Louisiana native William Latham (1917-2004) was a composer and teacher who had a distinguished teaching career at the University of Northern Iowa and the University of North Texas. He wrote 118 pieces throughout his career, many of which have been performed internationally.
Brighton Beach was Latham’s first work for wind bands, written the same year he finished his doctoral studies at the Eastman School of Music (1954). It was likely inspired by Latham’s service at Brighton Beach in World War II. It is built like a British march, yet the marked tempo of 126-132 beats goes against the British march convention of 116 bpm. Thus, performances of it vary from stately to speedy. Here is a slower performance by the Washington Winds, who take it at 114:
On the other hand, here is the Arizona State University Concert Band under my direction. We took it at 132. Please excuse the conductor view of the video. This was originally my reference recording, but I could find no other decent version of this piece at this (what I feel is the correct) tempo, so I share this with you for your reference as well.
It is my understanding that Dr. Latham did name Brighton Beach for Brighton Beach in England where he was a soldier during World War II. It was composed with that as an inspiration for the piece. Being an expert trumpet player, he was originally assigned to be in a band; however, he requested to be included in the fighting to serve his country better as so many others did. Thanks – Carol Latham – daughter of the composer.
Thanks very much, Carol, for the clarification. I will update the record shortly!
Thanks for your info! I am doing research for program notes for my community band concert. It is great to have the inside scoop!
I’ve just discovered your site. It really is a joy to read the notes. But I beg to differ with your own interpretation of “Brighton Beach.” Your interpretation does have a real sense of power to it. And that could very well be what Latham sought with his march. But I do prefer the Washington Winds version because it seems to impart that “Britishness” of it which the title implies. In any event, both of the pieces wonderfully illustrate just noteworthy this march is. So please do continue to give those of us love wind music and wind ensembles this level of information. Thank you.
I like both versions of Brighton Beach. They each inspire something different in me.