Programme Note:
Connotations for Brass Band is really a series of linked and inter.related variations on an original theme. Certain motifs re-occur throughout the composition.

The scheme of the work is as follows
Introduction (Variation 1)
Theme
Variation 2 lively, repeated note semiquavers passed around the band.
Variation 3 The semiquavers of the previous variation are extended into an accompanying figure, with muted comets above, later answered by horns.
Variation 4 — slow and lyrical in style; the longest variation.
Variation 5 — in time; highly rhythmic with frequent time changes and synco patterns.
Variation 6 — Cadenzas for cornet, horn and euphonium.
Variation 7 — a lively scherzando leading into —
Variation 8 — a fugato, announced by horns, based on the first phrase of the theme.
Variation 9 a majestic re-statement of the theme.
Coda — based on the material of the introduction which is itself a variation of the theme.

Edward Gregson.