About the music

Five Miniatures began as a gift for my two grandchildren. Written for trumpet and piano, each movement is a small character piece with its own distinct mood, image and personality.

1. Daydreams
Drifting and ephemeral, the opening miniature has a gentle, dreamlike quality — music that seems to hover briefly before moving on.

2. Barcarolle
A softly rocking movement with the easy motion of water, creating a calm and lyrical contrast.

3. Morning Chase
Inspired by the exuberant sight of my black Labrador racing around the garden, this miniature is lively, playful and full of movement.

4. Song for Keeley
A warm and affectionate song for my granddaughter, allowing the trumpet to sing with simplicity and tenderness.

5. Jaxson’s Canter
The suite closes with a gently humorous miniature for my grandson, bringing Five Miniatures to an affectionate and light-hearted conclusion.

For this recording, I’m delighted to present the trumpet part performed by a real musician rather than a computer mock-up. My dear friend Anthony Thompson, one of the North of England’s finest exponents of the instrument, brings warmth, character and musicianship to the performance.

Little Suite for Tuba was composed in response to a commission from Simon Kerwin, to whom the work is dedicated. Written in three contrasting movements, the suite explores the lyrical, expressive and playful character of the tuba.

1. The Windmill
As the windmill turns, the tuba spins a gentle melody over a calm, pastoral landscape. The movement has an easy, flowing quality, evoking the quiet motion and open air of the countryside.

2. Melancholy Song
A more reflective movement, giving the soloist the opportunity to explore the tuba’s warm, singing tone and expressive depth.

3. Cakewalk
The suite closes with a lighter, more playful movement. Rhythmic and characterful, the Cakewalk brings the work to an upbeat and engaging conclusion.

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