patrick Zuk colour. Carroll’s music has become widely area but for political reasons it has not had very
(1968-); however, his works for wind ensemble performed very quickly, both in Ireland and much influence on events in the south. For
remain unperformed by Irish ensembles. Robert abroad and Amphion has been performed both further information on the works discussed,
Boudreau of the American Wind Symphony at WASBE and BASBWE conferences, to much including publication details, it is advised that
Orchestra has made a point of commissioning critical acclaim. Subsequent works include the readers visit the Irish Contemporary Music
lesser known composers, especially those from Winter Dances, for amateur wind orchestra and Centre, http://www.cmc.ie/, which attempts to
outside of North America, to write for his Song of Lir, commissioned by Tim and Hilary document all important compositions by both
ensemble. In 1992 Zuk was little known outside Reynish in memory of their son, William and twentieth century and contemporary
of Ireland yet Boudreau was willing to premiered by the Band of HM Royal Marines at composers. An invaluable resource, it has
commission him and the result was the Scherzo the BASBWE Conference, Manchester in 2004. available for sale most of the scores not
for Wind Orchestra. Recently Zuk has also His most recent works include a series of easier published by commercial publishing houses, as
composed a Concerto for Trumpet and Wind pieces for young bands and all his music is well as a selection of recordings of Irish
Orchestra (2003) for the same ensemble. Both published by Maecenas Music. He is currently composers. The main source of band music not
works are relatively light and tuneful, although serving as an officer in the Irish Defence Forces published by mainstream publishers is Fergus
the latter work does present some technical School of Music. O’Carroll’s OCMP, specialising in music for brass
challenges for the trumpet soloist. The Scherzo and wind bands by Irish composers and
has had some success but, like many of Of the major composers currently active in responsible for the publication of a number of
Boudreau’s commissions, these works have Ireland, many have yet to write for band or the significant works listed above. Visit
failed to enter the standard wind band wind ensemble. However, two of the senior http://www.ocmpireland.com/ for further
repertory, perhaps because they are only figures in Irish composition circles, Ian Wilson information.
available for hire and not for sale through and John Kinsella, have been commissioned
conventional band sources but also because the to write works for the World Association of
instrumentation is for orchestral winds rather Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE)
than for the normal wind band/ensemble. Conference, to be held in Killarney, in south-
west Ireland in July
With the exception of his work Omaggio, which 2007. Hopefully the
was composed in 1987, the majority of presence of this
Michael Ball’s compositions for wind band conference in Ireland will
have been written since he moved to live in act as an important
Ireland in 1992. While there is no specific Irish catalyst to the promotion
influence on such works as the Concerto for of wind band and
Alto Saxophone and Wind Band, the Intrada, ensemble music in the EXCITING NEW TITLES FOR WIND BAND
Chaconne and Chorale or the Three country and will
Euphonium Concerto – (Advanced) – Gareth Wood: £95.00
Processionals, the composer has indicated that encourage more
French Dances Revisited – (Advanced) – Adam Gorb: £39.95
there is a work for band in progress that will composers to treat the Crazy Diamonds Shining – (Advanced) – Pete Meechan: £95.00
more obviously reflect the influence of his years genre as a serious La Calinda, Themes from – (Medium) –
living and working in Ireland. The composer medium for Delius/Michael Brand: £55.00
himself suggests that this could be seen as a sort composition. Clarinet Feature, PoorWandering One – (Medium) –
of Irish equivalent to Ives’s Three Places in New Sullivan/Geoffrey Brand: £65.00
England: that is, a work influenced by the area of It is hoped that this The Last Sleep of the Virgin – (Easy) –
Massenet/Geoffrey Brand: £45.00
the Dublin coastline where he now lives. article will give those
Dances of Time – (Easy) – Stuart Johnson: £65.00
outside of Ireland some
Carnival – (Easy) – Pete Meechan: £45.00
One of the most recent figures to emerge from insight into the wealth of
Happy Birthday Amadeus – (Easy) – Edward Michaelson: £45.00
Ireland’s burgeoning wind band scene is Fergal high quality wind band
Jerusalem – (Easy) – Parry/Michael Brand: £55.00
Carroll. From County Tipperary and with a music being composed Bannockburn – (Easy) – Bruce Fraser: £55.00
background in wind band music, his first major in this country. It is African Samba – (Easy) – Adam Gorb: £45.00
work for winds, Amphion, was written while important to note that Lift Off – (Very Easy) – Pete Meechan: £40.00
studying composition with Adam Gorb at the the author has limited
Royal Northern College Music in Manchester, himself to discussing Free Direct Order Line: 0800 137 817
England. This single movement work, taking its works created by those Fax: 01296 681989 Email: [email protected]
Send for free sample scores now
inspiration from Amphion, the mythological King working within the
Available from:
of Thebes in ancient Greece, takes on a very Republic of Ireland (that R. Smith & Co. Ltd.,
specific tonal feel from the composer’s use of is, excluding Northern P.O. Box 367, Aylesbury, Bucks HP22 4LJ, England

Autumn 2006 WINDS 13