To a New Dawn

To a New Dawn was commissioned from Philip Sparke in 2000 by the United States Continental Army Band to celebrate the 3rd Millennium. The work looks forward to the challenges of the new century and reflects on the last. It begins with a bright introduction featuring the trumpets with a perky theme which passes quickly through several keys, reappearing in the woodwinds. A solo trumpet takes up a new theme over bubbling eighth notes and leads to rhythmic figures starting in the low clarinets. A brass interlude follows with the oboe taking up a legato tune. The following Andante section features horn and trumpet solos and florid woodwind cadenzas, leading to a passionate climax. After a full recapitulation the work closes with a lively coda. (Source: published score)