Peter Graham

    Peter Graham is an accomplished British composer most known for his brass band pieces. Graham studied at the University of Edinburgh, Edward Gregson at Goldsmiths College, and the University of London. After receiving his PhD in composition, he spent several years in New York City working as a freelance composer and arranger. Later he returned to the UK and dedicated himself to composing for brass bands.

    Peter Graham has composed many pieces that are performed globally and are frequently chosen as contest pieces for major bras band competitions. The piece that is often credited with establishing his place in the brass band community is Dimensions. Since then, Graham has created a substantial body of work that is highly celebrated within the brass band community. Works such as Metropolis 1927, Windows of the World, and On the Shoulders of Giants.

Dimensions by Peter Graham, performed by the Bon-Accord Silver B Band.

    This piece established Grahams lace in the brass band genre. The piece presents a range of technical and musical challenges, testing the abilities of various sections within the ensemble. Due to its demanding nature and artistic merit, Dimensions has been used as a test piece for brass band competitions and remains a popular choice for performances.

Windows of the World by Peter Graham, performed by the Yorkshire Building Society Band at the Gala Concert of the 2000 European Brass Band Championships.

Windows of the World is a multi-movement work by Peter Graham that takes the listener on a musical journey across the globe. Written for wind band, the piece captures the essence of diverse cultures and musical styles. Each movement represents a different region, featuring distinctive sounds and rhythms from places like Latin America, Japan, Africa, the British Isles, and the United States. Through Windows of the World, Graham showcases his stylistic diversity, which gives the musicians an opportunity to perform a wide range of styles.
 

On the Shoulder of Giants by Peter Graham, performed by the Black Dyke Band.

On the Shoulders of Giants pays tribute to the rich heritage of American brass playing and the virtuosos who have shaped its legacy. Through its three movements, Graham draws inspiration from iconic elements such as the powerful sound of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's brass section, the influence of jazz legends like Miles Davis and Tommy Dorsey, and the dazzling virtuosity of performers from the Sousa Band era. The title itself reflects the idea that contemporary musicians stand on the foundation laid by these "giants" of the past.

Metropolis 1927 by Peter Graham, performed by the Black Dyke Band.

    Metropolis 1927 is one of Grahams most Signiant works and required a high level of technical skill. The piece was inspired by the 1927 silent film Metropolis, by Fritz Lang. Grahams pieces captures the film's dystopian atmosphere, industrial intensity, and emotional turmoil in its dramatic music. DCI fun fact: Santa Clara Vanguard based their 2018 show Babylon, around this piece and took 1st place at the DCI World Championships.