PROGRAMME NOTES

The most complete book of programme (program) notes that I know of is Program Notes for Band by Norman E Smith, published in 2000 shortly after the death of the author. 1600 program notes and 600 biographies of composers give a fine overview of the state of wind music as at 1998. Biographies are soon outdated, as are lists of works; however, this volume contains a vast amount of research, and all other books or websites of programme notes can be regarded as useful supplements to a crucial book for everyone’s library.

The following notes are often by the composer. In due course, I hope to include on the site notes on any repertoire which I am conducting as well as all of the Maecenas publications.

The Cloud of Unknowing (2004)         Kenneth Hesketh
Dances from Crete (2003)                  Adam Gorb
L’Homme Armé (2003)                      Christopher Marshall
Orient et Occident (1869)                   Camille Saint-Saens
Paris Sketches (1994)                         Martin Ellerby
Samurai (1995)                                   Nigel Clarke 
Symphony for William (2004)              Derek Bourgeois