Sanctuary!

Test Piece for Brass Band & Percussion

“Sanctuary!” is a 10-minute test piece in 3 movements for brass band and percussion, based on the well-known Victor Hugo story “The hunchback of Notre Dame”. The title is a reference from the climax of the story when the heroic Quasimodo rescues his lover from death and carries her to the top of the tower, whilst screaming “Sanctuary! Sanctuary! Sanctuary!”. The composition was commissioned through the John Golland Trust.

Movement I – Cour des Miracles

The first movement depicts the sounds of a colourful lavish festival with the bells of Notre Dame ringing joyously throughout the city. However, there are moments of strain and anger as the inhabitants from
the court of miracles plague the city.

Movement II – Miséricorde

The second movement is an ardent song from the bell ringer, Quasimodo to his adored Esmerelda; declaring his unbounded love for her.
Cantabile lines flow seamlessly throughout the ensemble and gradually build to the pinnacle of the composition; here the music is at its zenith. Once the drama has subsided, the bells of

Notre Dame peacefully guide the movement to a fulfilled ending.

Movement III – ANANKH

The final movement “ANANKH” refers to the overall message the author intended for the book, fate and destiny. Although the beginning maybe poor and all hope is lost, there is forever a light and the path of righteousness inevitably overshadows the past.
The music concludes with the love melody repeated once again to signify hope and restoration.

Duration: 10 Minutes

Difficulty: 3/6

Commissioned through the John Golland Trust. Used as the Set work for the 2019 European Youth Championships.

£59.95 - PDF Download Only

Please email us with the name of the ensemble purchasing the music. The music will be sent once the invoice has been paid.