Romp!
Composed in 2020, Romp! is one in a series of four pieces written for solo brass and piano, taking inspiration from characters and events in George R R Martin's fantasy novels, A Song of Ice and Fire. In the composer’s words: “Romp! is a virtuosic scherzo for euphonium and piano, with both instruments playing equal roles in the unfolding events. The music focuses on the central character, wrongly incarcerated and soon to be executed, whose timely escape through towers and labyrinths leads to an act of revenge along the way, before making a final and desperate bid for freedom.”
As the title suggests, the music is full of irrepressible energy and character. With an infectious drive, it is a concise yet exuberant showpiece that delights in rhythmic interplay and colourful textures.