'Salt of the Earth Gospel' is a new version of the second movement of the Concerto for Tuba 'Salt of the Earth', that features Solo Euphonium.

 

The original Tuba Concerto was written for Les Neish, and premiered by Les & Foden's Band in January 2008 at the RNCM Festival of Brass, and was subsequently recorded on the award winning CD 'Salt of the Earth' (Les Neish/Foden's Band/Mike Fowles) and on the CD 'Double Trouble'.

 

Foden's virtuoso Euphonium star Glyn Williams approached the composer regarding a stand alone Euphonium feature of the second movement. This was completed by Andy Scott in early 2011 & recorded by Glyn on his CD 'The Lure of the Red Jacket' (which also features Scott compositions 'My Mountain Top' & 'Concerto for Euphonium & Bass Band'), and which later in the year was awarded 'Solo CD of the Year 2011, Brass Band World'. All recorded versions of 'Salt of the Earth' are available to purchase from www.worldofbrass.com.

 

'Salt of the Earth Gospel' is a seven-bar melody that is passed around different soloists whilst the solo euphonium weaves in and out of the melody in an almost improvisatory way. Tension is created by a gradual dynamic build with an ensemble release before the soloist gently brings the piece to rest.