London's Dawning was written for the Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band as an opener to their 2016 Brass in Concert programme, which tells the story of

the “Great Fire of London’. The piece sets the scene of London, the morning before the fire.

 

The ‘misty’ opening section depicts the dawn, with the sunrise and the birds awakening. The music has a sleepy and relaxed feel to it, however, the ever

present tubular bells serve as a reminder, not only of the traditional chimes and bells across the city, but also of the inevitability of the impending disaster. The bell chiming motif becomes an important theme of the piece and can be heard in various guises throughout the band.

 

The 'busy' section represents the hustle and bustle of the town as people start to get on with their day. The bells continue, supported with the chime- like motifs across the band. The modal key of the music still implies an underlying tension.

 

The ‘dance-like’ section portrays an exciting picture of London in the middle of the day as people go about their daily errands, oblivious to what is to come. The general feel of the music is 12/8, however the melody has a strong suggestion of 3/4 (similar to a fast waltZ)- The conflicting rhythmic feel with the colourful percussion and accompaniment parts are intended to add to the eventful atmosphere. The ‘Oranges and Lemons’ quote in the tubular bells signals the climax of the piece as London is in full~throttle at midday.

 

The 'ominous' section is the strongest suggestion yet of the forthcoming events. The ’busy’ motif and ’dance-like’ motif briefly fight with each other, reflecting the change in the mood as the music turns slightly darker. The piece finishes with a brief return to the ’dance»like’ section as the key motifs of the piece are reiterated one last time, with the final bell call in the tubular bells.