Martin Bussey has frequently extrapolated short works for a solo instrument from his more elaborate stage and concert works. This study for unaccompanied solo trumpet explores themes from his chamber opera,
Mary’s Hand, about Mary Tudor. In the opera, Gloriana represents Mary Tudor’s sister, later to be Elizabeth I. Mary knows she is her rival, but also longs to end their conflict. The music presents a dramatic, dual portrait of Elizabeth, ending with a wistful melody representing the sisters’ ‘hateful opposition’. The writing, demanding but accessible to experienced students, exploits techniques such as flutter-tonguing and alternates legato passages with stabbing accents in a chromatic idiom.
You can hear Heidi Bennett, for whom the piece was written, perform it here: