Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Philip Sparke
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Three Extraordinary Journeys was commissioned to mark the centenary of the death of the famous author Jules Verne. Based on three novels from his Voyages Extraordinaires series of travel stories, the music aims to capture the excitement and adventure of these famous books.
A fantastic new major concert or ‘own choice’ contest piece.
Duration 13.15
In June 2005 an event called ‘Sparke Avenue 2005’ was held in the city of Amiens in north-eastern France. As the name of this event suggests, it was devoted to Philip Sparke’s music entirely. Spread over five days it consisted of workshops, masterclasses and concerts featuring four French brass bands and one from Australia.
The closing concert, on June 26th, featured all 5 bands and was held outside the city’s stunning cathedral, prior to its ‘colourisation a ceremony during which lights are played on the building’s main entrance, to simulate its original painted appearance.
The concert included the first performance of Three Extraordinary Journeys, commissioned for the event to mark the centenary of the death of the author Jules Verne, who lived in the city for much of his life. Based on three novels from his Voyages Extraordinaires series of travel stories, the music aims to capture the excitement and adventure of these famous books.
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Andrew Boysen Jr. Arranger: Mike Kilmartin
Set as the First Section Test Piece for the 2015 Butlins Mineworkers Contest. Regrettably this work is not available from any UK source, and can only be purchased directly from the Belgian publisher BVT Music.
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Arthur Butterworth
Previously set as both 1st.and 2nd. Section Testpieces.
Great writing and musical imagery for Brass Band - high time this work was set again as a test piece at National level or individual contests - bands will love it and audiences too !
1. Wylam Colliery 1839 2. Deserted Farm 1840 3. The Royal Border Bridge, Berwick Upon Tweed 1859
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Kenneth Downie
Duration 10.55 Written in June 2005 by Kenneth Downie for the 25th. Anniversary of the Netherlands Brass Band Championships in 2005 and used again in 2006, the composer writes :
I borrowed the title for this music from J.S.Bach, some of whose great contrapuntal keyboard works bearing that name I struggled to play as a student. Any similarity with Bach is very loose and superficial however. I am really only using the term to describe a suite, invented by me which happens to be in three movements.
The first idea in the Prelude does have a hint of counterpoint about it, but it is only a veneer and by the time the euphonium melody appears at the Meno Mosso, we are in a more lyrical style which is further developed by the cornets.
The second movement, Larghetto Espressivo, is an affectionate glance at the music of the late 18th./ early 19th. century, and calls for a singing style, with great sensitivity. The closing horn calls should be full of nostalgia.
The finale, Caprice brings back a quick change of tempo and mood. The aim is to be light hearted and good humoured, while always remaining musical and avoiding vulgarity. Hopefully by the end, players and listeners will have enjoyed themselves.
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