The Triumph of Time

The Triumph of Time was commissioned by Professor Nicholas Childs for the Black Dyke Band and was premiered by them at the 37th European Brass Band Championships held in Perth Concert Hall, Scotland, on the 3rd of May 2014.

As I began preparations for the commission it occurred to me that 2014 marked the 25th anniversary of the publication of one of my earliest works for brass band, The Essence of Time. Listening to the piece for the first time in a number of years I was struck by its energy, optimism and sheer joie de vivre. Reflecting on these impressions I wondered if I might capture something of the spirit of The Essence of Time in a new work, and whilst not using any of the existing musical content perhaps draw upon some of the structural elements.

Like The Essence of Time, The Triumph of Time is a set of variations for band which follow roughly the same moods and characteristics of its older relative.

Many years ago as I took up a university post and embarked on postgraduate compositional study, my friend and colleague Ron Holz offered me some sage advice; to explore and assimilate unfamiliar compositional concepts and to develop and strengthen my technique, but never to stop writing tunes! This piece is dedicated to Dr Ronald W. Holz in gratitude.

Peter Graham