Revitalised and Shining Brightly from 1970

The past three weeks working with composer George Odam on his 1970 brass band music manuscript has been both energising and highly rewarding.

Commissioned by the Bath International Music Festival and premiered by Harry Mortimer and his Men O' Brass, George's Bath Festival Overture: High Fives shows brass band writing way ahead of its time.

Now at a lower pitch and with some subtle additions and refinements, this new version gives us a most compelling piece of brass band music worthy of performance. Many thanks to Pete Denton for methodically proofreading the score, and helping to refine the individual band parts.

Please have a listen using the sound file link and let us know what you think. A full score sample is also available by clicking on the Score image on the right.

The complete set of parts and score is now available from George's website. If you are interested in performing the piece (once bands can get together to play again) do get in touch, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Here are George's notes about Bath Festival Overture: High Fives:

"The overall message of this music is a positive celebration of life and this should inform any interpretation. The metronome markings are there for guidance and it will be up to each conductor and their performers to find their own way of interpreting the spirit and intention of this piece.

Although it was written between 1969 and 1970, I hoped then and I still do that the very real challenge of the changing and uneven rhythmic patterns, reinforced by an important percussion section, will be found to be stimulating and enjoyable, creating a life-celebrating spirit in real ways, and bringing a smile to faces at the end."

George Odam - March 2021

PDF Download is available by clicking the button above from George Odam, Bath UK

Click on the image below to see a sample of the score..

Click on this image to view the full score.