Nightwalker
Nightwalker was written in 2002 for Linda Merrick (Clarinet) and Philip Mead (Piano) and received its premiere at Vestry Hall, London College of Music, in October 2002. Nightwalker was re-arranged into its current form for subsequent performances, with the piano part incorporated into the backing track.
Written originally as a Clarinet piece, this version for Euphonium was adapted for David Thornton and was first performed at the New Zealand International Brass Festival, 22nd September 2012, Wellington Salvation Army Hall, Wellington, NZ. Nightwalker was later recorded by David Thornton and featured on his solo CD ‘Parallel Realities’ (WOS079).
Nightwalker depicts a descent into nightmare. The Euphonium assumes the role of the dreamer, with the backing track providing the soundworld of the nightmare itself. Wind, thunder, and lightning are intertwined with ghostly footsteps, bells ringing, various forms of wildlife, and a whole host of other sounds in what is a light-hearted take on the whole genre of ‘horror’.
The score is laid out with the Euphonium part sandwiched between the guide track that contains reference points for the SFX, and an outline of the original piano part. Timings are given in minutes and seconds and correspond to the backing track timing.
This publication comes complete with composer biography and performance tips from David Thornton. The work can also be heard on David Thornton's CD Parallel Realities (WOS079).