Overture for Woodwinds

This work was commissioned for the Berkshire Young Musicians Trust, who required a testing piece for the woodwind section of their concert band. The piece opens with a strong unison passage based on the interval of a fifth and develops with a passionate legato. This is followed by the main vivo section of the work based on the earlier 5th figure; a bridge passage leads to a short chorale figure and a rhythmic climax, which dissolves into a plaintive solo for oboe over staccato clarinets. Following a recapitulation of the main theme, the oboe returns triumphantly and the opening unison passage reappears to provide a stirring coda.