The title Hail the Dragon! refers to the work The Year of the Dragon, which Philip Sparke wrote for the same client in 1984. The piece begins with a lively, energetic fanfare. This is followed by an expressive middle section which builds to a pleasing climax. In the final section, quotes from The Year of the Dragon are heard alongside the opening fanfare. Hail the Dragon! is an ideal concert opener, but is also convincing at any other point in the concert programme.

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