This piece is based on the traditional English carol, which first appeared in the year 1591. It is unknown who actually composed the carol, so it is usually labelled as 'traditional'.
This piece is based on the traditional English carol, which first appeared in the year 1591. It is unknown who actually composed the carol, so it is usually labelled as 'traditional'. The Fantasia begins with a plain, yet majestic statement that hints at the age of the original tune. Following this ethereal opening, the piece suddenly bursts into life and sets the scene for a series of exciting variations that lead to a grandioso re-statement of the theme and a final, triumphant flourish.
Ian Shepherd is the principal tuba of the Band of the Grenadier Guards. As an arranger and composer for brass ensembles, his works have been performed as far afield as China, Korea and Japan as well as closer to home. His arrangements have also been performed on the BBC Radio 3's "In Tune" program and at the Ryedale Music Festival in Yorkshire. Recently he has been commissioned by the brass ensemble of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and has composed fanfares to announce the arrival of Her Majesty the Queen at important state occasions including the service of the Royal Victorian Order in St. George's Chapel Windsor Castle and the ANZAC memorial service in Westminster Abbey.
