This solo was originally composed and made famous in the early 1900s by Simone Mantia, the same man responsible for the popular variations on 'Believe me if all those endearing young charms'. Here the solo line is Mantia's original but the arranger has given the accompaniment a more modern treatment. The solo begins with a dashing introduction before the main theme is heard. A set of tricky variations then follow with a couple of cadenzas thrown in for good measure!

This arrangement was made at the request of Nicholas Childs and Black Dyke Band and first performed by David Thornton and Black Dyke Band at the National Brass Band Championships Gala Concert 2004. The solo was subsequently recorded by the same performers and can be heard on CD 24613 Essential Dyke Volume 5.