Category: SOLOS - Euphonium
Composer: Peter Meechan
About the piece....
Devil's Duel takes its inspiration from the story of the infamous Niccolo Paganini whose virtuosity was
astounding. He began playing the violin at age seven, and by the age of i3 had the reputation of being the
leading ltalian violinist of his time, People began to speculate about Paganini‘s great talent, and began to
wonder about his gift. He became known as a "Hexensohn" or witch's brat.
Paganini‘s demonic reputation became so widespread that his talent was often attributed to the belief that he
had help from the devil, Later in life, Paganini would tour Europe, though rumours of supernatural guidance
never ceased. He would give concerts, and often "duel" with other virtuosi - "winning" by improvising during
the contest (or concert!) by adding octaves, thirds, and sixths, and often playing more notes in a second than
thought humanly possible.
Devils Duel uses the famous music of Paganini‘s Caprice not24 as its musical material, and sees the
euphonium soloist duelling with various instruments in the band with displays oi‘ virtuosity in the fast music,
and cunning in the slow.
Devil's Duel was commissioned by David Thornton, to whom this is dedicated. The premiere was given by
David Thornton, Nicholas Childs, and the Black Dyke Band at Leeds Town Hall, 26 May 2006‘
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