In Old Melbourne Town
Barry E. Kopetz
In Old Melbourne Town was inspired by the architecture in the city of
Melbourne, Australia and the ambience it created. The composer has taken
numerous sojourns to this locale to guest conduct, adjudicate band festivals,
admire the architecture, stroll along the waterfront, and to simply enjoy
the sights and people of this wonderful city. Melbourne is a vibrant, dynamic
city that is both modern and old simultaneously. From the bridge designed
by the father of famous Australian composer Percy Grainger to the bustling
train station, Melbourne is a city that is exciting in a decidedly Australian
manner.
The piece begins with a brief introduction in fanfare-like style. The
timpani then immediately injects a syncopated rhythmic figure which sets
the tone for the melody to follow. Countermelody appears in the upper woodwinds,
outlined in the bells. Flutes carry the second theme supported by the woodwind
choir. This is answered later during the lyrical section by the brass choir
from the ensemble allowing for purity of colors. A full ensemble presentation
follows which cadences most gracefully.
The percussion section serves as the bridge to the recapitulation of the
thematic material, the timpani recalling the principal ostinato pattern
that set the theme in motion at the beginning of the piece. This leads
to a dramatic return of the opening fanfare, performed in Maestoso character.
The final return of the truncated first-theme is nothing more than a brief
coda. It is reflective of the composer’s attitude that the city itself
is a living thing and worthy of many more visits in the future!
