(2015) – One to Six Trumpets (+ some variable instrumentation)
These four fanfares are arranged in order of length, difficulty and ensemble size. Commissioned by Wraysbury Parish Council for the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta, they are designed to incorporate a range of abilities and instrumentations as might be appropriate for the various events in 2015.
All based on a simple 3-note motif (G-C-A), itself derived from the title Magna Carta Libertatum (Magna = Great = G, Carta = C, and Libertatum = La = A), my intention was to create a set of fanfares which would allow a range of younger/non-professional players, as well as professional musicians to take part in the celebrations, whilst also creating a musical connection between the events. The manner in which the ‘Magna Carta motif’ is made up of a strong statement (G down to C), and then a reaching out beyond (C up to A) also seemed an appropriate germ for the context.
The fanfares were performed in and around the Windsor area over the anniversary period, and all four were performed in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle by the Band of the Household Cavalry, as part of the 2015 Windsor Festival.