Duelle Romani - Concerto for Trumpet, Percussion & 10 solo strings (2020)
by Paul Max Edlin

For: Trumpet in Bb, Percussion (Crotales, Marimba [4 octave], Vibraphone, 4 Rototoms, Tenor Drum, Bass Drum, 4 Gongs [varying sizes], Tam-tam), 4 Violins, 3 Violas, 2 ‘Cellos, 1 Bass

Programme Note:
This short concertante style work derives from a short piece for solo trumpet, Gone in 60 Seconds, commissioned by Oxford Festival of the Arts for trumpeter Brendan Ball. I was so inspired by Brendan’s virtuoso performance that I decided to create a larger piece using the same musical material. The principal motif is a three-note pattern that literally spirals in varying directions.

Pitted against the trumpet is a percussion part that literally duels and spars, with the two players 'jousting' with each other. The strings act as both a backdrop, a resonating chamber and as a partner, though always responding directly to the musical material presented by the main protagonist – the trumpet. A perpetual energy is the final result, either in dramatic or more tranquil sections.

This work was composed during the Christmas period of 2020.

© Paul Max Edlin 2020

Duello Romano - for Trumpet, Percussion & 10 strings (2020)

Paul Max Edlin, 2016/2017 Composer in Residence for the London Chamber Orchestra, has a career that combines composing with higher education, artistic direction and performing.  

His works have been performed by many leading artists including Alison Balsom, Arditti Quartet, Britten Sinfonia, David Campbell, Cantus Ansambl, Dame Sarah Connolly, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Rolf Hind, Johannes Möller, London Chamber Orchestra, London Sinfonietta, Olga Pasiecznik, Psappha, Silesian Quartet, Southbank Sinfonia and Gabriella Swallow.

He studied with Edwin Roxburgh, Richard Blackford and Joseph Horowitz (Royal College of Music) and Michael Finnissy (University of Sussex). He has won many prizes including Premio Internazionale Ancona, Harriet Cohen Memorial Award and United Music Publishers Prize. His music explores symbolism and often derives its inspiration from extra musical material. From the mid 80’s to mid 90’s many works were inspired by the art and architecture of South-East Asia, especially Indochina. From 2000 onward symbolism of a wider range of sources guided his music, from the chiastic structures of J.S. Bach to the writings of Gabriel García Márquez and Federico García Lorca and visual work of Frida Kahlo.

He is former Director of Music at Queen Mary University of London. He was Artistic Director of Deal Music & Arts (formerly Deal Festival) from 2004 to 2021, Sounds New (2007 to 2013), Director of International Composer Pyramid (2008-2023) and was Chair of the Board of of Trustees of Ora Singers. He is current Chair of China U.K. International Music Festival. He supports a range of charities and arts organisations through activities on their various boards and committees.  From 2012 to 2013 he was President of the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM), the UK's leading association for professional musicians.