Solo/ Ensemble Works
Piano
SOLO
The Piano Collection - NEW RELEASE *HSC*
Grade: HSC Music 1 and 2, AMEB level 2
1. Bailerina
2. Broken Hearted Lover's Lament
3. March
4. Nocturne No.3
5. Insect Dance
6. Andantino
7. Prelude and Fugue No.2
Prelude and Fugue
Grade: Advanced, HSC Music 2 Ext., AMEB Diploma
Purchase: from composer: bcollins@barker.nsw.edu.au
Narrabeen Hustle
Grade: Advanced, HSC Music 2 Ext., AMEB Diploma
ENSEMBLE
Scherzo - w/ Vln, Tpt *HSC*
Purchase: Email Composer: bcollins@barker.nsw.edu.au
Fiasco - w/ Al Sx, Tpt
Purchase: Email Composer: bcollins@barker.nsw.edu.au
Narrabeen Hustle w/ Wind Band
Purchase
Listen
Violin
SOLO (With Piano)
Violin Suite *HSC*
Mugungwha Train *HSC*
Mugungwha Train was commissioned by Samuel Wright as a wind ensemble work for the Asia Pacific Activities Conference Band Festival, and was premiered at the Festival in 2017.
The Mugungwha Train takes its audience on a musical journey through the industrial, commercial and rural areas of South Korea and the tempo and energy are relentless. The rhythmic intensity and the percussive nature of the violins expresses the drive and power of the train. As the work progresses the themes and flowing harmonic progressions conjure images of both metropolitan and rural scenes. It is a fast paced journey from beginning to end that draws on all the tone colours and dynamic range of the violin.
So buckle up and enjoy the ride!!
ENSEMBLE
Mugungwha Train - 4 Vlns *HSC*
See description above in Violin - Solo
Flute
SOLO (With Piano)
Humoresque *HSC*
‘Humoresque is an ideal choice for HSC Music 1 and 2 performance. It is a highly energetic and lively work that is sure to be a favourite with all performers and audiences. Ideal for inclusion in any performance or recital program that works particularly well as an encore piece.
Trumpet
SOLO (With Piano)
Serenade - NEW RELEASE *HSC*
‘Serenade’ was composed for American trumpet player Judith Saxton in appreciation for her premiering the Collins Trumpet Concerto at ITG 2012. The piece is a lyrical work with hints of the Broadway musical style.
It has been performed and recorded many times and has proven to be popular among euphonium and trombone players. Originally composed for trumpet and piano, Serenade has been re-orchestrated for brass band, wind ensemble and orchestral accompaniment.
Judith Saxton and Brian Evans gave premiere performances of Serenade at ITG 2014.
Recorded by Chase Hawkins on CD: Great Southern Land
Purchase -
Concert Gallop *HSC*
Concert Gallop began its life as a work for trumpet and piano. In 2010 the U.S. trumpet virtuoso, David Hickman offered to publish some of Collins’ works, inspiring the composer to create a ‘flashy’ piece that specifically reflects Hickman’s extraordinary technique and musicianship. While Concert Gallop has proven to be a popular addition to the trumpet repertoire it has been embraced by a number of outstanding euphonium players, most notably Matthew.
The piece tells a romanticised story of the notorious Australian bushranger ‘Thunderbolt’. The galloping of horses is evident throughout and there are some beautiful moments where the bushranger may be reflecting on lost opportunities and a life that might have been.
Recorded by Chase Hawkins on CD: Great Southern Land
Recorded by Alex Wilson on CD: Volti Subito
Stomp
‘Stomp is a flashy and exciting work that is equally perfect to open or close your recital program. A crowd pleaser from the first to the last notes and great fun to play’
Richard Stoelzel – Trumpet Professor, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
‘Stomp’ was commissioned as the ‘Test’ piece for the 1st annual World Association of Trumpet Seminar Solo Competition held in Meppen, Germany in 2015. Commissioned by Richard Stoelzel (Professor of Trumpet and Chair of Brass at McGill University, Montreal, Canada)
‘Stomp’ is a wild romp for solo trumpet and wind band that captures the spirit and raw energy of the traditional dance music of Ireland. From the first bar to the last, this rhythmically complex work is a technical blast for both soloist and ensemble. While there are extended sections of high intensity throughout the piece, the ‘catchy’ melodies are immediately accessible and there are occasions where the themes portray much beauty through their simplicity.
