4th. Section testpiece for the National Finals in the Harrogate Conference Centre in September 2007 and more recently as the 4th. Section testpiece for the BUTLINS 2010 Contest.
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Notes from the Composer :
“Roman Triptych” was composed as a homage to the “Sword and Sandal” Epic Films (such as “Ben Hur” and “Gladiator”) and the orchestral music of composers such as Resphigi who draw inspiration from Ancient Rome and it’s surroundings. I hope bands and audiences will enjoy the melodic nature of the music and the various moods and styles contained within the movements.
CHARIOTEERS: i The dominant “heroic” feel to this movement includes Fanfares, music for a Chariot Procession (the marziale) and Action Sequences (from the “lively” section). A - couple of fairly technical solos and sections marked “nasty” and “misterioso” all add to the variety of moods and trombones should enjoy their “lions and tigers” ! impressions at I ! There are some “big” tunes for horns (L) and back-row comets (M) to get their teeth into and an exciting coda to the movement with plenty to keep everyone busy.
PILGRIMS: This contrasting movement presents the “Pilgrim’s” theme in a variety of harmonic treatments (in 4ths at A, 6ths at C, 5ths at F and block chords) at G. Balance is important in all of these variations. Solos for most principals require quiet dynamics and the muted “meditation” theme at E (also heard at B) presents a different ffl tone colour. Although the movement is slow and sustained, it should never drag and pedal notes help keep the momentum to the music.
COLOSSEUM: Percussionists have plenty to do in the work and the opening of this movement is a good example. There is plenty to keep at least two percussionists busy throughout. “Colosseum” is a fairly descriptive movement and depicts a variety of moods and styles, all quite “heroic” in nature once more, The 6/8 “chase” section le should be forward-looking with snare drum helping to keep the music flowing; stamina being all-important at this stage. As various melodies from earlier appear in new guises, different styles are demanded from the band. The last movement has some sustained periods of louder dynamics, which are needed to present the L! “full” picture. I hope bands enjoy the contrasts and melodic lines and also relish the technical challenges of the music. Leigh Baker, May 2007
Percussion Requirements: Side Drum, Bass Drum, Concert Bass Drum, Tenor Drum, Toms, Timpani, Tam Tam, Wood Block, Whip, 2 Cymbals, Glockenspiel, Triangle, Tubular Bells
LEIGH BAKER was born in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire in 1970 and began playing the euphonium at the age of ten with Melton Borough Band. After leaving school he studied at The University of Huddersfield and achieved B.A.(Hons.) and P.G.C.E. Whilst at University he studied the euphonium under Geoffrey Whitham and became a member of The Brighouse and Rastrick Band in 1990, playing euphonium for a time before settling on Solo Baritone with the famous Yorkshire Band, enjoying many high profile contest wins and prestigious concert appearances. In addition to his instrumental role, Leigh is now Composer and Arranger in Residence at B & R. He is also Head of Music at the Honley High School, Huddersfield and has helped make this a very successful musical establishment. A prolific arranger for bands and soloists, “Roman Triptych” is his first test piece used for contesting purposes and shows off his lyrical qualities plus the detailed knowledge acquired by playing for many years at the highest level. Many of Leigh’s solo compositions and arrangements have been recorded by some of the movement’s high profile soloists, such as Melvyn Bathgate, David Childs, Michael Howley, Alan Morrison and Jonathan Pippen.
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