Heroes of the North (Peter Graham)

Heroes of the North(Peter Graham)Gramercy Music | 10 minutesHeroes of the North was commissioned by Henning Annundsen for Skodvin Skulemusikk and pays tribute to the development of brass band activity in the Nordhordland region of Norway.The music is a set of character variations based upon personalities long associated with both the band and the region. The opening 5 note motif (C D E F G) might be considered the starting point for beginner brass students, and this mini-theme is developed throughout the work.Five variations follow:-Mr Brevik's Galop(representing Tom Brevik, a key figure in Norwegian brass band music)-Frode's Dance(with apologies to Edvard Grieg), portraying soprano cornet player Frode Rydland, one of Skodvin Skulemusikk's most famous "old boys"-Mr Bjorge's Walkrepresenting Viggo Bjorge, "Mr Eikanger Bjorsvik Band"-Hymn for Knut-Harald, known as "Mr Skodvin Skulemusikk" having over many years played a central role in the teaching and training of the band-Maestro Snell's Russian Adventurefeatures music with more than a hint of Russian (Khachaturian to be precise) and calls to mind Howard Snell whose arrangements and presence have made such a huge contribution to Norwegian Brass Banding over many years.