Bands 2011
The 20th edition of the Modena International Military Tattoo will present performers from Finland, Turkey, United Kingdom and Italy.
Band of the Grenadier Guards
Conductor Mike Smith
King Charles II restored not only Monarchy to England but patronage of the arts, not least by laying the foundations of the Grenadier Guards Band when he commissioned 12 hautbois (early oboe) players to the First Regiment of Foot Guards in 1685. The Regiment was to become known as the Grenadier Guards after their victory on the battle field at Waterloo.
The Grenadier Guards Band has been filling the streets of London with music and colour for over three centuries, a truly historic sound and sight. It is symbolic and emblematic of London and our nation's history. The Band has served 15 monarchs over 325 years with dedication and pride. It has been present at all the major royal occasions: births, coronations, weddings and funerals.
The band has been a witness to all London's key historic events both tragic and joyful. It raised morale during the darkest hours of the Second World War and its uplifting music ushered in a new beginning at the Coronation of our present Queen.
Throughout its long history the band has travelled abroad frequently. The first recorded visit was in 1701 when William III took three hautbois from the regiment with him on his visit to the Netherlands. Subsequent visits included Paris in 1815 after the Battle of Waterloo, Boston in 1872 and more recently Australia, the United States of America and Canada. There have also been performances in most countries in Western Europe.
The British Grenadiers march is one of the most recognizable and memorable tunes in the world, part of our musical heritage. One of the band's admirers during the 18th century was George Fredrick Handel. He demonstrated his admiration by presenting the march from Scipio to the regiment before he included it in his opera of that name when it was first performed in 1726.
Throughout Britain's history the music of the Grenadier Guards has been the backdrop to our national life and identity. It represents our constancy, dignity and artistry.
The Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards
Conductor Ross McCrindle
The Scots Guards were formed in 1642 by the Marquis of Argyll to act as a royal bodyguard to King Charles I. Although very much part of the fabric of the Regiment there is no mention of Pipers in the Scots Guards before 1704. Queen Anne authorised the formation of a Highland Company of Scots Guards, which was to include one Piper. Pipers continued to serve with the Regiment but purely in a private capacity funded by the Officer Commanding each Company. In 1836 the War Office officially recognised Pipers in the Regiment when each Battalion was established for one Pipe Major and five Pipers. Today, in addition to their musical role, Pipers are allotted various duties such as Medical Orderlies, Armoured Fighting Vehicle drivers and Intelligence Collators. On operations or training the tradition continues with each Company having at least one Piper attached to it. The Pipes and Drums are based in the Battalion's permanent home of Catterick, North Yorkshire. From here they are deployed and serve operationally with the Battalion. Most recently they have been deployed in Lashkah Gar, Helmand Province, Afghanistan (2010). Scots Guards Pipers wear full highland dress in Royal Stewart tartan and blue doublets. In 1926 King George V granted Pipers the privilege of wearing feather bonnets with a red and blue hackle. The pipe bags are covered in Government tartan with the exception of the Pipe Major who has a blue velvet bag cover with a silver braided edge. The Drummers wear Bearskin Caps and Scarlet Tunics embroidered with the "Fleur de Lyes" as a battle honour from the 18th century. The drums are emblazoned with all the principal Battle Honours of the Regiment. The Pipes & Drums travel extensively around the world and have taken part in the 50th Anniversary of Independence in Ghana, the inaugural Moscow Military Tattoo on Red Square and the inaugural Las Vegaas Military tattoo, as well as various other Tattoos around Europe and the world such as the Edinburgh Military Tattoo's trip to New Zealand and a 10 day concert tour of Australia. They are regularly seen on the esplanade at Edinburgh Castle in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo or Horse Guards, for the Queen's Birthday Parade. They have taken part in The Bermuda Military Tattoo, and have an annual spot on the BBCs Jools Holland Hootenanny. Other recent achievements include being the only foreign band to play inside The Pentagon walls and at the Tomb of the unknown warrior in the Kremlin during trips to Washington DC & Moscow respectively.