by Philip Sparke
Album Title: REFLCTIONS : MUSIC OF PHILIP SPARKE
Recording: Tokyo Wind Symphony Orchestra and St. Paul’s University Glee Club
Conductor: Philip Sparke
Publisher: Live performance BRAIN MUSIC BOCD-7601 Notes in Japanese only
Philip Sparke is a prolific composer who has produced many notable works for concert band. The program begins with Fanfare for Tokyo; a powerful opening work for full ensemble,. Orient Express and Jubilee Overture are two of the most frequently performed Sparke compositions and the CD also includes one of Sparke’s symphonies: Symphony No. 3 – A Savannah Symphony. Other band works featured are A Weekend in New York, The Bandwagon and Reflections on an Old Japanese Folk Song (Suirya-Bushi). The choir joins the band in two Sparke compositions: Beethoven’s Greeting (Fantasy on the canon Freu’ dich des Lebens) and With Clouds Descending (Fantasy on the hymn tune Helmsley). This most rewarding CD concludes with Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 (arranged Retford & Reed) with a performance by the band and choir that is worthy of a rousing OH, YEAH ! (for all you WWE fans).