‘Stomp’ has been orchestrated for solo trumpet and wind ensemble and has been released on CD 'Under Western Skies' featuring Richard Stoelzel, Rex Richardson and the Grand Valley State University Wind Symphony.
Recorded by Richard Stoelzel on CD: Under Western Skies
Recorded by Chase Hawkins on CD: Great Southern Land
Sonata *HSC*
This work was composed as a result of several conversations I had with prominent trumpet players Chase Hawkins and Richard Stoelzel.
Chase Hawkins gave the premier performance of the sonata and included it on his CD 'Great Southern Land. Garrett Klein and Alex Wilson have also recorded the sonata
The sonata consists of three very contras.ting movements. While the genres of the three movements differ, the movements share a common harmonic device and strong thematic ideas.
Recorded by Chase Hawkins on CD: Great Southern Land
Recorded by Garrett Klein on CD:
Concerto
This Trumpet Concerto reflects the standard classical concerto form and uses many elements and techniques associated with the era. It is however, a modern work that employs contemporary uses of tonality and changing meter. Many of the virtuosic runs that occur throughout the concerto are based on the whole tone scale.
The second movement is a beautiful thematic work that has an ever-present Spanish flavour. The seeringly beautiful singing quality of the trumpet is explored in all registers of the instrument and the strings provide much tension with their rich dissonances.
The final movement is a stirring march that demands the utmost precision, energy and flamboyance of the soloist and orchestra. It has an infectious exuberance that culminates in a presto section that leaves performers and audiences breathless.
Recorded by Chase Hawkins on CD: Great Southern Land
Recorded by Richard Stoelzel on CD: Horizons
Concerto for Two Trumpets
CONCERTO FOR TWO TRUMPETS (2017) was commissioned by Spanish international trumpet soloist, Jose Chafer and was written for both Chafer and Polish trumpeter Sławomir Cichor. It was originally composed with wind ensemble accompaniment. The inspiration for the work came during the composer’s reflection on the bygone era of the late 19th and early 20th Centuries – at a time when banding was meant for the people, and communities took great pride in their local bands and musicians. Movements two and three pay particular homage to these time-honoured band traditions. Movement I, “Lively”, serves as a showcase for both soloists and accompaniment. It is a highly charged rhythmic movement that borrows elements of jazz, including an underlying staccato rhythmic syncopation around extended harmonies. Movement II, “Largo”, is cast in a slow movement with long, extended melodies shared equally among soloists and accompaniment. Every component is featured in a solo capacity, and there are times when all come together to produce a passionate, romantically lush sonic atmosphere. Movement III, “Presto”, is a technical showcase that reflects the lighthearted styles of the early Italian composers of opera buffa by Rossini and Donizetti. It features the trumpets in call-and-response throughout the majority of the movement with an extended cadenza.
Purchase: Email Composer: bcollins@barker.nsw.edu.au
Jose Suite *HSC*
In 2017 there were a number of highly talented composition students in my graduating music class at Barker College, Sydney, Australia. To celebrate the achievements of this particular year group I gathered some of the musical material created by the students and worked it into an exciting and appealing suite for trumpet (and later bass trombone) with piano accompaniment. While none of the material was originally intended to be performed by a solo brass instrument, it is surprising just how well-suited the musical ideas are for the brass.
Audiences will note that each movement of this suite has a youthful energy that is immediately infectious and captivating.
The original trumpet version of the Jose Suite was premiered by Spanish trumpet player Jose Chafer at the International Trumpet Guild conference, in San Antonio TX 2018
Purchase: Email Composer: bcollins@barker.nsw.edu.au
Sun Conure *HSC*
Scherzo *HSC*
Scherzo is a virtuosic showcase for trumpet that captures the energy, spirit and appeal of the instrument. Its catchy themes and ever-changing time signatures reflect the bright and sunny Australian summer holiday in which it was written. The relentless buzzing of cicadas and the intermittent screeching of lorikeets, rosellas and cockatoos were all too familiar during the compositional process and much of this relaxed holiday spirit is evident in this work.
The trumpet and strings throw melodic and rhythmic ideas to and fro like children playing with a ball. Both have the ability to produce beautiful singing lines as well as sharp, crisp percussive fragments. The technical and musical demands of all instrumentalists is considerable, but it is the infectious rhythmic dance styles that make this work an immediate ‘hit’ with all audiences.
