Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Work Overview

Caprice was written for Matthew van Emmerik, to showcase his virtuosity in an engaging piece of concert music. It is in theme and variation form, with the primary material being the theme from the last of Paganini's Ventiquattro Capricci per violino solo, a collection of 24 caprices for solo violin. This theme has been the inspiration for similar works by many composers since it was first published, including Liszt, Brahms, Rachmaninov, Benny Goodman and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

In this work, the famous theme is treated to a more contemporary approach. The first variation, Capricious, relies on motor rhythms and jagged dialogues between the soloist and the band. It is couched in an organic scale reminiscent of the Phrygian mode. The second variation, Sad, is in direct contrast, acting as a traditional ballad and allowing the soloist to explore the expressive side of the instrument.

The third variation, Energetic, is a micro set of variations in itself, designed to display the soloist's innovative technique and stamina. Each section is more challenging than the last, until the work concludes with a whirlwind dance at breakneck speed. Like all of Batterham's recent work, the musical language of Caprice draws upon classical, jazz, funk and ska elements to create a unique sound where anything can happen, and probably will.

Work Details

Year: 2015, this version: 2016

Instrumentation: Solo euphonium, brass band (soprano cornet in E flat, solo cornet in B flat, repieno cornet in B flat, 2nd cornet in B flat, 3rd cornet in B flat, flugelhorn in B flat, solo tenor horn in E flat, 1st tenor horn in E flat, 2nd tenor horn in E flat, 1st baritone in B flat, 2nd baritone in B flat, solo trombone, 2nd trombone, bass trombone, euphonium in B flat, bass in E flat, bass in B flat, percussion (3 players)).

Duration: 10 min.

Difficulty: Advanced

Dedication note: for Matt van Emmerik

First performance: by Matthew van Emmerik, Victoria Brass, Mark Ford — 26 Jan 16. Iwaki Auditorium, Melbourne

This arrangement for brass band was made possible through Matt Van E'mmerik's instigation and generosity.