Cat No. JM31130
Price £74.95
Composer: Philip Sparke
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works)

Set as the Third Section Test Piece for the 2014 Butlins Mineworkers Contest.

Click on MORE DETAILS to either hear the three audio extracts or view the images (PDF) of the solo cornet part.

This work was written as a commission by Boosey & Hawkes Band Festivals for the Youth Section of the National Brass Band Championships of great Britain 1985. 12.50
In one continuous movement, it has three distinct sections :
mp3 example 1. An opening extended fanfare which reappears at various points throughout the work. This leads to the syncopated, jazzy main theme, played in turn by various sections of the band. After several contrasting interludes, the main theme returns, gradually calming to introduce mp3 example 2. - a slower central section which is characterised by intimate quartet writing and a powerful climax for the whole band.
mp3 example 3. This final section explodes percussively out of the quiet section and is a headlong gallop, interrupted briefly by a more tranquil mood, which leads back to the opening fanfare in an exciting close.