A Symphonic Poem
Op. 62
New introductory video here
New Edition
The brand new performing edition of this work has just been completed (June 2018).
The music has been revised and fully typeset to the highest standards.
A full score (A3 size) and full set of parts is available to purchase or hire.
Some parts are now optional, to widen the opportunities for performance (see ‘Scoring’ below).
Please complete the “contact” form above for full details.
Sample pages
Structural Analysis
Not yet available, but if you’d like to see one, please get in contact!
Performances
Original version, performed by The Oxford Symphony Orchestra
We’ve created a quick and dirty electronic ‘performance’ of the new 2018 version, taken directly from the full score, courtesy of Sibelius™.
The following MP3 file is used as the ‘sound track’ of the YouTube video
Scoring
Please note: instruments marked * may be considered optional if absolutely necessary.
Any critical solos for these instruments are cued into other parts and marked “Play if absent”.
Piccolo *
2 Flutes
2 Oboes
Cor Anglais *
2 Clarinets in Bb
Bass Clarinet in Bb *
2 Bassoons
Contrabassoon *
4 Horns in F
3 Trumpets in Bb
2 Tenor Trombones
Bass Trombone
Tuba
Timpani (pedal)
Percussion (3 players *)
Snare Drum, Clashed Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal, Whip, Tenor Drum,
Large Tam-tam, Tambourine, Chimes, Large Bass Drum, 3 Tom-toms,
Glockenspiel * , Xylophone * , Vibraphone *.
Harp *
Piano
Violin I
Violin II
Viola
Violoncello
Double Bass
Programme Note
The work is a stand alone piece for orchestra – a programmatic overture if you will.
Wikipedia tells us all about the Anglo Saxon epic poem.
The YouTube video provides a programmatic comment as the piece progresses.
The work is not intended to be performed with narrator, although Mark Goddard has created several other pieces based on the “Beowulf” epic:
- A primary schools drama with recorders and simple percussion
- A full evening drama with actors, narrator, choir and orchestra.
- A short collection of piano pieces published by Spartan Press.
Performance Notes
• Total duration: about 12 minutes.
• Mutes are required for most instruments.
• Metronome marks are merely indications of tempi and are not to be taken as gospel.