Recorded by Chase Hawkins on CD: Great Southern Land
Recorded by Richard Stoelzel on CD: Horizons
Purchase: Email Composer: bcollins@barker.nsw.edu.au
Moreton Bay Var. *HSC*
Purchase: Email Composer: bcollins@barker.nsw.edu.au
ENSEMBLE
Three for Two - Tpt & Hn *HSC*
Purchase: Email Composer: bcollins@barker.nsw.edu.au
Scherzo - w/ Vln/ Pno *HSC*
Purchase: Email Composer: bcollins@barker.nsw.edu.au
Fiasco - Alto Sax/ Pno *HSC*
Purchase: Email Composer: bcollins@barker.nsw.edu.au
Cello
SOLO (With Piano)
Autumn Romance *HSC*
Autumn Romance is an ideal choice for HSC Music 1 and 2 performance. It is a highly expressive and emotional work that is sure to be a favourite with all performers and audiences. Ideal for inclusion in any performance or recital program and works particularly well as an encore piece.
Purchase from composer brendantrombone@gmail.com
The Murder - 5 Tpts
The prestigious and internationally renowned Paris-based trumpet ensemble Trombamania
premiered ‘The Murder’ in 2016 at the International Trumpet Guild Conference in the USA and has performed the work regularly throughout Europe ever since. In 2019, the ensemble recorded the work and released it globally through Yamaha Europe.
While the title might appear sinister, ‘The Murder’ in fact refers to the collective noun describing a gathering of crows. Modern performing ensemble so often wear all black and members tend to congregate on stage as if they are a group of crows hovering over a carcass. ‘The Murder’ seemed to be the perfect title to represent not just the music, but also the performers themselves.
Make a Joyful Noise - 12 Tpts
Trumpet Mambo - 12 Tpts/ Bass Guitar/ Perc
Horn
SOLO (With Piano)
Serenade *HSC*
A popular choice for HSC performance.
For further details see description in Trumpet - Solo
Senegal *HSC*
Senegal is part of Collins' 'Parrot Suite' for solo brass. This work musically represents the lively and energetic nature of the hand-reared Senegal parrot. The Suite was composed at a time when Collins' wife had an intense interest in hand-rearing parrots from birth. There were numerous parrots in the Collins household at the time and they become a great inspiration for his compositions. Senegal remains a very popular choice for HSC performance.
Eb Soprano Cornet
Solo (With Piano)
Concerto
Brand New Release!! Composed for Phillip Chase Hawkins. Recorded and broadcast by ABC ClassicFM - Performed by Chase Hawkins and the Pacific Brass - Directed by Ben Crocker.
Purchase: Email Composer: bcollins@barker.nsw.edu.au
Listen Mvt2
Listen Mvt3
Trombone
Solo (With Piano)
Serenade *HSC*
See description for solo trumpet
Encore Suite *HSC*
Pastorale *HSC*
Drawing on the historic instrumental combination of solo brass and strings, Collins set about creating a new work that explores the tonal qualities of the trombone and chamber orchestra. ‘Pastorale’ is a true pastorale that seeks to portray a rural setting through music and the truly sonorous tone of the trombone helps to convey the image of wide-open spaces. The work is tuneful and full of rich harmonies that should immediately appeal to all audiences.
Eclectus *HSC*
I composed Eclectus at a time when my wife was a passionate parrot breeder.
We had parrots everywhere and they basically took over our lives.
It seemed only natural to compose music about them at the time. Eclectus is about a hand reared parrot that had many human-like qualities. It could mimic and communicate with us as if it were one of the family and I tried to represent this through my writing. This piece is part of a three-piece suite of brass works that represent different types of parrots.
I am rather pleased that we have now moved on from the parrot phase of our lives.
ENSEMBLE
Pastorale - w/ Tpt/ Pno *HSC*
PASTORALE FOR TRUMPET, TROMBONE AND PIANO (2018) was originally composed as a work for string orchestra commissioned by the Sydney Youth Orchestra in 2005. Over time it has undergone a few transformations, most notably as a solo trombone feature. For a work that features an additional instrument on the album, Phillip Chase Hawkins requested that the work be re-orchestrated for both trumpet and trombone solo. Pastorale features two distinct musical themes. A pastorale is typically characterized in 16th and 17th Century opera in a slow tempo with drones in the bass and portrays a rural setting. Although Collins’ composition is a bit quicker in tempo with more active movement, the work is a true pastorale in that it seeks to portray a rural country setting through music that is tuneful and full of rich, lush harmonies. The sonorous tones of the trumpet and trombone help to convey the image of a wide-open landscape of serenity. The work also features Tyler Simms on trombone. The work is available through Brendan Collins - www.brendancollins.com.au.
