Program Notes

Festivo

Edward Gregson, composer

Festivo is one of English composer Edward Gregson’s early contributions to the symphonic wind band repertoire. It is cast in rondo form with a longish introduction that announces in fragmented form some of the main ideas. The main theme is light-hearted and exuberant, heard first on clarinets but immediately tossed around the band. The first episode starts quietly but gradually adds layer upon layer of repeated fragments. The final statement of the rondo tune is heralded by tubular bells and bell-like chords in the brass, after which a short coda brings the work to an exciting conclusion.

—composer’s website

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