Compositions and Arrangements
Neil has made a small number of arrangements for both concert band and brass band, details of these are below.
Keep the Rhythm Going - Neil Brownless
This piece was written during the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic and was written as a tribute to all of the musicians that managed to 'keep the rhythm going' despite lockdown restrictions. The piece was written for Abingdon Concert Band to perform virtually where they were joined by players from 71 other ensembles around the world.
Versions for brass band and wind band are published by Pennine Music.
Icelandic Hymn - Heyr himna smiður
Thorkell Sigurbjörnsson arr. Neil Brownless
This arrangement was made for Towcester Studio Band's winning 'Round the World' programme at the 2018 Bolsover Festival of Brass. Based on a poem written in 1208 by Icelandic chieftain Kolbeinn Tumason on his death bed, the title translates as 'Hear, Smith of Heavens'. It has become one of the most popular hymns in Iceland and has recently been used in the TV series Handmaid's Tale. The music also went viral following an impromptu performance by a choir at a German train station, accumulating over 4 million views.
This arrangement brings something totally different to your concerts with an atmospheric setting for brass band, featuring the flugel horn in the opening and closing bars over sung chords from the rest of the band.
Shine Down - Smiley, Gersmehl & Farrell arr. Blyth trs. Neil Brownless
This up-tempo song has been featured by the contemporary Christian artist, Sandi Patti, will make a sparkling opener for a concert. Neil has transcribed Andrew Blyth's brass band arrangement for concert band which you can hear below played by the Central Band of the Royal Air Force.
Lake of Tenderness - Ben Hollings arr. Neil Brownless
Ben Hollings provides a delicate, atmospheric concert work utilising extended harmony reminiscent of modern choral composers such as Eric Whitacre. The work is technically modest, consisting of sustained chords interspersed with moving crotchet lines and lyrical solo contributions, and is accessible to bands of all levels.The work takes its title from ‘Lacus Lenitatis’ - one of the Latin named basaltic plains on the earth’s moon, thought by early astronomers to be lakes. Atmospheric in nature, the music seeks to evoke imagery of the solitary moon in the still of space. As we all know, simple music is often the most effective, and this is certainly the case here. Hollings’ chordal and lyrical writing creates a truly beautiful work that would be welcome in any concert programme.Lake of Tenderness was commissioned by Dr. Robert Childs and premiered by Grimethorpe Colliery Band at the 2015 Brass in Concert Festival, at The Sage, Gateshead. Neil produced a new arrangement for concert band in 2018 for Abingdon Concert Band's space themed concert. This arrangement is not currently available to purchase.