Composer: Philip Sparke

Over the last couple of decades Philip Sparke has contributed significantly to the euphonium'92s growing repertoire producing some of the instruments most loved solos. His '91Pantomime'92 has become a rite of passage for any euphonium soloist, and his '91Fantasy'92 for euphonium is regularly performed all over the world appearing on virtually every euphonium syllabus in existence. Other significant contributions to the repertoire include his popular '91Concerto for Euphonium'92, '91Song for Ina'92 and '91Two Part Invention'92, a duet composed for the Childs Brothers during the '9180s. However, there is now a new solo for euphonium from the pen of Philip Sparke and like the composer'92s other works for euphonium; it is set to become a firm favourite with soloists around the globe. The new solo for euphonium & band is entitled, '91Harlequin'92 and is dedicated to David Childs.

'93I was delighted when Philip agreed to compose a new work for euphonium and I could not be happier with the piece he has produced'94 said David. '93It is great fun to play and provides musical and technical challenges for soloist and band throughout. I'92m looking forward to performing the solo in concerts on a regular basis and believe it has all the ingredients to become as popular as 'Pantomime' with both performers and audiences alike.'94

The solo begins with a beautiful lyrical section followed by an exciting foot-tapping display of virtuosity. The eight minute solo has already been recorded by David and the Buy As You View Band and will feature on David'92s new solo CD to be released later in the year. However, the first public performance of 'Harlequin' will take place on Sunday 29th May 2005 during the '91All England Masters International'92 Gala Concert at the Corn Exchange Cambridge and will be performed by David and the Buy As You View Band under the direction of David'92s father, Robert .


About the composer'85

Philip Sparke was born in London and studied composition, trumpet and piano at the Royal College of Music, where he gained an ARCM.

It was at the College that his interest in bands arose. He played in the College wind orchestra and also formed a brass band among the students, writing several works for both ensembles.

At that time, his first published works appeared - Concert Prelude (brass band) and Gaudium (wind band). A growing interest in his music led to several commissions, his first major one being for the Centennial Brass Band Championships in New Zealand '96 The Land of the Long White Cloud.

Further commissions followed from individual bands, various band associations and the BBC, for whom he three times won the EBU New Music for Band Competition (with Slipstream, Skyrider and Orient Express). He has written for brass band championships in New Zealand, Switzerland, Holland, Australia and the UK, twice for the National Finals at the Albert Hall, and his test pieces are constantly in use wherever brass bands can be found.

A close association with banding in Japan led to a commission (Celebration) from and eventual recording of his music with the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra. This opened the door worldwide to his wind band music and led to several commissions, particularly from the United States. In 1996 the US Air Force Band commissioned and recorded Dance Movements, which won the prestigious Sudler Prize in 1997.

His conducting and adjudicating activities have taken him to most European countries, Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the USA. He runs his own publishing company, Anglo Music Press, which he formed in May 2000. In September 2000 he was awarded the Iles Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians for his services to brass bands.