Beowulf (Thomas Dunne)
Published by Swan Road Music

Beowulf is a concert piece for brass band inspired by the legendary character from the eponymous Old English epic poem. The date of the poem is disputed, but likely passed down through oral tradition before its earliest known manuscript dated between 975 and 1025. This piece is inspired by Beowulf's final battle. After defeating the monster Grendel, Beowulf has returned home, reigning as king of the Geats for fifty years. However, a dragon is awoken and Beowulf does battle one last time. He defeats the dragon, but is himself mortally wounded in the fight. A barrow is erected in his memory for the spirit of Beowulf to watch over the Geats forever more.

Sinister opening statements from the lower band and percussion depict the approach of the dragon, before battle is joined at Fig. B, the flugel introducing the spritely main theme. Beowulf and the dragon trade violent blows at Fig. C with a series of dissonant fanfares, before descending into an uneasy melodic section at Fig. E, featuring the euphoniums and baritones. The battle intensifies again at Fig G, with thundering bass and trombone lines, before the dissonant fanfares reprise at Fig. H with a hint of optimism. The music suddenly drops in dynamic to a creeping motif, depicting the wounded dragon creeping ever closer. The music builds to the final heroic confrontation at Fig. K, with the dragon eventually being defeated in a crushing climax. A moment of sadness at Fig. L reflects on Beowulf's mortal wounding, before the final heroic flourish celebrates his enduring legend to close the work.

Beowulf is a thrilling work ideal for concerts and entertainment contests, and was composed for Lydney Town Band's performance at the 2026 Wychavon Festival of Brass.