Prelude for an Occasion
by Edward Gregson
Concert Band - Sheet Music

Concert band (Flute 1/Piccolo, Flute 2, Oboe 1, Oboe 2*, Bb Clarinet 1, Bb Clarinet 2, Bb Clarinet 3, Eb Alto Clarinet*, Bb Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Eb Alto Saxophone 1, Eb Alto Saxophone 2*, Bb Tenor Saxophone, Eb Baritone Saxophone*, F Horn 1/2, F Horn 3/4*, Bb Cornet) - grade 4

SKU: CN.S11053

Composed by Edward Gregson. Arranged by Geoffrey Brand. Band Music. Score only. Duration 4:00. Published by G & M Brand Music Publishers (CN.S11053).

This curtain raiser sets a lively mood by bursting into a fanfare, followed by a short bouncing figure and a lively clarinet solo. Rhythmic bi-play, trombone glissandi and a light-hearted obbligato, all add to the merriment. The opening fanfare returns in extended form, and a final flourish brings the Prelude to a triumphant ending.

Prelude for an Occasion might be described as a curtain raiser. Its purpose is to set a mood which this Prelude does by bursting into a fanfare, always a good way to arrest attention. A quicker tempo Allegro moderato follows, comprising a short bouncing figure answered by a solid response from the lower instruments and introducing a lively solo on the clarinet, marked Giocoso (playfully, merrily). The interval of a falling 5th is important, echoes by a similar response from other instruments, which then gives way to a broad melody, played canabile (in a singing style). Rhythmic bi-play, trombone glissandi and a light-hearted obbligato, all add to the merriment. The opening fanfare returns in extended form, and a final flourish brings the Prelude to a triumphant ending.