Spitfire (euphonium/piano)
Spitfire is a tour-de-force duet for euphonium and piano that takes your breath away from the first flourish of 16th notes and doesn't let go until the final note. Caution: Not for the feint of heart. The set includes an optional tuba, which turns the duet into a trio.
Medium: Solo Euphonium with Piano (+ optional Tuba)
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Composed: 2013
Duration: 7:15
Difficulty: Grade 5
Commission: Dr. Brian Meixner
Spitfire was inspired by the British fighter planes of the same name used by the Royal Air Force and several other countries during World War II. Designed as a short-range, high-performance interceptor aircraft, the Supermarine Spitfire was one of the fastest planes in service during the war. The quick moto perpetuo nature of the composition was an attempt to capture the speed and excitement of this historic plane. The word spitfire is also used to describe a quick-tempered or highly excitable person, which is also appropriate.
“Spitfire” was written for Dr. Brian Meixner for performance at the Southeast and Northeast Regional Tuba and Euphonium Conferences (SERTEC & NERTEC). Dr. Meixner and the composer performed the world premiere of the work on March 15, 2013 at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, FL as part of SERTEC. The set includes an optional tuba, which turns the duet into a trio.
