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Bridego Fiasco!

'Bridego Fiasco!' (2023)

 

Bridego Fiasco! is a thrilling work inspired by the infamous Great Train Robbery of 1963 that took place at Bridego Bridge in Buckinghamshire, England.
Commissioned especially for Elland Silver Band's programme at the Bolsover Festival of Brass 2023 (MD Daniel Brooks), the piece captures the suspense and sheer audacity of the train heist that took place, where the gang of fifteen criminals escaped with £2.61 million (about £61 million today).

 

Stylistically, Bridego Fiasco! takes influences from big band jazz à la Duke Ellington and Buddy Rich, as well as soundtracks from the Disney Pixar film 'The Incredibles', the TV show 'Cowboy Bebop' and the 2017 video game 'Cuphead'.

The piece opens explosively with full band and a train whistle signals the start of the train's journey. The tension builds as the basses introduce a syncopated ostinato, accompanied by bongos and punctuated by backrow cornets with harmon mutes to create an exciting, heist-like atmosphere.
As the robbery takes place, the cornets and euphonium introduce the main theme, with the piece continuing in a lively 12-bar Minor blues structure. Train sounds are mimicked by the frantic and driving hi-hat rhythms and the trombones utilising plunger mutes.
A dynamic and pulsating section follows, which continues to represent the gang's getaway through the British countryside. Trombone and Vibraphone then take the lead with their own respective solos, followed by a lively and raucous finale in a big band 'shout'-like fashion.

Weaving together a compelling musical narrative, Bridego Fiasco! makes for a fun and unique piece for any band looking for a challenge, and an exciting crowd pleaser for concert-goers.

Bridego Fiasco!

£40.00Price
  • File Format: PDF Score and Parts (zip file)

    Upon purchase, you will receive links to download the pdf sheet music in the thank you page of the checkout, along with an emailed link that will last for 30 days.

  • Audio Samples

    Watch the premiere performance by Elland Silver Band at Bolsover Festival of Brass 2023 here

    (Timestamp 2:28:08)

    Listen Here

​©2024 Nick Brocklehurst. All rights reserved

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