Danse Macabre Variations

‘Danse Macabre Variations’ was written for the Hepworth Brass Band for their Entertainment set at the Butlins Mineworkers Competition. The band was conducted by Ian Porthouse.

Based on Saint-Saëns’ infamous tune ‘Danse Macabre’ (the theme tune to long-running UK TV show Jonathan Creek) this piece is a tour-de-force for the entire band ending with an impressive antiphonal cornet feature. The original version included an electric violin soloist Bianca Blezzard, but this version has been edited for Brass Band only, distributing key violin parts across the ensemble.

This piece has been played around the world, and has been professionally recorded by the Fairey Brass Band on their album Nefarious.