Music: In Gardens of Peace

In Gardens of Peace
Solo for Euphonium
By Philip Harper
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Dr. Rodney Newton reviews the latest euphonium solo from the pen of Philip Harper

Philip Harper wrote this lovely piece in response to a commission from the euphonium player, Micah Parsons, in memory of his great-grandfather,

Henry Nichols - a Salvationist cornet player who was killed in the Battle of the Somme of 1917. Of this piece, the composer has written, ‘...there is a peaceful tranquillity, but also a sense of tragedy and loss.’

First performed by Micah Parsons with City of Coventry Band, it features an expressive, elegiac melody in the best playing range of the euphonium (from written middle C to the C two octaves above) with a simple accompaniment, which should be well within the capabilities of most bands. Percussion is limited to three timpani, vibraphone and wind chimes, and at a duration of around four-and-a-half minutes it would be perfect for any commemoration of fallen servicemen, as well as a meditative interlude in other kinds of concerts.

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