War of the Worlds

War of the Worlds was commissioned by the Senzoku Gakuen College of Music Saxophone Orchestra and first performed by them in the Maeda Hall, Japan on June 29 2012, the composer conducting. The music is dedicated to Professor Shin-ichi Iwamoto. The transcription for brass band was first performed by the Brighouse & Rastrick Band, conductor David King, in the Bridgewater Hall Manchester on September 8 2012. Epic in scope, the suite takes inspiration from the 1953 film script adaptation of the famous HG Wells novel and key scenes from the film are set as individual movements:

1. Wrath depicts the arrival of the alien advance party on Planet Earth.

2. Reflections – (duet for Flugel and Tenor Horn). Here mankind contemplates a life forever changed as the invaders progress their colonization of Planet Earth.

3. Battle - mankind begin their fight for survival against the Martian war machine.

4. Deliverance – (solo for Soprano Cornet or Tenor Horn Eb). The survivors seek sanctuary in the Church of Santa Maria, still standing among the burning ruins of Los Angeles, and pray for deliverance from the invaders.

5. Phoenix – saved from extinction, mankind commence the rebuilding of the ruined cities. The symbolism of the Phoenix, the mythological bird which rises reborn from the ashes of destruction clearly resonates with the Japanese people in the aftermath of the devastating tsunami of 2011. Their spirit and determination has become a present day reminder of mankind’s ability to overcome adversity.