COMPOSER’S NOTE This work was commissioned by Besses O’Th’Barn Band with funds provided by the Arts Council of Great Britain, It is dedicated to John Fletcher, who gave the first performance with Besses O"Th’Barn Band conducted by the composer on 24 April 1976 in Middleton Civic Hall, Manchester. An alternative scoring with orchestra in lieu of brass band has since been made. The concerto is in three movements, following the usual quick- slow-quick pattern: Allegro deciso, Lento e mesto, Allegro giocoso. The first is in a sonata-form shell with two contrasting themes, the first rhythmic in character, the second lyrical. There is a reference made in the development section to the opening theme of Vaughan Williams's Tuba Concerto, but only in passing. The second movement unfolds a long cantabile melody for the soloist, which contrasts to a ritornello idea which is announced three times by the band/orchestra. The last movement is in rondo form, alternating the main theme with two episodes. The first of these is a broad sweeping tune, the second is jazz-like in style. After a short cadenza, reference is made to the opening of the concerto, and the work ends with a triumphal flourish, The quotation from Vaughan Williams's Tuba Concerto is used by kind permission of Oxford University Press. Full score and parts in both brass band and orchestral versions are available on hire. The arrangement with wind band accompaniment is on sale. DURATION ABOUT 18 MINUTESFar John Fletcher TUBA CONCERTO ‘Arranged for Tuba and Piano EDWARD GREGSON by the composer 1976 1 Allegro deciso (4 =104) Tuba Sf pesante © Novello & Company Limited 1978 All Rights ReservedCs coe | L eS LS ee a