Peter Graham

The Holy Well

The principal melody from On Alderley Edge becomes a serene euphonium solo of long line, glowing harmony, and quiet intensity.

ComposerPeter Graham
Era20th century
TypeOriginal
Difficultyadvanced
Available scoringsPiano, Brass Band
Duration~5 minutes
Clefbass, treble
Originally forEuphonium
ArrangerMargaret Antrobus
Piano partMedium
Technical demandssustained lyricism, soft high register, breath pacing, ensemble balance
Good forlyrical recital, featured soloist with band, community concert
PublisherGramercy Music

The music asks for patience. Allow the harmony to determine how the line grows, and keep soft upper-register playing supported enough that the sound remains alive at the ends of phrases.

Its simplicity is exposed rather than easy. Breath placement, vibrato, and tempo flexibility should all serve one continuous arc, with the accompaniment heard as the source of the solo’s changing light.

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