A light overture for orchestra
Op. 39
A new edition is currently in preparation with Clifton Edition.
Due to be released later in 2026.
Programme Note
Composed in April 1981 and fully revised in 2018, this overture, which parallels some of the traditional circus acts (for example trapeze, jugglers, clowns etc.), is meant as an affectionate parody of a musical style all too readily neglected these days.
The Circus won the Eric Coates Prize at the Royal Academy of Music and was first performed by the Abingdon and District Music Society conducted by the David Andrew on 5th February, 1987.
Duration: c. 5 minutes.
Also available in a version for brass band published by Clifton Edition, first performed by Wantage Silver Band in June 1983.
Sample pages
MP3 file
Scoring
Flutes I & II/Piccolo*
Oboe
Bb Clarinets I & II
Bassoon
F Horns I & II
Bb Trumpets I & II
Tenor Trombones I & II
Timpani (3 pedal timps)
Percussion*
Bass Drum
Clashed Cymbals
Suspended Cymbal
High-Hat Cymbals
Snare Drum
Tambourine
Triangle
Whip
Wood Block
Glockenspiel
Xylophone
Harp*
Violin I (4 players+)
Violin 2 (4 players+)
Violas (3 players+)
Cello (3 players+)
Double Bass (2 players+)