James D'Angelo writes: 'Blow out, you bugles! was especially composed for the 2011 Recital Music Choral Competition and was completed on 21 January 2011. Of all the poems available for the competition, Rupert Brooke's War Sonnet III: The Dead had the most appeal with the potential of using the trumpet, with the poem's references to bugles blowing.

The trumpet could be played off-stage for effect and it could use a cup mute for quieter passages. Its main motif, echoed in the voices, are the two rising 5ths. The organ largely underpins the choral writing and adds gravitas; its depth symbolising the burial ground of the dead.'

Blow, you bugles was premiered by the Washington National Cathedral Choir in Washington DC on the occasion of the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 Twin Towers tragedy (Sunday 11 September 2011).

James D'Angelo has had a varied career as a composer, pianist, organist, educator, course leader on Sound Therapy and writer. He has composed in most genres, except opera, and was formerly on the music faculty of the City College of New York and Golsmiths College, London. His work has been published and performed internationally and his song 'Elegy', set to words by Walt Whitman, was awarded First Prize at the Arklow International Music Festival in Ireland. In 2011 James D'Angelo founded Trio D'Angelo which has a growing performance diary in London and around Britain.