Descendit Lux
Descendit Lux (Howard J Evans). The work was composed in 2018 after hearing a Radio 4 Sunday Service about the York mystery plays. The song ‘Let all mortal flesh keep silence’ which uses the tune ‘Picardy’ was featured. The Advent significance of the song and its modal qualities are brought together in this composition. The significant lines from the song say: ‘Christ our God to Earth descendeth’, and ‘Light of Light descendeth’. This comes together in the title Descendit Lux and the programmatic element of the light cutting through the darkness. It was first performed by the Boscombe Salvation Army Band at Christchurch Priory, and also features on their recording ‘An Advent Journey’.
Soliloquy II - In the Cross
This work was commissioned by the euphonium soloist Micah Dominic Parsons. The soloist is Steven Mead. A few years ago I wrote a Soliloquy based on an SA song by George Marshall called: Soliloquy (In the Stillness). This solo follows up the form of that solo, though it is quite different, and was a commission from Micah Dominic Parsons. I am very grateful for the impetus of that commission. The main inspiration is the tune 'Cross of Jesus' by John Stainer as well as a motif from some older Euphonium Studies from the Military School of Music, Kneller Hall. The tune is used in a chorale form, and after an introduction the first section is a reversal of the chorale that appears in the second half of the work. The euphonium exclamations are all derived from the main tune and the study motif. There is one new element in the coda, where the triplet motif is a direct quotation from 'Romans 8 - A Brass Celebration'' by Ray Steadman-Allen, who uses the same tune in this major brass band work. The work begins in quite a dark reflective manner and represents those aspects of the song, without being too specific. The second half obviously reflects the more positive characteristics and finds quite a triumphal nature in the end. The soloist lines throughout have a very declamatory style and can have a freedom in performance.
Pastorale - My Joy and Crown
This piece was composed for the superb Euphonium soloist Steven Mead and first recorded on the UFO album in partnership with Brighouse and Rastrick Band. It's dedicated to Steve's father Rex Mead, and Howard penned this arrangement of the beautiful hymn tune Ascalon (Rex's favourite tune) in the spring of 2019. Howard is close friends with Rex and Sylvia Mead. He has also worked closely with Steven Mead, notably on two previous CDs, Brassin’Mozart 2006 and Locomotion. The tune was originally a Silesian folk song, and the German text was printed for the first time in 1842.
‘Four More Carol Arrangements’ for Piano
As a result of requests on publishing the first set, here are four more moderately easy arrangements that can be utilised as desired by the performer. The octave at which they are played remains flexible, as they have a 'music box' style when played at a higher octave range. Performers can experiment and choose as desired. These are demo tracks of each of the pieces.
‘Four Carol Arrangements’ for Piano
These moderately easy arrangements and can be utilised as desired by the performer. The octave at which they are played is also flexible, as they have a 'music box' style when played at a higher octave range. Performers can experiment and choose as desired. These are demo tracks of each of the pieces.
Folk Song - Jenny Jones
A new arrangement of the lovely folk song, Jenny Jones, in a simple but lyrical setting. It is a Welsh tune that is used for dancing, and is also known as 'Cader Idris'. This setting has a small dance like section to reflect its origins. Played here by the principal cornet of the Grimethorpe Colliery Band, and with the composer of the arrangement at the piano. The sheet music is available from: https://www.howardjevans.com/musicsal...
Bergen Grieghallen 2017
Blitz - Derek Bourgeois. Live recording from concert 12/3/2009 with conductor Howard J Evans.
Brass Band Leadership Sessions from Star Lake 2020
Two sessions in which Howard discusses brass band leadership, especially from the perspective of conducting; what it is; creativity in conducting; the use and psychology of gesture; score preparation and performance practise.
Star Lake - Piano Recital
A series of piano favourites performed and recorded in the summer of 2020 for Star Lake Music Camp online.
Euphonium solo - When He cometh
Earlier this year, during lockdown, I transcribed the band accompaniment for piano. Steven Mead, for whom the solo was originally written, performs it again here in the piano version. This is now available for purchase online from the Euphonium Store:
Beethoven ‘Moonlight Sonata’ Mvt.III
A recording from a Piano Recital given at Boscombe Salvation Army Hall on 2nd June 2017.
Royal Albert Hall 2008.
My performance at the Salvation Army Gospel Arts Concert 2008 included this performance of Percy Grainger’s arrangement of the Londonderry Air. Titled in his collection of Piano works as ‘A Tune from Country Derry’
Amsterdam Staff Band 2005
Here are clips from the ASB’s performance at the Royal Albert Hall, London, conducted by Howard at the SA Gospel Arts Concert in 2005. ‘Vitae Lux’ was the first number presented. Howard’s own composition ‘Chassidic Dance’ featured in the second half.