The Raft of Medusa

The Raft of the Medusa is a painting by Theodore Gericault and hangs in the Louvre, Paris. It depicts the true story of a shipwreck and of a hastily constructed raft upon which at least 157 people were cast adrift for 13 days and endured starvation, dehydration, cannibalism and madness. The work is a diabolical duel between trumpet and trombone, a violent tone poem showing off the techniques of the soloists. There is no light in this piece, no triumph, only sadness.

Gareth Wood was born in Cilfynydd, South Wales in 1950. He has written many works for orchestra, wind band and brass band and is currently composer in residence with the Cory Band. Cory has recorded many of his works including Actaeon, A Tear in the Fabric of Time and Brass Triumphant. He recently wrote a fanfare for the Duke of York’s 50th birthday, which was performed at Buckingham Palace and wrote the fanfare for the State opening of the Welsh Parliament in 2011. He also works closely with the Royal Academy of Music Harp Ensemble and has written many works for multiple harps. A concerto for harp and brass band was written for Catrin Finch and the National Youth Band of Wales. There is also a version for harp and symphonic brass. For many years Gareth was a double bass player in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, also serving as Chairman and writing several orchestral and brass ensemble works for the orchestra.