From Pieces de Clavecin, Book 1.
Joseph Nicolas Pancrace Royer (12 May 1703 – 11 January 1755) was a French Baroque composer, harpsichordist, organist, and administrator. Born in Turin, Royer moved to Paris in 1725, and in 1734 became Maître de Musique des Enfants de France, responsible for the musical education of the children of the king, Louis XV. Together with the violinist Jean-Joseph de Mondonville. Royer directed the Concerts Spirituels starting in 1748. Royer was at the Paris Opéra during the 1730s and the 1750s, writing six operas himself, of which the best known is the ballet Héroïque Zaïde, Reine de Grenade. In 1753, he acquired the prestigious position of Music Director of the Chambre du Roi (the king's chamber), and in the same year was named director of the Royal Opera Orchestra. He died in Paris in 1755, at the age of 51. Royer is particularly known for his often extravagant and virtuosic harpsichord music, especially "La Marche des Scythes", which ends his first book of harpsichord pieces. One of the lesser-known composers of the mid 18th-century, he earned a reputation as a formidable harpsichordist. Royer’s style is a perfect fusion of Italian melos and French freedom, as expressed in the elaborate ornamentation and rhythmic fluctuations found in his compositions.
Jock McKenzie studied trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester where he was a joint recipient of the college’s concerto prize. Since 1987 Jock has based his musical career in Hampshire, working as a freelance trumpeter, conductor, composer, arranger and brass teacher. Currently Jock holds the position of Professional Leader (Brass) for Hampshire Music Service and is the Director of the Hampshire County Youth Band. It is the mix of all of these musical roles that has led to Jock establishing a reputation as a leading creator of brass music resources, particularly in the field of education and brass ensemble music.
