Description

Waltzing Matilda

Battle of Gallipoli

Version for Brass Quintet by Kerry Turner

                   Commissioned by Armin Terzer and BoB – Best of Brass

The IHS International Symposium 2010 was in Brisbane, Australia. The American Horn Quartet went as Featured Artists. To commemorate this occasion, Kerry Turner composed a special piece, featuring the famous Australian folksong “Waltzing Matilda.”

Afterwards Mr Turner to made this arrangement for the Brass Quintet of Mr. Armin Terzer. Waltzing Matilda is Australia’s most famous bush ballad. It is the unofficial national anthem of Australia.

After a literal statement of the melody, the music sweeps the listener back 200 years to the age of exploration. This swashbuckling music is gripping with adventure and excitement. However, there is also a second version of this famous tune. It is the tragic ballad from World War One entitled “The Band Played Waltzing Matilda.” This song describes the disastrous lost of life by Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought at the battle of Gallipoli in Turkey. According to several of the composer’s Australian acquaintances, this somber ballad holds particular meaning and importance in the “Land Down Under.” Furthermore, Mr. Turner therefore incorporated a middle section, which represents this tragic period in the country’s history.

“Waltzing Matilda” is a brilliantly virtuoso romp, which demands refined ensemble skills as well as highly developed technical ability. The piece was composed in Leipzig, Germany in May 26-28, 2010 and lasts approximately 6 minutes.