Philip Sparke: Overture for Woodwinds: Orchestre d'Harmonie

This work was commissioned for The Berkshire Young Musicians Trust (England), who required a testing piece for the woodwind section of their concert band. The piece opens with a strong unison passage based on the interval of a fifth and develops with a passionate legato. This is followed by the main vivo section of the work based on the earlier 'fifth' figures. A bridge passage leads to a short chorale figure and a rhythmic climax which dissolves into a plaintive solo for oboe over staccato clarinets. Following a recapitulation of the main theme the oboe returns triumphantly before the opening unison passage reappears to provide a stirring coda.