Fanfare

Please see the comment by RSCMJOHN!

“John James” is believed to be a pseudonym for Basil Ramsey (1928–2018). Ramsey was an English musicologist, editor, and publisher. His publishing career began at Novello where he rose to be director of publications. In 1974, he left Novello to form a publishing company with his close friend, the American film composer Bernard Herrmann. Herrmann’s sudden death ended their joint venture, but Ramsey formed “Basil Ramsey Publisher of Music,” a firm that released a variety of works by distinguished contemporary composers as well as new editions of older compositions. In the field of music journalism, Ramsey worked as the founding editor of “Choir & Organ” and was also editor of “The Musical Times” (from which “Choir & Organ” originated). In 1999, Ramsey co-founded with Keith Bramich “Music & Vision,” the world’s first daily online classical music magazine, a pioneering effort formed in the early days of the world wide web.

These notes are by Carson Cooman.

"Fanfare" was composed: "For the Dedication Festival of the Collegiate Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Shrewsbury, 1975."

The score is marked "Molto maestoso," but I've uptempo-ed this a bit, which works better to my way of thinking.

Also, there is no chance for the tuba, so, I worked two little spots in. After all, what kind of fanfare doesn't have at least a few tuba toots in it?!? :-)

Sadly, it appears as though this magnificent church may no longer be used for worship. I may be wrong, and I hope I am, as it certainly is spectacular.

A photo of Basil Ramsey is attached below, as well as several of the magnificent Collegiate Church of St. Mary the Virgin.