Instrumentation
Brass Band and Percussion
Blore Heath 1459
Kevin's original work Blore Heath 1459 was commissioned in 1998 by Audley Brass Band in conjunction the National Lottery through the Arts Council of England.
The Battle of Blore Heath was the first major battle in the ‘Wars of the Roses.’ The music sets out to portray the events that took place there in 1459 in which the then Lord Audley, James Tuchet met his demise. Find out more about the battle at www.bloreheath.org
The composition is based on material derived from the opening maestoso statement. Fanfare ideas lead on to a march theme that describes the assembling of both sides at the battlefield. Quicker more agitated passages ensue portraying two unsuccessful assaults by Audley’s men. The main battle scene then unfolds during which he is killed.A touching lament follows his death with solos for Euphonium and Cornet in the works most sensitive section. The original march theme returns in the form of a funeral march and the tempo gradually returns to its original form in an extended coda section before the initial opening statement brings the piece to its conclusion.
