Set as one of two First Section test pieces for the 2019 Butlins Mineworkers Contest.
One of Berlioz's most energetic overtures, full of rhythmic vitality, lots of fast notes, and very difficult repertoire for brass bands. Duration 7.52
You can listen to an extract of this work on your computer, by clicking on the "MORE DETAILS" button on the right - this will reveal the audio extract(s) for you to sample and an image of the Solo Cornet part.
If you enjoyed listening to this extract, you can buy the full recording of this work on the CD section of our site. If you want to perform this work with your band, you can of course purchase the score and parts here right now, by clicking on "BUY NOW".
The recording is ESSENTIAL DYKE Vol.3, President's Choice - CD is DOY CD121
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Bramwell Tovey
Set as the first section testpiece for the 2004 Regionals.
Coventry Variations was originally written in December 1986 and first performed in that month by the GUS band under the direction of the composer at the Derngate Theatre, Northampton.
The original set of six variations was designed for concert performance and consisted of present variations to IV, VIII, and IX. In this form the work has been recorded several times including two live recordings conducted by the composer. Three additional variations (now variations V to VII) were added in 1999 to make a longer work, specifically designed for brass band competitions.
Apart from the usual thematic connections that a set of variations has with the main theme, the city of Coventry itself is also represented in the music, with bells and plainsong from the cathedral; the hustle and bustle of industry; and even a suggestion of that fateful night during the Second World War when enemy action destroyed the ancient cathedral and city centre. Like the original Coventry Carol, Coventry Variations does not fully resolve until the final chord when the listener may imagine the new city rising, Phoenix-like, from the ashes of the old.
Coventry Variations is dedicated to the composer’s stepfather, the late Cyril Manning, former bandmaster of the Southend Citadel Band of the Salvation Army.
Note for brass band competitions: Adjudicators should penalise bands who alter the scoring of this work — particularly bass sections who add 8va bassa.
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Christian Bouthier
The energetic activities of three craftsmen at a local crafts market inspired the composer Christian Bouthier to write this work in three movements.
The clockmaker gets many curious visitors at his stand as he patiently and proudly shows the precision work of his beautiful clocks.
The cooper (barrel-maker) skilfully puts together fine-looking, sturdy barrels and the blacksmith is busy hammering on his anvil. A fascinating new addition to the brass band repertoire.
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Goff Richards
This is the Second Section test piece for the 2012 Regional Contests of the British Brass Band Championships.
Commisioned for North West Open B.B. Championships - sponsored by Pilkinton plc in conjunction with Rainford Silver Band.
The "Cross Patonce" is the logo of Pilkington Plc.
This work is a suite in three movements performed continuously throughout.
Click on "MORE DETAILS" to listen to audio extracts of the different movements and to view the Solo Cornet part.
mp3 example 1, is the start of the first movement.
m33 example 2, is part of the lilting 3/8 solo and tutti passages of the first movement.
mp3 example 3, is the start of slow lyrical second movement, with solos starting on euphonium and passing to solo horn and then to solo cornet - this process is then repeated by 2nd. trombone, 1st. trombone and finally flugel. The movement changes meter frequently between sometimes 4/2, 3/2, 2/2 and later 5/2, 6/2 and 4/2.
mp3 example 3, is the start of the third and final movement - Vivo, which starts with antiphonal effects between upper and lower band.
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Rieks van der Velde
Selected for the 2nd. Section of the 2009 Butlins Mineworkers Open Brass Band Festival.
It was written for the 2006 Gouden Spiker Festival(Brass Band 3rd section). In 2007 the piece was the set work at the North American Brass Band Championships in the Challenge Section. This work is also on the list of testpieces in Switzerland(2nd section)Belgium(2nd section) and The Netherlands(Klein repertorium BB 2e Divisie/ Groot repertorium Fanfare 2e Divisie.
The crusades were a series of military campaigns that took place during the 11th through 13th centuries. Originally, they were Roman Catholic endeavours to recapture Jerusalem from the Muslims, but developed into territorial wars. Besides the recon quest of Jerusalem important aims were: to keep the Islamic power outside of Europe, to reunite the Byzantine (oriental) Christians with the Roman Catholic church and to extend of the European sphere of influence to the east. The best-known crusade is that of 1096, which was organised after an appeal of pope Urban II (“God wills it.”) and was commanded by Godfrey of Bouillon. After that another 8 crusades were organised.
Crusade describes the journey of a young crusader, who leaves his home to fight for his religion, but of course also to seek adventure and fame. In a metaphorical sense however, it can also be considered as describing life in general.
The work opens with an Intrada, in which the composer, Rieks van der Velde, introduces the opening notes of the main theme (the melody of psalm 24) in a playful manner. We meet the hero of this tale as he bids his family farewell. Of course he goes through some difficult moments here, but adventure calls and soon he and his comrades are on their way. In a cheerful mood he rides onwards, dreaming of distant countries, chivalrous fighting and precious treasures.
The journey proves to be a chain of exuberant and more sedate moments. While bravura and spunk prevail, surely all that glisters is not gold. Memories of the quiet life at home come up. Moreover, not everything that crosses his path meets his highly elevated expectations. Worse still: from time to time he is confronted with considerable setbacks. Gradually the naivety of the young man makes place for a more serious mood. In the exuberant passages dissonants creep in. In the sedate parts the mood changes from inner peace into bitterness and finally in dismay. The reality of the battlefield affects him deeply. After a period of mourning and religious contemplation he goes through a phase that seems like an inner battle between optimism and disillusionment. Gradually he learns to accept life as it is.
The work finishes in a triumphant march based on the hymn-tune. Optimism has eventually obtained the upper hand and as a purified and vigorous man the knight returns in triumph!
Although Crusade was composed almost completely in minor keys, Rieks van der Velde has succeeded in giving the piece an optimistic character. It is as if he wants to show us that we can make out for ourselves how to experience the so called certain facts.
Full recording on "Hostile Skies",LMP2007.01 This CD is available for purchase on our website now.
Duration: 10.25
Difficulty: C/D
This publisher grades difficulties as follows:
A = very easy B = easy C = medium D = difficult E = very difficult
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Howard Lorriman
Set as the First Section Test Piece for the 2014 Britsh Brass Band Regional Championships.
The work is dedicated to Manfred Obrecht, conductor and musical editor. Manfred asked me to write a piece that captures the changing colours and mood of a mountain when viewed from a relatively close distance. I chose to cast the piece in four sections:
01. AWAKENING - early morning and the mountain is covered in cloud, eventually the sun bursts through and reveals the mountain in all its glory. 02. SNOW, ICE AND GLACIERS - between the rocky out-crops there are layers of snow; slippery ice patches and icicles adorn the overhangs. In the larger crevices and valleys glaciers are formed. 03. VISTAS AND DISTANT PEAKS - when viewed from other high points one can see the mountain in full outline against the vast landscape. 04. AVALANCHE - despite its beauty, a mountain can be a dangerous place and the accumulated snow may not be stable, it can easily tumble out of control. The slight twist of major tonalities at the very end reflects the way a sudden change in light can alter the whole perspective. Howard Lorriman November 2012
To view 