Composer Liz Lane will be heading to the RNCM in Manchester on the weekend to hear the world premiere of her latest major work, 'Tide and Time' performed by Foden's Band.
It's inspired by the history of five generations of her family, all either professional or amateur artists, and their work associated with water — from sea, canal and river, all linked to musical landmarks of Foden's history.
Generational artistic output
The three continuous movements and a coda represent the artistic output of her Great-Grandfather, Grandfather, parents and mother's cousin, her cousins and their children, as she told 4BR.
"Like the journey of water, the ebb and flow of motto themes introduced early on become interlinked, entwined, developed and revisited throughout the work.
My Great-Grandfather was a professional artist and the first movement reflects on three dates from his career. These align with influences and quotes from test pieces from Foden's contesting past- from a seascape painting of 1926 and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' (linking to Foden's British Open win of the same year) to 'Kenilworth' (their National Championship victory of 1936)."
Love of Rachmaninov
Liz revealed that the lyrical second movement honours her Grandfather, a commercial artist with a love of Rachmaninov.
"This is music stylistically influenced by 'Diadem of Gold' (1953 National win)," Liz added, "whilst the third draws on the final movement of his 'Symphony No. 2' in E minor, such as the use of triplets and bell-like figurations, with reference Foden's National win on 'Pageantry' in 1937 with the exposed soprano."
Liz said that the lively juxtaposition of new and revisited themes portray the third, fourth (and fifth) generations of family artists, including illustrations and miniature landscapes, and in particular the work of her father, Bernard Lane, before the Coda again draws on the Rachmaninov style with an imaginary look into the future.
Rosicrucianism
Interestingly 'Tide and Time' also reveals elements of her research into Rosicrucianism (something her Great Grandfather was particularly interested in) and especially the importance of the number 3.
"Many of the work's motifs can be found grouped in this way, especially in the second movement," she added.
"It's wonderful that the RNCM Festival of Brass gives such an opportunity for the brass band movement to present new works in this way, and my thanks go to Paul Hindmarsh and especially to Foden's Band who have taken on the work with such musical understanding."
Like the journey of water, the ebb and flow of motto themes introduced early on become interlinked, entwined, developed and revisited throughout the workComposer, Liz Lane
RNCM Brass Band Festival:
Foden's Band will open the 2018 RNCM Brass Band Festival on Friday 26th January (7.30pm).
Also to be heard will be 'Kenilworth (Bliss); 'Trials and Triumphs' (Derek Bourgeois); 'Downland Suite' (Ireland); 'Concerto Grosso (Etienne Crausaz).
Tickets: £14 or £17
Box Office: 0161 907 5555
www.rncm.ac.ul/brassbandfestival
