Punch
for Brass Ensemble and Timpani
Brass Ensemble + Timpani. 2:20 minutes. (2013)
‘To punch above your weight, Punch and Judy, punch in the nose, pack a punch, drink some punch…’
Punch lives up to its name: short, muscular, and deliberately impactful. Designed as a high-octane injection of energy for a brass program, it balances rhythmic precision with bold textures. As the ‘sister piece’ to Fanfare for the Melancholy, Punch offers a distinct counter-narrative. Where Fanfare for the Melancholy explores the reflective, this work explores the kinetic.
This short work was recorded by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Brass and is the title track of the ABC Classic recording Punch: The Brass Music of Katy Abbott.
It has become a staple in the repertoire of US Colleges, Australian Conservatoriums, and professional orchestras seeking a contemporary work that commands immediate attention. At 2 minutes and 20 seconds, this is an ideal Concert Opener or Encore.
Commissioned by Don Immel for the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music Brass Ensemble, Punch premiered at the Sydney International Festival of Brass 2013 followed by a Tour to China.
Listen
Punch has a companion/sister work Fanfare for the Melancholy commissioned by Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Although they stand alone in their own right, they can be programmed together such as including opening/closing a concert.
Listen to Fanfare for the Melancholy with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Brass Ensemble.
Performances (Select)
The Academy Chamber Orchestra
Music Academy of the West: 2021 Summer Festival (Opening Gala Concert, California).
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Des Moines Symphony Orchestra
(USA)
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
(MSO.Live)
Berkeley Wind Ensemble
(USA)
University of Washington Wind Ensemble
(USA)
University of Kentucky Brass
(USA)
Arkansas University Brass Ensemble
(USA)
University of Hawai’i Brass Ensemble
(USA)
