Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Alan Fernie Difficulty level: Second
Previously used as a second section test piece.
Duration 6.56
Commissioned by the Scottish Brass Band Association for the "B" Section of the 2004 European Brass Band Championships in Glasgow
The suite has three movements : 01. Pesante ( Arnoldesque) 02. Lento e Teneramente 03. Sensato
This short suite is loosely based on fiddle tunes by the famous Scots fiddler Neil Gow, from a collection published in 1830 and "respectfully dedicated to the Noblemen and Gentlemen of the Royal Caledonian Hunt". The tunes used are "Mrs. Fleming of Moness", "Lamentation for Jas Moray Esq of Abercarney" and "Simon Brodie".
Categories: TEST PIECES (Major Works), NEW & RECENT Publications Composer: Etienne Crausaz
Grade 4.5 Duration
Johann Georg Albinus wrote a number of Lutheran hymns set to music by various composers. Johann Sebastian Bach reworked and inserted some of these hymns into his cantatas, particularly the chorale “Alle Menschen müssen sterben” in BWV 162. Albinus Variations opens with a solemn cadenza followed by five contrasted variations on this chorale. Both versions of the chorale, in major and minor keys, were used as a reference for this work.
Categories: TEST PIECES (Major Works), NEW & RECENT Publications Composer: Etienne Crausaz
Grade 4.5 Duration
Johann Georg Albinus wrote a number of Lutheran hymns set to music by various composers. Johann Sebastian Bach reworked and inserted some of these hymns into his cantatas, particularly the chorale “Alle Menschen müssen sterben” in BWV 162. Albinus Variations opens with a solemn cadenza followed by five contrasted variations on this chorale. Both versions of the chorale, in major and minor keys, were used as a reference for this work.
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer / arranger: Jan Van Der Roost Difficulty level: Championship
Set as a Championship Section Testpiece in 2001.
Albion, next to Excalibur and Stonehenge, is the third major piece for brass band for which Jan Van der Roost was inspired by the British Middle Ages. Although the work is not based on an actual story, unmistakably there are epic elements to be found in this symphonic poem. The beginning seems to paint a picture of the conquest of Albion (the earliest known name of the British Island), in which the listener is taken back to the time of King Arthur and his legendary Knights of the Round Table. Three scattered groups of comets and three different drums reflect the turbulent war times of the early Middle Ages in just as many tonalities and tempi. In contrast to this, dark, majestic chords are introduced in the low register, which creates quite a confused sound. After the drums have united themselves in one rhythm, the whole band sounds together as one for the first time with the following notes as a melody:
A nervous allegro energico suddenly brings more pace and energy. Virtuoso and warlike themes follow one another, resulting in a tumultuous part. This succession is also concluded with the “Albion theme,” this time supported by a more complex harmonic structure. In the following, calmly moving middle part, various soloists have the opportunity to demonstrate their lyric qualities. After all, it has not always been “trouble and affliction” during the existence of Albion. Is it not so that King Arthur is known for bringing peace and stability to this country? With an almost self-evident naturalness, this slow succession proceeds to the majestic choral chords that could be heard in the beginning. Again, the brass band sounds like an organ and, of course, the “Albion theme” concludes this oasis of “peace reigning once more.” During the impressive finale, various musical components return, but most of the time in other forms and combinations. The “Albion theme” appears regularly as well. In a true apotheosis, the work ends in a major key. Albion (probably named after the white chalk cliffs that the European conquerors saw during the crossing from the continent) shines here in all its glory!
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer: Kenneth Hesketh
Set as the First Section Test Piece for the 2015 National Finals of the British Brass Band Championships in Cheltenham.
The Alchymist’s Journal, subtitled Variants for brass band, was commissioned in 2001 by the Brass Band Heritage Trust and is dedicated to Paul Hindmarsh. This vibrant music is cast in the form of a series of extended symphonic variations based on a short theme heard at the start. After a quiet start, the music builds to an incisive and dramatic climax. Ideal for any First Section brass band contest.
Kenneth Hesketh writes : "We are told that tIME is a brisk wind bringing forth each hour some fresh proportion, some new shape, and as our thoughts hourly change.... so it happens with TIME. May not the close of a motion be also the beginning ? " This quotation is from the book the Alchymists' Journal by American Author Evan S. Connel that fictionalises a number of famous Alchemists' writing, each one developing another's thoughts. An idea is continued but changed subtly to provide a new view point or way of thinking. The process itself in fact alchemical, transfedring one idea into another.
In the The Alchymist's Journal ( Variants for Brass Band ), the processes at work are similarly about retention and change. The work is constructed from six notes ( C,A, Bb, Eb, F# and E ) and is presented in nine different sections, each individual in mood but still based upon the original pitches. This is not a thematic set of variations, as the themes are developed one at a time from small segments of the 6 notes. Whilst abstract with no descriptive programme, the music is dramatic and has a clear unfolding narrative.
The music is conceived in a complete arch from beginning to end, and not in smaller sections, the overall shape of the piece emerges in broader proportions - introduction, menacing scherzo, slow reflective section followed by a varied reprise of the scherzo and final coda.
Percussion required as follows :
Timpani
Percussion 1 - Bass Drum, Clash Cymbals, Glockenspiel, Side Drum, Splash Cymbal, Suspended Cymbal, Tambourine, 3 Tom Toms, Wood Block and Xylophone.
Percussion 2 - ( plus optional third player ) Bass Drum, Crash Cymbal, Glockenspiel, Side Drum, Suspended Cymbal, Tam Tam, Tubular Bels, Vibraphone, Whip and Xylophone.
Brass Band Grade 5: 1st Section
Duration: 12 minutes
Grade equivalents for Brass Band test-pieces where there is considerable overlap at the higher levels, depending on the level of competition (local, regional or national):
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer / arranger: Kenneth Hesketh
Set as the First Section Test Piece for the 2015 National Finals of the British Brass Band Championships in Cheltenham.
The Alchymist’s Journal, subtitled Variants for brass band, was commissioned in 2001 by the Brass Band Heritage Trust and is dedicated to Paul Hindmarsh. This vibrant music is cast in the form of a series of extended symphonic variations based on a short theme heard at the start. After a quiet start, the music builds to an incisive and dramatic climax. Ideal for any First Section brass band contest.
Brass Band Grade 5: 1st Section
Duration: 12 minutes
Grade equivalents for Brass Band test-pieces where there is considerable overlap at the higher levels, depending on the level of competition (local, regional or national):
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works) Composer / arranger: Michael Ball
Commissioned by the BBC as the testpiece for the 2004 Finals of the Besson National Championships of Great Britain.
Duration 14.59 minutes.
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The recording is ESSENTIAL DYKE Vol.5, Celebrate Rotary - CD is DOY CD193
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