Instrument: brass tentet (score and parts)
Grade: conservatoire
Catalogue No: AL007
The delightfully humorous 'Cod-Pieces' are amongst scholar, critic and composer Peter Warlock's earliest compositions, although not published in their piano duet version until 1971. The original manuscripts are on two and sometimes three staves, cheekily marked 'Whistle what's in green ink or get a second player'.
'Beethoven's Binge' is an hilarious skit on the great composer's 5th Symphony and should be played as fast as possible: the obligatory singing should be performed with great gusto and, preferably, standing up.
'The Old Codger' is a ragtime spoof of the main theme in the last movement of Cesar Franck's D Minor Symphony. It was dedicated to Colin Taylor, Warlock's music teacher at Eton College. There is evidence that it was performed in band arrangements at both Selfridge's department store and at the Savoy Hotel (where Warlock was born). A very exaggerated performance is recommended!