Romance for Tenor Horn & Piano
Commissioned by a music-loving brass band enthusiast as a surprise gift for his wife on one of their wedding anniversaries, Romance is a pure, soulful work that embodies the simplicity of its title. A ‘slow melody' that is luxurious, demanding a warm, lyrical sound from the tenor horn, whilst always commanding the angular rise and falls found in the sumptuous vocal line. The work is meant only to describe beauty - the beauty of a married couple who have shared years together, utterly in love, and always able to reminisce about the struggles and the strengths of the partnership.
At the opening, the main theme emerges as the purest love song - the heart of the work. Musically, the song should breathe gently before indulging in sweeping high romantic moments. Eventually, the journey arrives to a jaunty scherzo that represents the dance of life - the humour of a relationship. This should be playful and full of verve. Finally, the piece finds its way back to the opening melody, refreshed and looking ahead to a bright future.