SymphoniesScored for: pic, 2 fl (2nd dbl alt fl), 2 ob, cor anglais, bass clarinet, 2 bsns, contra-bsn, 4 hns, 3 tpts, 2 ten trb, bass trb, tba, timps, 3 percussion: (bass drum, snare drum, sus. cymbal, tgl, tam-tam, celeste, piano), harp, organ, hand bells (3 players), Full Strings
In four movements. Duration 52 minutes.  Cathedral cloisters
The Gloucester Symphony composed in response to vandals breaking the medieval stained glass windows of the cathedral’s cloisters, begins with a solo clarinet holding a single note that crescendos from the barely audible to the painfully loud; this can be said to represent the flight of the first stone. Perhaps the ‘thrower’ was without sin; perhaps not. A short theme theme follows and is taken up by many different instruments in turn and developed by the whole orchestra. Throughout the symphony this short theme is repeated ‘ad nauseam’. Harmonically, it contains the interval of an augmented fourth, the musica diabolus.
In the 2nd movement Scherzo and Fugue the horns sound these ‘dreadful’ fourths, whilst the other instruments shelter from the technical onslaughts of an abstract modern city. The Fugue closes with the ‘diabolus’ played tutti. This is not a resolution. A short 3rd movement marked Grave for strings and organ offers us some sense of respite but also includes a ‘crunch’ chord as a stone breaks through the glass window. The 4th and final movement is the cathedral’s response. It is as if the cathedral had been taking a large in-breath and now is about to speak. After a surging rush, three trumpets blare out a theme in wide intervals inviting us to charge! Calm is quickly restored with both the bassoons and celesta featuring. After much development of earlier ideas the climax of the work comes with the full orchestra playing repeated, dissonant unsettled chords and with the horns blaring out the earlier theme from the opening of the symphony. This too soon gives way to a steady minor chord held by the strings and organ while the piano and celesta quietly sound the notes, which whisper, “What have I done, what have I done?” This phrase it taken up by the hand bells, which have come to join us in the body of the cathedral in place of the cathedral’s own bells which cannot be heard from the nave itself. The hand bells lead us into a Coda that begins on organ pedals playing the 6th century chant Christe Redemptor Omniuim, which was for many years played three times a day on the cathedral bells by a mechanical device. Conductor Mark Finch remembered growing up hearing this often. Each instrument in turn take up the chant, layer upon layer, until finally the choir enters to sing some of the original Latin verses, a glorious swelling of music from the past. As the voices and instruments slowly, but not sadly, fade away the bells are left alone to sound for one last time the Christe Redemptor Omniuim chant (Christ Redeemer of all). The Gloucester Symphony ends with three low ‘Cs’ on the largest bell which would have been Great Peter had he been able to be heard in the body of the cathedral. The cathedral’s dignity is restored, though it was never truly lost! |
cover artwork - 'Children's Games' by Adam White
Third movement of Symphony No.1
world-premiere 2008 in Gloucester Cathedral 
"Christe, Redemptor ominum, ex Patre Patris uni ce solus ante principum...." 6th century chant |
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(video excerpt from the finale) |
Colin Decio shaking hands with orchestra conductor Mark Finch after the premiere by the Gloucestershire Symphony Orchestra in Gloucester Cathedral 2008
Review of Symphony No.1
"Vandalism in the Cathedral in 2002 was the inspirational spur for the world premiere of Cheltenham composer Colin Decio's Gloucester Symphony. Dedicated to the cathedral and city of Gloucester, the atmospheric work represents hope and defiance. Beginning with solo clarinet, playing a simple motif based on an augmented fourth which is then developed throughout, the composition proved interesting, descriptive and melodic. Dynamic contrasts were effective together with the scoring for hand bells, organ, triple wind and percussion. The inclusion of choral work presented a tranquil fitting Finale returning to the Latin and a cappella singing familiar to the cathedral. This work provoked much discussion amongst concert-goers and is well-deserving of future performances."
Jill Bacon Glos. Echo
In three movements duration 42 mins.
Scored for: 2 fl, 2 ob, cl, 2 bsn, 2 tpt, 4 hns, 2 ten trb, b. trb, tba, timps, 4 percussion: (snared rum, bass drum, tam, whip, piano, tgl, sus cym, clashed cym), strings
Scored for: 2 fl, 2 ob, cl, 2 bsn, 2 tpt, 4 hns, 2 ten trb, b. trb, tba, timps, 4 percussion: (snared rum, bass drum, tam, whip, piano, tgl, sus cym, clashed cym), strings
Newspaper photograph courtesy of the Gloucestershire Echo
I began my second Symphony whilst attending the University of East Anglia in Norwich, where I was studying for a PGCE in secondary music education. It was finally completed at home in Cheltenham. The Cheltenham Symphony (Symphony No.2) speaks of Cheltenham during the Second World War when it was bombed by the German air force. The black and white newspaper photograph that partly inspired the work (shown above) shows a lady whose home had just been destroyed by a random bomb. The theme of the symphony is 'triumph over adversity'. There are lighter moments, such as a sturdy braying donkey and a runaway (Toddington) train. The finale includes a brief quote from Gustav Holst who was born in Cheltenham and whose statue now stands proudly near the Town Hall.
The final movement is dedicated -
'in memoriam Gustav Holst' |
Note from the House of Commons
CHELTENHAM SYMPHONY AND SUPPORT FOR MUSICAL TALENT 18.03.2004 Jones, Nigel That this House congratulates the composer Colin Decio and the Cheltenham Symphony Orchestra on the world premiere of The Cheltenham Symphony; notes that the symphony tells of the architecture and history of Cheltenham and of the surrounding rolling hills; further notes that the strings open out at times as if soaring over the edge of a ledge like a bird of prey looking down on a Cotswold landscape; commends the composer on including a harmonic reference to the Cheltenham composer Gustav Holst, and for remembering a tragic bombing raid on Cheltenham in World War II, as well as providing lighter musical representations of a braying donkey, a runaway train and his family's Ukrainian background; appreciates that the aim of the symphony is one of hope and triumph over adversity; wishes Colin Decio success with this work and anticipates with relish the world premiere of his Gloucester Symphony, which has yet to be performed; and urges the Government to ensure that musical talent is adequately supported in Britain as it is in other advanced countries. |
Music is a part of life that can't be done without"
- Gustav Holst
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Symphony No.3
'The Ukrainian Symphony' (dedicated to the Ukrainian people) This major work was composed in response to the 2022 Russian invasion of the Ukraine, my father's home country. 
Sculpture by Szukalski
If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stomping on a human face - forever" - George Orwell |
2nd mvt - March of the Sunflowers
In four movements duration 28 mins.
I - Lento II - March of the Sunflowers III - Lento IV - Lento Scored for: 2 fl, 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bsn (doubling c, bsn),2 tpt in C, 4 hns, 2 ten trb, b. trb, tba, timps, 3 percussion: (BD, snare drum, clashed cymbals, suspended cymbal, tam-tam, tambourine, tubular bells), harp, full strings |
Concertos