Grendel (Thomas Dunne)
Published by Swan Road Music

Grendel is a concert piece for brass band inspired by the eponymous monster from the medieval epic poem Beowulf. The date of the poem is disputed, but likely passed down through oral tradition, before its earliest known manuscript dated between 975 and 1025. The story is set in pagan Scandinavia, and sees Beowulf, a hero of the Geats, come to the aid of Hrothgar, king of the Danes, whose mead hall has been under attack from Grendel, a monster magically invulnerable to bladed weapons. Observing this, Beowulf casts aside his sword and attacks Grendel with his bare hands, eventually ripping Grendel's arm from his socket, fatally wounding the monster.

It is this battle between Beowulf and Grendel that inspires this piece. A creeping, sinister opening depicts the approach of Grendel, with the solo cornets, solo horn, and euphoniums introducing a slithering theme at Fig B. This danger grows into Fig. C with a heavy metal feel to the music, before abruptly dropping into a duel between Grendel (played by the bass trombone) and Beowulf (played by the solo horn) from Fig. D. The characters trade war cries and stinging blows, culminating in an almighty roar. The heavy metal feel returns from Fig. H, modulating and leading into a bold drum kit solo. The dynamic fades to pianissimo and gradually builds to a fearsome climax at Fig. M, with Grendel letting out one final roar before being slain by Beowulf in the final bars.

Grendel is a gripping piece perfect for both concerts and entertainment contests, particularly those themed around Halloween. It was composed for Lydney Town Band's performance at the 2026 Wychavon Festival of Brass.