The Last Stand was commissioned by David Heyes as part of 40@40, a project to commission forty new pieces to mark Recital Music’s 40th birthday in 2026.

The Last Stand, lasting around two minutes, depicts a medieval inspired battle where you can hear the preparations, the battle itself, and a dramatic climax followed by a slow and lugubrious chorale at the end. The composer confirms that there are “lots of early music inspirations there but with a modern taste.”

Playable by quartet or larger forces, this is a fun and exciting work which is aimed at the intermediate bass ensemble featuring four parts of different ability levels. Ideal as the final piece in a concert, or as an encore, this is music which has a rhythmic drive and intensity contrasting music of a more lyrical and chordal nature.