Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Philip Sparke
Written in 1992, commissioned by Philip Biggs & Richard Franklin for the All England Brass Band Championships. (16.08)
Set as the CHAMPIONSHIP SECTION REST PIECE for the 2016 Brass Band Regional Championships of Great Britain.
Click on "MORE DETAILS" to view the Solo Cornet part & to listen to the FIVE audio extracts of this work.
The work falls into five sections (variations) which are performed continuously. 1. The introductory first section contains a chorale, which starts with a six note "row". This is preceded by related figures in the lower half of the band after the cornets have set up a chattering ostinato. The chorale modulates and fades into a flugel & baritone duet, supported by trombones. A full band climax follows and a shortened chorale to.... 2. Molto Vivace. Motifs based on the second 3 notes of the "row" introduce a strong tunes in the baritones & euphoniums. A bridge passage leads to a second theme in the horns & baritones. 3. An interlude which features each section in turn, starting with the percussion section, leads to.... 4. A slow section which starts with an expressive cornet melody derived from the 6 note row. Muted flugel & trombone replyand the cornets set up a decorative figure under which a majestic bass theme develops. A climax is reached after which the flugel restates the cornet tune ( mp3 extract 4). 5. Vivo - Euphoniums set up an ostinato figure over a bass tune. This continues as various sections of the band introduce different figures until the soprano establishes a more legato tune. The whole band play a unison passage and, after various figures from earlier in the section try to emerge, the original chorale from the introduction returns in triumph. A faster coda brings this great "test" to a close.
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer / arranger: Rieks van der Velde
Grade 3 Duration 11:30
In a four-part composition Rieks van der Velde takes us to the richly varied area surrounding the university city of Cambridge. The Dutch composer was especially inspired by the atmosphere of Cambridgeshire, the county which lies north of London.
1. The Journey. Although on arrival the area looks peaceful and friendly, the ruggedness of its inhabitants and landscape have an unmistakable influence on the music. In the course of the tour, which starts with an Allegro movement, we are shown the vitality, energy and freshness of the Cambridgeshire countryside. Short themes, swift and sudden motifs and rhythmical patterns supported by the drive of percussion instruments give expression to this image. The first part is concluded by two 'Calmo' movements in which the music expresses how the cathedral in the city of Ely comes into sight and is gradually approached.
2. Visit to Ely Cathedral. The famous Norman cathedral church of Ely, which was built in 1109, has attracted tourists from all over the world apart from being a place of worship and heritage site. A cornet solo introduces the contemplative mood of the composition at this point. The mystical atmosphere of the cathedral runs through this lyrical part like a continuous thread.
3. The Pub. The thirst caused by this intensive journey makes a visit to the local pub a definite must. These “public houses”, which may be open until the early hours of the morning, offer all kinds of entertainment. Drinks are served liberally and the atmosphere is lively.
4. The Journey Back. Time has flown: In other words, the moment of departure has come sooner than one would have wished. In a flashback which recaptures elements of the first part of the composition we say goodbye to Cambridgeshire in a fitting manner. Two scintillating final measures bring us abruptly back to the present.
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Andrew Duncan
Cantata for Brass Band and Percussion - Commissioned and dedicated to The Foden's Band, who presented its world premiere in Bury St Edmonds on Saturday 24 May 2014.
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Andrew Duncan
Cantata for Brass Band and Percussion - Commissioned and dedicated to The Foden's Band, who presented its world premiere in Bury St Edmonds on Saturday 24 May 2014.
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Gareth Wood
For Cornet, Euphonium and Band.
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 reveal the PDF image for you to sample.
Categories: SUMMER 2020 SALE TITLES, TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer / arranger: Kenneth Downie
Used as the Second Section Testpiece in the 1998 British Brand Championships - Finals.
Normally £55.00 - only £35.00 in our Spring Sale
Click on "MORE DETAILS" to view the Solo Cornet part.
Comments by the composer As its title suggests, the music is capricious in nature having themes of sharply contrasting styles, but it is not as free in form as the title sometimes implies, having many of the characteristics of Rondo, with a main theme regularly recurring and subsidiary themes being developed. The boisterous, rhythmic nature of the opening and principal idea is offset by subsequent themes which are variously song-like, humerous, regal and playful. Nothing however is serious for very long and the music is intended to be a light-hearted and hopefully enjoyable experience for listeners and players alike.
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