Cat No. JM38361
Price £112.95
Composer / arranger: Jan Van Der Roost
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works)
Difficulty level: Championship
Set as a Championship Section Testpiece in 2001.

Albion, next to Excalibur and Stonehenge, is the third major piece for brass band for which Jan Van der Roost was inspired by the British Middle Ages. Although the work is not based on an actual story, unmistakably there are epic elements to be found in this symphonic poem. The beginning seems to paint a picture of the conquest of Albion (the earliest known name of the British Island), in which the listener is taken back to the time of King Arthur and his legendary Knights of the Round Table. Three scattered groups of comets and three different drums reflect the turbulent war times of the early Middle Ages in just as many tonalities and tempi. In contrast to this, dark, majestic chords are introduced in the low register, which creates quite a confused sound. After the drums have united themselves in one rhythm, the whole band sounds together as one for the first time with the following notes as a melody:

A nervous allegro energico suddenly brings more pace and energy. Virtuoso and warlike themes follow one another, resulting in a tumultuous part. This succession is also concluded with the “Albion theme,” this time supported by a more complex harmonic structure. In the following, calmly moving middle part, various soloists have the opportunity to demonstrate their lyric qualities. After all, it has not always been “trouble and affliction” during the existence of Albion. Is it not so that King Arthur is known for bringing peace and stability to this country? With an almost self-evident naturalness, this slow succession proceeds to the majestic choral chords that could be heard in the beginning. Again, the brass band sounds like an organ and, of course, the “Albion theme” concludes this oasis of “peace reigning once more.” During the impressive finale, various musical components return, but most of the time in other forms and combinations. The “Albion theme” appears regularly as well. In a true apotheosis, the work ends in a major key. Albion (probably named after the white chalk cliffs that the European conquerors saw during the crossing from the continent) shines here in all its glory!