Marc Jeanbourquin

Red Mountain

We all set ourselves certain goals in life, some of which can be compared to mountains and are not always easy to reach. Red Mountain depicts these moments, variously strewn with doubts, confidence, calm and emotions, in a merry-go-round that eventually leads to achievement. After a misterioso introduction, the three movements follow without a break. Each one is emphasized by an ascending melodic motif. While the energetic and somewhat warlike first movement might symbolise the enthusiasm that we put into the start of a new project, the second movement is in stark contrast. Here, the dialogue between euphonium and cornet takes the listener to a plateau of calm and reflection, all of this accompanied by voices. Full of fire and lightness, the last movement leads us to the top of the mountain with ostinatos that contrast with the big final chorale, which is backed by energetic and varied percussions. Red Mountain won the audience's prize at the 2012 composition competition organised by the European Brass Band Association. The Djembe part uses three sounds: * the basic sound of the instrument * a bass sound produced by hitting the centre of the skin * a drier and higher-pitched sound obtained by hitting the rim of the instrument