Elegy (Ireland)

John Ireland

John Ireland (arr. Ray Steadman-Allen)

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Subtitle: From A Downland Suite

General Info

Year: 1932 / 1985
Duration: c. 2:50
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Brass band
Publisher: G & M Brand
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $30.00

Instrumentation

(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)

Errata

None discovered thus far.

Program Notes

A Downland Suite was composed originally for brass band, written in 1932 for the national Brass Band Championship of Great Britain as a contest piece. The suite is a pictorial depiction enshrining the composer’s love for the Sussex downs and has been described by Donald McLeod as “sunnily bucolic.” In keeping with its intention as a contest piece, the suite is both technical and expressive, and is complicated and difficult to read. The Elegy is among Ireland’s most popular compositions; the Elegy has an Elgarian [Edward Elgar] flavor from its melodic structure, whereas the Minuet is charming, having something of a bucolic feel.

- Program Note from University of Texas Wind Symphony concert program, 6 April 2018

Commercial Discography

None discovered thus far.

State Ratings

None discovered thus far.

Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

• University of Texas (Austin) Wind Symphony (unconducted) – 6 April 2018

Works for Winds by this Composer

• Comedy Overture (arr. Steadman-Allen) (1934/1987)
• A Downland Suite (arr. Steadman-Allen) (1932)
  • Elegy (1932/1985)
• Epic March (arr. Brand) (1942)
• Epic March (tr. Grimo) (1942/1988)
• A Maritime Overture

Resources

• A Downland Suite, Wikipedia Accessed 3 April 2018
• Heritage Encyclopedia of Band Music. "John Ireland." Accessed 3 April 2018
• Ireland, J.; Steadman-Allen, R. (1985). Elegy (from a Downland Suite) [score]. R. Smith: Watford, England.