Instrumentation

picc.2 fl.2 ob.Ebcl.3 cl.bcl.2 bsn - 2 hn.2 tpt.trbn.tuba - (harp) - string bass - timp - perc(1): glsp/xylo

Availability

Score 0-571-56505-0, and score and parts 0-571-56491-7 on sale

Programme Notes

BENJAMIN BRITTEN IRISH REEL (Wind Band Version) Britten wrote Irish Reel in 1936 as the title music for a documentary film entitled “Around the Village Green”. It is a bravura piece, exhibiting all the energy and strong orchestral colours typical of the composer’s output at that time, which makes use of a traditional reel tune with the evocative title “The Bottom of the Punch Bowl”. Guy Woolfenden’s transcription for symphonic wind band skilfully captures all the fun and sparkle of this ebullient score.

Irish Reel

Levi Fox Hall (Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom)

Birmingham Conservatoire Wind Orchestra/Guy Woolfenden

Irish Reel

CBSO Centre (Birmingham, United Kingdom)

Birmingham Symphonic Winds/Keith Allen