Categories: NEW & RECENT Publications, TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Alan Fernie
Duration 12.00
Waterfront Sketches was commissioned by the National Children's Band of Great Britain and premiered by them at Repton School in July 2016. The composer was asked to write a work reflecting the four nations that make up the United Kingdom and found inspiration in exploring the rich cultural heritage that can be found in our great port cities.
There are four separate movements:
I. BELFAST - "She was fine when she left here.."
A dark, brooding opening, full of industrial noise and clamour, and reflecting the epic construction of the SS Titanic. Little did they know...
II. GLASGOW - The Vital Spark at Broomielaw
An affectionate portrait of Neil Munro's "Para Handy Tales", and the adventures of the madcap crew of the puffer "The Vital Spark" as it sailed up and down the Firth of Clyde from its berth in the heart of Old Glasgow. Full of quirky west coast humour, and much loved by Scots the world over.
III. CARDIFF - A Romance in Black and Gold
An imaginary soundtrack to a doomed love story in the melting pot of Tiger Bay.
IV. PORTSMOUTH - Of Tallships and Towers, and Tales from Ashore
A rumbustious finale, portraying the energy and activity of this still busy waterfront, with frequent references to our glorious nautical heritage.
Categories: TEST PIECES (Major Works), Howard Snell Music Composer: Hector Berlioz Arranger: Howard Snell
Previously set as a Championship Section test piece.
Sir Walter Scott’s novels were all the rage in Paris in the 1830s and 40s. The immediate success of Waverley was phenomenal and established Scott as a novelist with an international reputation. In his score Berlioz quotes from the novel itself : "Dreams of love and Lady’s charms, Give place to honour and to arms". Set in the times of the 1745 Scots' rebellion, the slow, romantic introduction is followed by an Allegro, full of vigour and youthful spirit.
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Roy Newsome
Previously set as a 3rd. Section Testpiece.
1. Ceremonial
2. Interlude
3. A Festival
You can view the Solo Cornet part as a PDF image of this work on your computer, by clicking on the "MORE DETAILS" button on the right - this will the PDF image for you to sample.
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Kevin Houbin
Duration 16.00 Grade 6.0
Where Angels Fly was commissioned by VLAMO (Flemish Band Association). Kevin Houben wrote this work for the 2017 European Brass Band Championships in Ostend, Belgium. This is a very technical, powerful and virtuosic work with a rather fragile and soft introduction in which the main motif – derived from the Belgian composer Paul Gilson’s (1865-1942) La Prière from Le Retour au Pays – is developed and also includes Houben’s own musical signature ‘HBE(N)’. Where Angels Fly is a challenging, impressive and virtuosic contest piece.
To view 
