Suite Gothique was transcribed for brass band by Eric Ball and is frequently used as a concert finale by bands, as well as a test piece.
1. Introduction – Choral
2. Menuet Gothique
3. Priere a Notre-Dame
4. Toccata
Léon Boëllmann (September 1862 – October 1897) was a French composer, known for a small number of compositions for organ. His best-known composition is Suite Gothique (1895), which is a staple of the organ repertoire, especially its concluding Toccata. Born in Ensisheim, Haut-Rhin, Alsace, the son of a pharmacist. In 1871, at the age of nine, he entered the École de Musique Classique et Religieuse in Paris, where he studied with its director, Gustave Lefèvre, and with Eugène Gigout. There, Boëllmann won first prizes in piano, organ, counterpoint, fugue, plainsong, and composition. After his graduation in 1881, Boëllmann was hired by the Church of St. Vincent de Pau in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, a position he held until his early death.
Jock McKenzie studied trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester where he was a joint recipient of the college’s concerto prize. Since 1987 Jock has based his musical career in Hampshire, working as a freelance trumpeter, conductor, composer, arranger and brass teacher. Currently Jock holds the position of Professional Leader (Brass) for Hampshire Music Service and is the Director of the Hampshire County Youth Band. It is the mix of all of these musical roles that has led to Jock establishing a reputation as a leading creator of brass music resources, particularly in the field of education and brass ensemble music.
