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Programme Note

Commissioned by the Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, and first performed by them at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on 27th April 1974.

The form of the four works entitled Commedia (1972-73) is mosaic-like, composed of a number of short inter-related sections. The instruments are thought of as actors in a play meeting in ensemble ‘scenes’ but also being grouped into smaller units. In this work six brief ensemble frame five groups of solos, duets and trios the form is symmetrically built around a central passage for horn.