Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer / arranger: Philip Sparke
Commissioned for the 1990 Swiss Brass Band Championships; & set for the 1991 3rd.Section Areas.
A three movement work played without a break between movements.
1. Pageant (3.08) 2. Fantasy on One Note - taking a compositional idea from Purcell, this movement has a "concert F" present throughout. As the harmonies change, this "F" appears in various parts of the band, but returns with a tolling bell. (5.08) 3. Festival - a joyful Allegro Vivo in ABA form (3.24) 11.42
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Martin Ellerby
Click on MORE DETAILS to view the Solo Cornet part.
Composer’s programme notes:
TRISTAN ENCOUNTERS is derived form Wagner’s Prelude to his opera Tristan and Isolde and comprises a series of tableaux - mood pictures which alternate between a romantic idiom and tritone-style aggressive music. In essence it is about the tempestuous aspects of relationships so, at times, the mood-swings are quite severe. It contains quasi-quotations and some definite quotes from Wagner’s Prelude. This is not to suggest that this piece is anything other than of our time, but rather that it is the past that provides us with our future. The work is cast as a prelude and an ensuing set of fourteen variations (I use the word transfigurations as this was a key part of Wagner’s thinking). Sometimes the transfigurations are venj brief and it is not essential for audiences to be aware of their start or finish - it is all meant to be played as a continuous piece and this is the challenge for conductors. I am sure there is something of all our experiences in this work—which ones are yours?
Performance notes:
In order to realise the percussion parts, care will need to be taken in the placement of some of the instruments, as the work requires some swift changes only possible by using the same sticks. With regard to mutes, I have deliberately not specified which kind is to be used at any given point, so a degree ofpersonal choice can be agreed between the players and conductor. Finally, with reference to tempi, I have placed ‘circa’ before any metronome indications—this is to give a degree of flexibility to enable conductors to shape the overall impression of the work within their own concept ofthe structure.
Tristan Encounters was commissioned by Philip Biggs and Richard Franklin (with funds provided by the Foundation for Sport and the Arts), for the 1999 All England Masters Brass Band Championship.
The world premiere performance: Sunday 30 May 1999 at the Corn Exchange, Cambridge. The work is dedicated to Rodney Newton, in friendship.
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Martin Ellerby
Prelude & Transfigurations for Brass & Percussion. Set as the Championship Section testpiece for the 2004 Regionals.
Composer’s programme notes:
TRISTAN ENCOUNTERS is derived form Wagner’s Prelude to his opera Tristan and Isolde and comprises a series of tableaux - mood pictures which alternate between a romantic idiom and tritone-style aggressive music. In essence it is about the tempestuous aspects of relationships so, at times, the mood-swings are quite severe. It contains quasi-quotations and some definite quotes from Wagner’s Prelude. This is not to suggest that this piece is anything other than of our time, but rather that it is the past that provides us with our future. The work is cast as a prelude and an ensuing set of fourteen variations (I use the word transfigurations as this was a key part of Wagner’s thinking). Sometimes the transfigurations are venj brief and it is not essential for audiences to be aware of their start or finish - it is all meant to be played as a continuous piece and this is the challenge for conductors. I am sure there is something of all our experiences in this work—which ones are yours?
Performance notes: In order to realise the percussion parts, care will need to be taken in the placement of some of the instruments, as the work requires some swift changes only possible by using the same sticks. With regard to mutes, I have deliberately not specified which kind is to be used at any given point, so a degree ofpersonal choice can be agreed between the players and conductor. Finally, with reference to tempi, I have placed ‘circa’ before any metronome indications—this is to give a degree of flexibility to enable conductors to shape the overall impression of the work within their own concept ofthe structure.
Tristan Encounters was commissioned by Philip Biggs and Richard Franklin (with funds provided by the Foundation for Sport and the Arts), for the 1999 All England Masters Brass Band Championship.
The world premiere performance: Sunday 30 May 1999 at the Corn Exchange, Cambridge. The work is dedicated to Rodney Newton, in friendship.
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: James Curnow Difficulty level: Championship
Duration 13.30
Click on MORE DETAILS to view the Solo Cornet part.
"Trittico was commissioned by the Swiss Brass Band Association for their national championships in 1988.
A trittico is a tripych or group of three paintings or musical compositions based on a common theme and presented or performed together. The present work is a set of three extended variations on the American shaped-note hymn Consolation.
The work opens in grand style with motives based on intervals of the hymn tune. The opening motif, and smaller fragments of it reappear throughout the piece and serve as an underlying element alongside the theme itself.
The first variation is essentially a scherzo which echoes the minor mood of the theme. The hemiolic opposition of compound and duple time is used to good effect and, again, the main motif is never far away. This is music with energy and forward movement.
The second variation gives the soloists a chance to shine. The mood is tranquil, yet there is always some activity and the musical material pre-echoes the third variation.
The third variation is another scherzo-like section, the main theme accompanied by a rhythmic ostinato. Toward the conclusion there is a short aeleatoric passage – a variation within a variation allowing half the band to make their own variaitions in a cachophony of sound. An energetic coda draws together several elements to round off a work brim full of drive, energy, and self-propelled enthusiasm."
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: James Curnow Difficulty level: Championship
Duration 13.30
Click on MORE DETAILS to view the Solo Cornet part.
"Trittico was commissioned by the Swiss Brass Band Association for their national championships in 1988.
A trittico is a tripych or group of three paintings or musical compositions based on a common theme and presented or performed together. The present work is a set of three extended variations on the American shaped-note hymn Consolation.
The work opens in grand style with motives based on intervals of the hymn tune. The opening motif, and smaller fragments of it reappear throughout the piece and serve as an underlying element alongside the theme itself.