Two Motets for 4 Tbns *HSC*
These two motets explore the beautiful singing quality of the trombone. Perhaps the closest instrument to the human voice, the trombone is the perfect vehicle to express the rich sonorities often associated with acapella singing.
These two motets have been performed by the trombone sections of the Sydney Symphony orchestra and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. In 2017 members of the New York Philharmonic performed these works at the Southeast Trombone Symposium, Columbus State University.
This particular recording features members of the President’s Own Marine Band in Washington D.C.
Purchase: Email Composer: bcollins@barker.nsw.edu.au
Jazz Duet No.1 *HSC*
While attending the International Trumpet Guild in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I struck up a great friendship with the Principal trombonist of the President's Own Marine Band, Chris Clark that has continued to flourish ever since. Chris and I embarked on a project where I would write a trombone duet, record one part here in Sydney and then send music and recording to him In Washington D.C. where he would record the other part and miraculously clean up the recording I sent him and make the whole thing sound great. Duet No.1 is a swing chart that is very much in the style of the iconic recordings of J.J.Johnson and Kai Winding.
Jazz Duet No.2 *HSC*
This is the second duet in the series composed for Chris Clark and myself. Jazz Duet No.2 has a strong Rock feel that gives equal importance to both instruments.
Singapore Swing w/ Tba/ Pno
Bass Trombone
SOLO
Jose Suite *HSC*
See Description for Jose Suite -Trumpet
I am delighted to announce that the bass trombone version will be premiered by George Curran (N.Y.Phil) at ITF 2019.
Purchase: Email Composer: bcollins@barker.nsw.edu.au
Alto Sax
SOLO
Alto Whirlwind w/ Concert Band *HSC*
Purchase: Email Composer: bcollins@barker.nsw.edu.au
Mona Vale Monday w/ Pno *HSC*
ENSEMBLE
Lizard - Saxophone 4tet *HSC*
Tenor Saxophone
SOLO (With Piano)
Senegal *HSC*
A popular choice for HSC performance. For further details see description in Horn - Solo
Euphonium
SOLO (With Piano)
Concert Gallop *HSC*
Recorded by Matthew Van Emmerik CD: Homeland
For further information see description in Trumpet - Solo
Purchase: Email Composer: bcollins@barker.nsw.edu.au
Encore Suite *HSC*
Purchase: Email Composer: bcollins@barker.nsw.edu.au
Concerto
First performed by Scott Kinmont (Sydney Symphony Orchestra) and the Lurline Ensemble.
First recorded by Matthew Van Emmerik CD: Homeland
For further details see the description in Trumpet - Solo
Purchase: Email Composer: bcollins@barker.nsw.edu.au
Eclectus *HSC*
See description for trombone
ENSEMBLE
Three for Two - 2 x Euphos *HSC*
This particular version of Three for Two was commissioned by Australian Euphonium player Fletcher Mitchell. Fletcher was looking for a work that he could perform with his daughter Adele and we are hopeful that this will be the first in a series of duets specifically designed to be performed by teacher and student. Three for Two was premiered at ITEC 2019 by Fletcher and Adele.
For further information see the description in Trumpet - Ensemble
Purchase: Email Composer: bcollins@barker.nsw.edu.au
Tuba
SOLO (With Piano)
Love of Three Apples *HSC*
This work was commissioned and recorded by Steve Rosse of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. It is a beautiful melody that allows the performer to showcase the exquisite singing quality of the tuba. This work is a very popular choice for HSC performance.
Sonata *HSC*
This work was commissioned and recorded by Steve Rosse of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. For further information see the description for Trumpet Sonata
Purchase: Email Composer: bcollins@barker.nsw.edu.au
ENSEMBLE
New Dances - Tuba 4tet *HSC*
Purchase: Email Composer: bcollins@barker.nsw.edu.au
Percussion
The Murder - 3 Marimbas *HSC*
See description in Trumpet - Ensemble
Purchase: Email Composer: bcollins@barker.nsw.edu.au
Insect Dance - Ensemble
A highly entertaining work for percussion ensemble that has verve and rhythmic intensity. The angular rhythms portray the dance-like movements of insects and the harmonic jazz influences make this work appealing to performers and audiences alike. First performed and recorded as a solo piano work by Jeanell Carrigan on CD: Narratives and Detours Insect Dance has become a popular choice for eisteddfod and HSC performance.
Purchase: Email Composer: bcollins@barker.nsw.edu.au