Devil's Duel
Peter Meechan
Ensemble: Wind Orchestra
Solo Instrument: Euphonium
Grade: 4.5
Year of Composition: 2006
Commissioned by: David Thornton
Premiered by: Black Dyke Band (Nicholas Childs, conductor; David Thornton, euphonium)
Date of Premiere: May 26, 2006
Publisher: Peter Meechan
Year of Publication: 2008
Publisher Catalog Number: PMM024
Available: Yes
How to Acquire: Publisher, Purchase
Links:
Solo Euphonium
Piccolo
Flutes 1,2
Oboe
Bassoon
B♭ Clarinets 1,2,3
B♭ Bass Clarinet
E♭ Alto Saxes 1,2
B♭ Tenor Sax
E♭ Baritone Sax
B♭ Trumpets 1,2,3
F Horns 1,2
Trombones 1,2
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Double Bass
Percussion 1
Percussion 2
For David Thornton. Adapted by the composer in 2008 from the original version for solo euphonium and brass band.
Program Notes:
Devil’s Duel takes its inspiration from the story of the infamous Niccolo Paganini, whose virtuosity was astounding. He began playing the violin at age seven, and by the age of 13 had the reputation of being the leading Italian violinist of his time. People began to speculate about Paganini’s great talent, and began to wonder about his gift. He became known as a “Hexensohn” or witch’s brat. Paganini’s demonic reputation became so widespread that his talent was often attributed to the belief that he had help from the devil. Later in life, Paganini would tour Europe, though rumours of supernatural guidance never ceased. He would give concerts, and often “duel” with other virtuosi – “winning” by improvising during the contest (or concert!) by adding octaves, thirds, and sixths, and often playing more notes in a second than thought humanly possible.
Devil’s Duel uses the famous music of Paganini’s Caprice No. 24 as its musical material, and sees the euphonium soloist duelling with various instruments in the band with displays of virtuosity in the fast music, and cunning in the slow.
(Peter Meechan)