The first variation is essentially a scherzo which echoes the minor mood of the theme. The hemiolic opposition of compound and duple time is used to good effect and, again, the main motif is never far away. This is music with energy and forward movement.
The second variation gives the soloists a chance to shine. The mood is tranquil, yet there is always some activity and the musical material pre-echoes the third variation.
The third variation is another scherzo-like section, the main theme accompanied by a rhythmic ostinato. Toward the conclusion there is a short aeleatoric passage – a variation within a variation allowing half the band to make their own variaitions in a cachophony of sound. An energetic coda draws together several elements to round off a work brim full of drive, energy, and self-propelled enthusiasm."
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Jan Van Der Roost
Grade 5 Duration 9.30
Trittico Festoso is a festive triptych, which is meant as a tribute to one of the most important band members — the conductor.
Each of the three movements reflects an aspect of the conductor’s contribution to the band. Stately opening fanfares introduce the conductor, the conductor’s activities as a manager, organiser, conductor and adjudicator are reflected in the dynamic Daily Life and the artistic contribution is portrayed in The Artist. Trittico Festoso will make a truly fitting tribute to your man in the middle!
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Peter Graham
Set as the 2016 British Open test piece.
The Triumph of Time was commissioned by Professor Nicholas Childs for the Black Dyke Band and was premiered by them at the 37th European Brass Band Championships held in Perth Concert Hall, Scotland, on the 3rd of May 2014.
As I began preparations for the commission it occurred to me that 2014 marked the 25th anniversary of the publication of one of my earliest works for brass band, The Essence of Time. Listening to the piece for the first time in a number of years I was struck by its energy, optimism and sheer joie de vivre. Reflecting on these impressions I wondered if I might capture something of the spirit of The Essence of Time in a new work, and whilst not using any of the existing musical content perhaps draw upon some of the structural elements.
Like The Essence of Time, The Triumph of Time is a set of variations for band which follow roughly the same moods and characteristics of its older relative.
Many years ago as I took up a university post and embarked on postgraduate compositional study, my friend and colleague Ron Holz offered me some sage advice; to explore and assimilate unfamiliar compositional concepts and to develop and strengthen my technique, but never to stop writing tunes! This piece is dedicated to Dr Ronald W. Holz in gratitude.
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Peter Graham
Set as the 2016 British Open test piece.
The Triumph of Time was commissioned by Professor Nicholas Childs for the Black Dyke Band and was premiered by them at the 37th European Brass Band Championships held in Perth Concert Hall, Scotland, on the 3rd of May 2014.
As I began preparations for the commission it occurred to me that 2014 marked the 25th anniversary of the publication of one of my earliest works for brass band, The Essence of Time. Listening to the piece for the first time in a number of years I was struck by its energy, optimism and sheer joie de vivre. Reflecting on these impressions I wondered if I might capture something of the spirit of The Essence of Time in a new work, and whilst not using any of the existing musical content perhaps draw upon some of the structural elements.
Like The Essence of Time, The Triumph of Time is a set of variations for band which follow roughly the same moods and characteristics of its older relative.
Many years ago as I took up a university post and embarked on postgraduate compositional study, my friend and colleague Ron Holz offered me some sage advice; to explore and assimilate unfamiliar compositional concepts and to develop and strengthen my technique, but never to stop writing tunes! This piece is dedicated to Dr Ronald W. Holz in gratitude.
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Peter Graham
Set as the 2016 British Open test piece.
The Triumph of Time was commissioned by Professor Nicholas Childs for the Black Dyke Band and was premiered by them at the 37th European Brass Band Championships held in Perth Concert Hall, Scotland, on the 3rd of May 2014.
As I began preparations for the commission it occurred to me that 2014 marked the 25th anniversary of the publication of one of my earliest works for brass band, The Essence of Time. Listening to the piece for the first time in a number of years I was struck by its energy, optimism and sheer joie de vivre. Reflecting on these impressions I wondered if I might capture something of the spirit of The Essence of Time in a new work, and whilst not using any of the existing musical content perhaps draw upon some of the structural elements.
Like The Essence of Time, The Triumph of Time is a set of variations for band which follow roughly the same moods and characteristics of its older relative.
Many years ago as I took up a university post and embarked on postgraduate compositional study, my friend and colleague Ron Holz offered me some sage advice; to explore and assimilate unfamiliar compositional concepts and to develop and strengthen my technique, but never to stop writing tunes! This piece is dedicated to Dr Ronald W. Holz in gratitude.
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Peter Graham
Set as the 2016 British Open test piece.
The Triumph of Time was commissioned by Professor Nicholas Childs for the Black Dyke Band and was premiered by them at the 37th European Brass Band Championships held in Perth Concert Hall, Scotland, on the 3rd of May 2014.
As I began preparations for the commission it occurred to me that 2014 marked the 25th anniversary of the publication of one of my earliest works for brass band, The Essence of Time. Listening to the piece for the first time in a number of years I was struck by its energy, optimism and sheer joie de vivre. Reflecting on these impressions I wondered if I might capture something of the spirit of The Essence of Time in a new work, and whilst not using any of the existing musical content perhaps draw upon some of the structural elements.
Like The Essence of Time, The Triumph of Time is a set of variations for band which follow roughly the same moods and characteristics of its older relative.
Many years ago as I took up a university post and embarked on postgraduate compositional study, my friend and colleague Ron Holz offered me some sage advice; to explore and assimilate unfamiliar compositional concepts and to develop and strengthen my technique, but never to stop writing tunes! This piece is dedicated to Dr Ronald W. Holz in gratitude.
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