Alla Marcia

This work is one that Elgar would have been proud to have written.

It has a decided "swagger," to it, and speaks of the optimism of the British empire in 1911, the year in which it was published. Like "Sursum corda," it is dedicated to Walter Parratt.

Marked as "Allegro non troppo," it moves along at a brisk pace, The piece has lots of appeal to it. It does NOT use the Solo Tuba... ;-)

I find that playing these works without toe-studs/foot pistons is tricky, since they are LOTS of "additions and subtractions" throughout.

The swell shades on Salisbury move at a SLOW and steady pace. In a way, this is helpful, as you can just "give them a kick," and they will open and close slowly.

The problem I found in listening to the playback (I didn't notice it while playing) was that I think I "kicked them too far," as the sound is a bit "up and down."

The shades really close up the magnificent "Full Swell," but there were a few spots where I wished I gotten it open (or closed) more quickly.

I hope you enjoy this piece. It sounds VERY "correct" on the Salisbury Willis!