Nigel Clarke

Battles And Chants

BATTLES AND CHANTS is in three movements. The solo clarinet can be heard in the role of Cassivellaunus defending his territory against the Romans (the wind and brass instruments), and on occasions the clarinet wins the upper hand. The first movement, 'Foreign Invader', starts slowly on the timpani and leads to a clarinet solo followed by a full-blooded fanfare representing Cassivellaunus, commander of the Southern Tribes. This section soon changes tempo, anticipating battles and skirmishes to come. The second movement, Betrayal', is the emotional core of the concerto, with Cassivellaunus contemplating defeat. The timpani start the movement, reflecting the opening of the first. A hymn-like chant in the wind and brass allows the soloist to soar over the top of the band with melancholic phrases. The third and final movement, Defeat of the Southern Tribes, starts with Caesar, represented by the percussion section, marching towards Cassivellaunus' Hertfordshire stronghold for the final showdown. After a full-blooded battle the work ends with the final sounding of Cassivellaunus' fanfare, but this time heralding his defeat and Caesar's victory. (Grade 5 - Soloist 6) (This work was commissioned by and is dedicated to Linda Merrick, Philip Ellis and the Hertfordshire County Youth Wind Orchestra and is featured on the recording QPRM137D LINDA MERRICK, Linda Merrick and the RNCM Wind Orchestra)