Overture, Heroum Filii

“Heroum Filii” (Sons of Heroes) is the motto of Wellington College where John Addison was educated. The Overture was written at the suggestion of the College authorities and was first given its first performance there in March 1951 when the London Symphony Orchestra was conducted by the composer.

The first London performance took place in July the same year at a Serenade Concert in the Victoria and Albert Museum given by the New London Orchestra conducted by Alec Sherman. The work received its first broadcast in the Third Programme when the conductor was Leighton Lucas.

Intended by the composer to reflect the spirit and the experiences of youth, the Overture not only abounds in the gaiety and brilliance characteristic of Addison’s scores, but also contains passages of sombre beauty and some exciting climaxes. The score does not, however, contain trombones or tuba, and therefore well-suited to small orchestras.

Press Notices:

“This Heroum is spirited, but gaunt, even ghostly in its quietest parts…” - Music Times

Original programme for “Heroum Filii”