A fanfare and anthem for peace and hope, scored for brass ensemble, symphonic brass, or concert band
Fanfare and Anthem “Skyward” by Frederik Magle is a five-minute concert work in which a brilliant, upward-reaching fanfare meets a broad, lyrical anthem. Written first for brass ensemble and percussion, the music has since taken on a life of its own in versions for symphonic brass and concert band, as well as in later choral and piano adaptations.
“One of the best fanfares ever written!”
The Prince of Denmark Air Force Band, conducted by Peter Ettrup Larsen. The film was shown at the work’s first presentation in 2021.
Hércules Brass Ensemble, conducted by Christian Lindberg, in a live performance of the composer’s symphonic brass version.
Musikkapelle Peter Mayr Pfeffersberg, conducted by Bernhard Reifer, performing the concert band version.
Performers: The Prince of Denmark Air Force Band, conducted by Peter Ettrup Larsen.
Recording, production, editing and mix: Henrik Winther Hansen.
Released: 6 May 2022 by Frederik Magle Music.
Skyward is built around two contrasting but closely connected musical ideas. The opening fanfare is rhythmically charged and ceremonial in scale; the anthem that follows opens into a more spacious, singing line. When the fanfare and anthem return, the familiar material is heard from a changed perspective, giving the short work a clearly shaped dramatic arc.
The title points upwards — towards light, possibility and a horizon beyond the immediate. Its inspiration is hope and the human impulse to dream of something not yet within reach. Although the original commission arose from a military context, the work was conceived with a meaning beyond that occasion. It is not a depiction of conflict, but music for peace, hope and dreams of new horizons.
The original version was commissioned by The Prince of Denmark Air Force Band for the rollout ceremony of Denmark’s first F-35 aircraft at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas, on 7 April 2021. Because of the COVID-19 restrictions, the musical performance was recorded in Denmark and presented as a film during the internationally streamed ceremony.
All three editions preserve the work’s musical identity while making full use of the colour and balance of their particular ensemble.
A reduced version for four trumpets and an option for timpani plus one percussionist are included.
A version for British-style brass band is currently in preparation and will be published as a separate edition. Further information about the forthcoming edition may be obtained by contacting Frederik Magle.
The Prince of Denmark Air Force Band
Peter Ettrup Larsen, conductor
Released as a single by Frederik Magle Music on 6 May 2022. The recording presents the complete work as one continuous track.
Hércules Brass Ensemble
Christian Lindberg, conductor
Released by European Gramophone on 30 August 2022 as a five-track EP, reflecting the work’s fanfare and anthem sections and their reprises. The recording was subsequently included on the ensemble’s 2024 album In Full Bloom.
The Prince of Denmark Air Force Band and Peter Ettrup Larsen gave the first performance in a film created for the rollout ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas, USA. Read about the premiere
Gothenburg Wind Orchestra and wind and percussion students from the Academy of Music and Drama performed Skyward at the University of Gothenburg, conducted by Peter Ettrup Larsen. Concert programme
The symphonic brass version received its first performance at Cairo Opera House, performed by the Cairo Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Peter Ettrup Larsen. Announcement
The Prince of Denmark Air Force Band, conducted by Peter Ettrup Larsen, performed Skyward at Tinghallen in Viborg. Further performances followed in Skive and Aars on 7 and 9 April. The band’s account of the concert
The Prince of Denmark Air Force Band performed the work together with musicians from the United States Air Force Band during a tour marking the 50th anniversary of Queen Margrethe II’s accession to the throne. About the collaboration
A new version for piano four hands was premiered by Frederik Magle and Rikke Sandberg at the Nordic Chamber Music Festival in Hillerød, Denmark. Read about the festival
A special version with a new Danish text by Kathrine Lilleør was performed by The Prince of Denmark Air Force Band and the United States Air Force Band’s Singing Sergeants, conducted by Col. Don Scofield, at concerts in Copenhagen, Aarhus and Haderslev, Denmark. About the choral version | Watch a performance
Musikkapelle Peter Mayr Pfeffersberg, conducted by Bernhard Reifer, performed the concert band version at the Innsbruck Promenade Concerts in the Imperial Palace. Concert programme
The Southern California Brass Consortium, conducted by Kurt Curtis, opened its season at Los Altos United Methodist Church with Skyward. Season programme | Watch the live performance
The Wuxi Symphony Orchestra Brass Chamber Ensemble, conducted by Chen Yanlin, opened a concert at Wuxi Grand Theatre with Skyward. The Chinese programme note highlighted the work’s brilliant brass colours, energetic percussion and expansive sound world. Chinese concert presentation
Brass d’Alborán Ensemble programmed Skyward at the III D’Gata Brass Week.
This is a selected chronology. Additional performances and new versions can be added as documentation becomes available.
Published by Frederik Magle Publishing ApS
Each edition is supplied as a downloadable PDF set with full score and parts.
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