Yr Wyddfa is a piece inspired by the Mountain and surrounding peaks
Yr Wyddfa is a piece inspired by the Mountain and surrounding peaks. The opening section of the work depicts the dramatic landscape of Eryri and in particular, my own experiences as a youngster, attempting to scale Crib Goch for the first time. This dramatic opening subsides into what is to become the main theme of the piece, introduced first by the tuba and passed up through the band. This brief glimpse of the hymn like melody is then spurred on by the snare drum to give a nostalgic march up the slopes. It could be any of the six main paths to the summit. The entry of the first trumpet unleashes a proud descant above the chorale. After the march there is a return to the opening motif. Now presented as a glorious fanfare to the stunning beauty of Eryri, viewed from the summit of Yr Wyddfa.
Pete Shelley is a professional saxophonist, woodwind specialist, composer and teacher, based in London. Having taken up the saxophone at his secondary school in Corby, Northamptonshire, Pete almost immediately began playing professionally in local dance bands. He studied at the London College of Music in the 1990s where he was awarded the Eddie Harvey Jazz Prize and the London College of Music Woodwind Prize. As a saxophonist Pete has performed in the West End in numerous shows, including; Chicago the Musical, 42nd Street and The Rat Pack. He performs regularly with The Glenn Miller Orchestra UK and The Nick Ross Orchestra. He has recorded at Abbey Road and Air Studios. Pete entered the world of composition very recently, putting pen to manuscript for the first time only last year. His first major work, a requiem mass for choir and chamber orchestra, written in memory of his late wife, was premiered in January 2024 at Pinner Parish Church. He has composed music for a variety of ensembles, from saxophone quartet to symphonic wind band, a plethora of pieces for solo woodwind and brass and to date one piece for brass ensemble - Yr Wyddfa – composed for The Band of the Prince of Wales. Pete is fortunate to have received guidance from the renowned composer Nigel Clarke, who continues to act as his mentor. When not at the laptop writing music, he can usually be found on a bike somewhere or out running alongside his 11yr old son.
