Delmar Festival Overture is a powerful concert overture utilizing many of the contemporary compositional techniques that distinguish John O'Reilly's work. From the opening brass fanfare to the exciting conclusion, syncopated rhythms and numerous, interesting shifts of meter abound. Biting polychords establish the predominant harmonic structure for the opening 'Allegro,' but the majestic theme that follows in the horns and saxes takes on a decidedly British band style. The lyrical middle section begins with a fully scored chorale, which serves as the subject for a lovely melodic development featuring woodwinds and French horn. A brilliant brass fanfare ushers in a return to the opening section, which is now reorganized and further developed to bring this exciting overture to its dramatic conclusion. A great concert opener that will show off the talents of your musicians!
