First Suite in Eb for Military Band, Op. 28, No. 1 by Gustav Holst

Oct. 30, 2022: "A Thousand Inner Voices"
Performed at Puyallup High School
Directed by John M. Wetherington
http://southsoundsymphonicband.org

Gustav Holst’s First Suite in Eb for Military Band occupies a legendary position in the wind band repertory and can be seen as one of the earliest examples of modern wind band instrumentation.
Holst began his work with Chaconne, a traditional Baroque form that sets a series of variations over a ground bass theme. That eight-measure theme is stated at the outset in tubas and euphoniums, and in all fifteen variations presented in quick succession. The three pitches that begin the work serve as the generating cell for the entire work and as the primary theme of each movement. The second half of the Chaconne presents a somber inversion of the ground bass that eventually emerges from its gloom into the exuberant final variations.

The Intermezzo is a quirky rhythmic frenzy that contrasts everything that has preceded it. This movement opens with abrupt transitions throughout its primary theme group. The contrasting midsection is introduced with a mournful melody by the clarinet. At the movement’s conclusion, the two sections are woven together.

The March that follows immediately begins shockingly, with a furious trill in the woodwinds articulated by aggressive statements by brass and percussion. This sets up the lighthearted and humorous mood for the final movement which eventually does take up the more reserved and traditional regal mood of a British march. The coda of the work makes brief mention of elements from both the Chaconne and Intermezzo before closing joyfully.
Program Note by Jacob Wallace for the Baylor Wind Ensemble concert program, 19 December 2014. Edited for brevity by SSSB.


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The South Sound Symphonic Band is a 501(c)(3) non-profit consisting of talented amateur and semiprofessional musicians who enjoy the challenge of rehearsing and performing to high musical standards, as well as each other’s company. Founded in 1983 as the Federal Way Community Band, later the Federal Way Symphonic Band and in 2000 under its current name, the band performs four concerts per season throughout the South Sound region of Washington State.