Three London Sketches

Description

Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Clarinet in Bb 3, Bass Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in Bb 1, Trumpet in Bb 2, Trumpet in Bb 3, Horn in F 1, Horn in F 2, Horn in F 3, Horn in F 4, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Timpani, Percussion 1, Percussion 2, Percussion 3, Percussion 4, Percussion 5 — NOTES:London is one of my favorite cities in the world, and in 2016 I was invited there to serve as anadjudicator for the London New Year’s Day Parade and Gala Concerts. While I was there, I wasfortunate to meet and spend time with The Lord Mayor of Westminster Councillor SteveSummers. While his title sounds formidable and intimidating, I found Steve to one of the nicest,most easygoing people I’ve ever met. And boy, does he love London! He was fond of saying thathe had “the best job in the greatest city in the world.” He spoke passionately about London andhis favorite places in the city, and his enthusiasm was contagious. Some of his favorite placesbecame some of my favorite places, and the inspiration for this piece. I hope that this work notonly conveys the beauty and history of these iconic places, but Steve’s deep and abiding love forthem as well.I. Tower Bridge – The Tower Bridge was built over 120 years ago to ease road traffic whilemaintaining river access to the busy Pool of London docks. Its giant moveable roadways lift upfor passing ships, making it a true engineering marvel. It is also one of the most iconic sites inLondon, and was used to display the Olympic Rings during the 2012 Olympics.II. St. Paul’s (The Whispering Gallery) – The history of St. Paul’s Cathedral goes back wellover a thousand years, but construction on the current St. Paul’s began in 1669 after a firedestroyed the earlier structure. The dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral is a whispering gallery; youcan whisper against the wall on the inside of the dome and it can be clearly heard on the otherside of the dome over 100 ft. away. Imagine the secrets that have passed there...III. Trafalgar Square – The name commemorates the 1805 naval Battle of Trafalgar and ismarked by Nelson’s Column, a monument to Admiral Horatio Nelson, the hero of the Battle ofTrafalgar. It is the heart of London; full of life and constant energy and home to iconicbuildings including the National Gallery, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Canada House and SouthAfrica House. Londoners say that all roads in London lead to Trafalgar Square. “Three London Selections" is a musical tribute to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Each movement captures the beauty, history, and energy of a favorite location: the majestic Tower Bridge, a marvel of Victorian engineering; the ethereal Whispering Gallery of St. Paul’s Cathedral, where secrets echo across the dome; and Trafalgar Square, alive with motion at the city’s vibrant core. This work celebrates London’s timeless spirit—its grandeur, mystery, and the deep affection it inspires in those who walk its streets.

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