Force of Nature - Concerto for Euphonium was written for Dr David Childs and first performed with the Black Dyke Band in 2023. The work is inspired by the American novelist and short-story writer Ernest Hemingway. The title alludes to his character and strong personality and the names of thethree movements reflect on moments in his extraordinary life.
i. Matador - Spanish traditions fascinated Hemingway; he wrote frequently about them. This movement is obviously flamenco inspired.
ii. Wayfarer - (reflections on poor Wayfaring Stranger) the tensions of Hemingway’s early life in the Midwest suburb of Oak Park fuelled his wander lust. At the age of 18 he arrived at the Italian Front serving as an ambulance driver. His overseas travels informed much of his work, spanning the globe from his early literary sojourns in France to African Safaris, the Spanish Civil War, and excursions in Cuba and the Caribbean.
iii Pilar - was the name of his beloved boat, it could cut through the waves off the coast of Cuba at 16 knots!
The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain under the direction of Guest Conductor Dr Robert Childs with Guest Soloist Dr David Childs (euphonium).