Blue is an energetic opener, drawing inspiration from the color blue. The work finds its harmonic and emotional core in Olivier Messiaen’s third mode of limited transposition, specifically in D, a mode the composer himself associated with the color blue. This connection is deepened with the use of Messiaen’s so-called Chord of Resonance, another harmonic element linked to the same hue.

The piece is anchored in rhythm, specifically a recurring motif based on the Morse code for the word BLUE. This rhythm becomes a driving force throughout the work, a connecting thread that pulses with clarity and intention. The use of this code is a direct reference to a band that strongly identifies with the color blue—both in image and in spirit.

Countering this rhythmic energy is a melodic figure built on D, E, F, C, B flat, A—a subset of Messiaen’s third mode. This melodic idea introduces a sense of elevation and freedom, counterbalancing the grounded, coded rhythm with expressive flight.

Blue was won by the client in a pub quiz, with the proceeds helping Soli Brass Leeuwarden fund their trip to the EBK (European Brass Band Championships) in Sweden. This context adds an extra layer of meaning, as the piece not only embodies artistic exploration, but also reflects the collaborative and supportive spirit within the brass band community. 

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Demo Score