Diamond Concerto - Euphonium Concerto No. 3, Philip Sparke - Euphonium and Piano

DESCRIPTION

Each of the three movements of this challenging concerto written by Philip Sparke for the euphonium virtuoso Steven Mead, is named after a famous diamond:
Earth Star is rather stern in mood, opening with a free fantasyfor the soloist over a static chord from the piano.

Ocean Dream uses a varied quote from the composers Music for Battle Creek,including a melting slow melody that was originally written withSteven Mead in mind.

Blue Heart was written, at Steven Meads suggestion, in bebop style and takes the form of a jazz waltz.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BAND-VERSION:
Diamond Concerto was commissioned by Musikverein Mörschied from Germany - Dr. Eric Grandjean, conductor - for a special concert featuring Steven Mead as guest soloist.
Together they gave the world premiere on 28th April 2012 in the town theatre of Idar-Oberstein.
The commission is a highlight in the 30-year friendship between composer and soloist, which has included many mutual CD projects and concerts and, now, a concerto. Sparke had Steven Meads special euphonium sound in his head throughout the composition process and made free use of the variety of styles which the world-renowned virtuoso has made his own during his highly successful solo career.
The village ofMörschied lies to the west of Frankfurt am Main in the area known as the German Road of Precious Stones, which is famous for its thriving gem industry. Because of this it was decided to give the commission a local connection by choosing the title, Diamond Concerto.

Each of the three movements is named after a famous diamond:
1 EARTH STAR is rather stern in mood, opening with a free fantasy for the soloist over a static chord from the band. This leads to an Allegro Moderato in minor mode where small motives are gradually repeated and developed by both band and soloist.
2 OCEAN DREAM uses a varied quote from the composers Music for Battle Creek, including a melting slow melody that was originally written with Steven Mead in mind.
3 BLUE HEART was written, at Steven Meads suggestion, in bebop style and takes the form of a jazz waltz. The quasi-improvisatory central section features a call-and-response passage for the soloist and upper woodwinds.

Soloist: Difficulty 6
Diamond Concerto is available for euphonium and piano (AMP 374-401) as well as for Euphonium and Concert band (AMP 354-010) and Euphonium and Brass Band (AMP 354-130)