SKU: CN.S11181

This blazing fast work suggests spectacular fireworks and other such explosions with off-beat accents in the driving snare drum and timpani. Set in the standard fast-slow-fast sections, an alto saxophone soloist moves into the spotlight during the slower expressive section.

Firepower was the code name for the planning of the 1997 Royal Tournament by Michael Parker (producer). I met Michael Parker in the summer of 1996 and he outlined an idea based on a firework festival he had seen in Valencia Spain. This sparked off some musical ideas and the result is this piece. The off-beat accents in the percussion part suggests explosions, and there are moments which suggest spectacular fireworks. The work is in three sections, two very fast outer parts surrounding a slower, more expressive opportunity for the alto sax soloist.