Overture for a Special Occasion

The special occasion that Philip Sparke was honoured to write this piece for was the 200th anniversary of the Stadtmusik Bad Säckingen. Since Bad Säckingen is known as the ’Trompeterstadt’, or trumpeter city, Sparke’s creative process was influenced by Joseph Victor Scheffel’s poem, Der Trompeter von Säckingen (The Trumpeter from Säckingen), which is based on a true story. The overture starts with a majestic fanfare, followed by a lively molto vivace. It is joined by a brilliant trumpet call in honour of the city’s famous resident.