Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1937

Average_duration

:

4:43

"Reveille" is a composition for solo trumpet and piano by Benjamin Britten. It was composed in 1937 and premiered on May 25, 1937, at the Wigmore Hall in London, with Britten himself on the piano and John Wilbraham on the trumpet. The piece is divided into three movements: "Awake!", "Dawn", and "Morning". The first movement, "Awake!", is marked "Allegro con spirito" and is characterized by its lively and energetic tempo. The trumpet plays a fanfare-like melody that is accompanied by the piano's rapid arpeggios and staccato chords. The movement ends with a sudden and abrupt stop. The second movement, "Dawn", is marked "Lento, ma non troppo" and is much slower and more contemplative than the first. The trumpet plays a mournful melody that is accompanied by the piano's gentle and flowing chords. The movement gradually builds in intensity before fading away into silence. The final movement, "Morning", is marked "Allegro vivace" and is the most upbeat and lively of the three. The trumpet plays a jaunty and playful melody that is accompanied by the piano's syncopated rhythms and jazzy harmonies. The movement ends with a triumphant flourish. Overall, "Reveille" is a virtuosic and challenging piece for the trumpet player, showcasing the instrument's range and agility. The piano part is equally demanding, requiring precision and dexterity. The piece is also notable for its use of jazz-inspired harmonies and rhythms, which were unusual for classical music at the time of its composition.

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