Devil's Duel - Peter Meechan (David Thornton - euphonium)

This performance is given by David Thornton and the Queen's City Brass Band (conducted by Mark Preece), Knox Metropolitan Church, Regina, Canada on Saturday 18th June 2016.

Devil’s Duel takes its inspiration from the story of the infamous Niccolo Paganini whose virtuosity was astounding. He began playing the violin at age seven, and by the age of 13 had the reputation of being the leading Italian violinist of his time. People began to speculate about Paganini's great talent, and began to wonder about his gift – he became known as a "Hexensohn" or witch's brat. Paganini's demonic reputation became so widespread that his talent was often attributed to the belief that he had bartered for help from the Devil. Later in life, with his popularity at a peak and constantly touring Europe, the rumours of supernatural guidance never ceased. He would give concerts, and often “duel” with other virtuosi - "winning" by improvising during the contest (or concert!) by adding octaves, thirds, and sixths, and often playing more notes in a second than thought humanly possible.

Devil’s Duel uses the famous theme of Paganini’s Caprice no.24, and sees the euphonium soloist “duelling” with various instrumentalists in the band – with displays of virtuosity in the fast music and cunning in the slow.

Peter Meechan is recognised as one of the most exciting composition talents of his generation. His music is informed by completely different influences from preceding generations, including jazz, dance, funk and acid house.