A toe tapping concert item with choreography to add a visual dimension by Dan Price.
Commissioned in 2013 by the National Children’s Band of Great Britain for their 10th Anniversary, Blue Thunder takes inspiration from the fast and noisy world of steam locomotives. The Mallard 4468 is a LNER Pacific steam locomotive and was famous for setting the world land speed record (126mph). Blue Thunder (a reference to the train's colour and lightning speed) also marks the 75th anniversary of this world record. The music imitates the sounds and excitement of a steam train on its journey with some added choreography which adds to the excitement.
Grade 3.5
Commissioned by Dr Nicholas Childs and the National Youth Band of Great Britain for the National Children's Band of Great Britain 10th Anniversary in 2013.
With funds provided by the Arts Council of England.
The Mallard 4468 is an LNER Pacific steam locomotive. The train is famous for holding the world speed record, for a steam locomotive, of 126mph (actual 125.88). The feat was recorded on the Stoke Bank stretch of line, just north of Grantham, on 3rd July 1938.
Blue Thunder was composed in Z013 to mark the 75*“ anniversary of this record and the 10th. anniversary of the National Childrenfis Band of Great Britain. The title is a reference to the noise and excitement that this famous blue train would have generated
on its epic achievement.
The music opens slowly with the train pulling out of the station, the tempo gradually increases and we hear the whistle blow as it gathers momentum. The fast paced and busy opening theme (letter B) evokes images of the train pulling its load out of the city on the ever changing inclines of its line.
At letter H the music becomes gentler as the train glides to and fro through the countryside. The thematic material for this section derives from the Mallards engine number 4468, with the opening bars of the theme comprising of a Major 4th., Major 4th., Major 6th. and an octave or 8th. (baritones and euphoniums).
We see a reprise of both themes as the train continues along it journey but finally we arrive at Stoke Bank (letter O) with percussion driving the band onwards. The band should generate as much excitement as possible at this point without speeding up! As the piece closes, three further Whistle blows are heard from the band, the final being cut off as the Mallard disappears through the entrance of Stoke Tunnel.
At the opening of the work all performers are encouraged to chant the phrase "chi~ca-ch” to help percussion imitate the sound of the train starting its journey.
Choreography marks have been included in the score to add a visual experience for your audience. The inclusion of movement is left to the discretion of the MD and band. If you do use these markings; the bounce or bob head up and down. ~ is to evoke the trundle of the train, lean. left or right ~ to signify the sweeping curves of the train line, stand and sit ~ the train passing over points. Have fun.
