Austin Symphonic Band Performing Vanity Fair (A Comedy Overture)
Austin Symphonic Band. November 5, 2023 concert at the Connally HS Performing Arts Center in Austin, TX. ASB performing Vanity Fair (A Comedy Overture) by Percy Fletcher (ed. Brant Karrick). Music Director Dr. Kyle R. Glaser conducting. "Grand Structures" Concert.
Video and Sound Production: Eddie Jennings
From the program notes written by David Cross:
Vanity Fair (A Comedy Overture) (1924)
Percy Fletcher (1879–1932)
Edited by Brant Karrick
Program note by Brant Karrick:
Vanity Fair is a concise and refreshing overture that is a wonderful example of Percy Fletcher’s light
melodic style and first-rate scoring. Described by the composer as “a comedy overture in which several
characters from Thackeray’s novel are portrayed,” the fast-slow-fast, single-movement form includes three main thematic ideas.
The opening, vivace A section features a vigorously energetic melody that is permeated with scales, sequences, repeated motives, and a variety of color. The second theme, in the dominant key of F, is somewhat slower and delightfully pompous in character. The highly romantic middle section, now in D-flat major, showcases a beautiful melody complimented by exquisite scoring, and is to be played with “sentimental expression.” A transition leads to the return of the opening vivace theme with some variety of harmony and scoring. The stately second theme, now in tonic, leads to an extended and electrifying coda that gains tempo and places the highest technical demands upon musicians, particularly the upper woodwinds.
Fletcher was an English composer and organist. While Fletcher was quite successful as a musical director in the theater, he was a performer on organ, piano, and violin as well. He composed numerous ballads, choral works, orchestral suites, piano music, marches, pieces for organ, and works for military band. Throughout the 20th century, several of Fletcher’s compositions were performed as test pieces for the British National Band Championships. In 1913, his tone poem Labour and Love was performed by the Irwell Springs Band, that year’s winner. In 1926, Fletcher was invited again to present a piece for the championships. He created what some consider his most serious work, An Epic Symphony, in three movements. It was brought back as a test piece for the National Championships of 1938, 1951, and 1976. An Epic Symphony and Labour and Love are played today on occasion, but sadly most of Fletcher’s repertoire is rarely performed.
Listen for:
• An energetic opening with sparkling woodwind embellishment.
• A stately second theme led by the brass.
• Expansive, melancholic writing in the middle section.
• A frenetic closing recap of all themes.
