Goodnight from Montreux...

Its been another memorable weekend of competition here at the Swiss National Championships — topped by some quite remarkable own-choice selection performances in the Excellence Division.

Our congratulations go to Valaisia Brass Band and to all the Division champions — all were most worthy of their accolades.

Our thanks also to the Swiss Brass Band Association for their wonderful hospitality — it really is appreciated.

That's it for us — just time to get a few more images up on the site before a quick sip of the local wine before we head for bed.

Result:

Excellence Division:

Stravinski Auditorium
Set Work: Paul Holland, Bert Appermont, Thierry Deleruyelle
Own Choice: Adjudicators: David Thornton, Chris Wormald, Andrew Duncan

Set Work/Own Choice = Total

1. Valaisia Brass Band (Arsene Duc): 1 + 2 = 3*
2. Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern (Michael Bach): 2 + 1 = 3
3. Brass Band 13 Etoiles A (Frederic Theodoloz): 3 + 3 = 6
4. Liberty Brass Band Ostschweiz (Stefan Roth): 5 + 7 = 12*
5. Brass Band Fribourg A (Maurice Donnet-Monay): 6 + 6 = 12
6. Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan (Francois Roh): 4 + 10 = 14*
7. Ensemble de Cuivres Melodia A (Vincent Baroni): 9 + 5 = 14
8. Brass Band Berner Oberland (Corsin Tuor): 10 + 4 = 14
9. Oberaargauer Brass Band OBB (Christoph Luchsinger): 7 + 8 = 15
10. Ensemble de Cuivres Jurassien A (Blaise Heritier): 8 + 9 = 17

Best Soloist (Own Choice): Eb tuba (Brass Band Berner Oberland)
Best Euphonium: Euphonium (Treize Etoiles)

* Set Work placing takes precedent

Result:

First Division:

Adjudicators: Bert Appermont, Paul Holland, Thierry Deleruelle
Stravinski Auditorium
Test Piece: Tallis Variations (Philip Sparke)

1. BML Talents (Patrick Ottiger) — 95*
2. Brass Band Kirchenmusik Fluhli (Armin Renggli) — 94*
3. Brass Band RosAlp (David Bonvin) — 93
4. Brass Band MG Reiden (Roland Froscher) — 92
5. Brass Band 13 Etoiles Formation B (Eric Fournier) — 91
6. Brass Band Lotschental (Aldo Werlen) — 90
7. Musikgesellschaft Risch-Rotkreuz (Adrian Schneider) — 89
8. Universal Brass Band Wil (Gian Stecher) — 88
9. Brass Band 43 (Olivier Neuhaus) — 87
10. Ensemble de Cuivres Ambitus (Gilles Rocha) — 86
11. Oberwalliser Brass Band (Lionel Fumeaux) — 85
12. Feldmusik Knutwil (Enrico Calzaferri) — 84
13. Brass Band Breitenbach (Reto Naf) — 83
14. Ensemble de Cuivres la Covatte (Boris Oppliger) — 82
15. Brass Band Uri (Markus Steimen) — 81

* Promoted to Elite Division
Best Principal Cornet: Brass Band RosAlp

Final round up and overall prediction

There has been some truly world class playing on show here today — not all — but the very best inhabited the rarest levels of the competitive stratosphere.

It was led today by a simple awesome display by Valaisia — right back to their very, very best on a work of masterful scope and intent. Close behind for us is Luzern on a work of such complex colour and timbres, whilst Fribourg once again impressed with their all round abilities.

13 Etoiles put in a cracker to close, to just pip Melodia and BBO for us today.

4BR Own Choice Prediction:
1. Valaisia
2. Burgermusik Luzern
3. Fribourg
4. 13 Etoiles
5. Melodia
6. Brass Band Berner Oberland

4BR Set- Work Prediction:
1. Burgermusik Luzern
2. Fribourg
3. 13 Etoiles
4. Valaisia
5. Valaisian
6. Brass Band Berner Oberland

Adding all the sums together over the two days and we go for a top-six of.... Luzern doing enough to claim the title from Fribourg, Valaisia, 13 Etoiles, Valaisian and Berner Oberland with Melodia as our dark horse.

4BR Overall Prediction:

1. Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern
2. Brass Band Fribourg
3. Valaisia Brass Band
4. 13 Etoiles
5. Brass Band Valaisian
6. Brass Band Berner Oberland

Dark Horse: Melodia Brass Band

Excellence Division:

10. Brass Band 13 Etoiles A (Frederic Theodoloz)

Trance (Thomas Doss)

The work is based on JS Bach's hymn 'Wie schon leuchtet der Abendstern' (How beautifully the morning star shines).

It starts hesitantly — reminiscent of a music box that is repeatedly interrupted, although in this case, by the doubts and fears of a reluctant mother — one whose unborn baby screams silently to her from within the womb.

Only she can hear its voice and is terrified by the prospect of its birth. In return, the unborn child feels these doubts and its mother's trepidation but continues to try and bond with her.

Gradually, with every single psychosomatic scream, a relationship starts to build as she instinctively perceives another human life inextricably linked to her own — one with an increasing heartbeat and sense of reality.

While dancing faster and faster into a trance she imagines how her child might grow from infant to an adult human being...or not... depending on the decision she has to make that will or will not result in its birth...

Iwan Fox

We round off the contest with a cracking rendition of the psychosomatic inspired 'Trance' — a musical 'Rosemary's Baby' meets Damien from 'The Omen'.

It's played with dark edged malevolence as well as tender confusion by a band on fine form — led by the MD who gives the music time to find its spooky groove. There is something very chilling about the lonely sound of a child's music box on a loop.

The final, frenetic trance inspired dance sequence is so cunningly paced — drawing energy and intensity from its surroundings all the way to the ferocious ending.

Excellence Division:

9. Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern (Michael Bach)

Cataclysms (Roland Szentpali)

Written in 2019, 'Cataclysms' is the latest work from the Hungarian tuba virtuoso and composer.

It is inspired by a trio of global destructive phenomena — the natural disasters that befall humanity from tsunamis, tornados and volcanic eruptions.

It opens with a bucolic introduction evoking a 'calm coast' blissfully unaware of the terror that will soon engulf it.

The evocative writing draws on the timeline that follows — an 'open sea', 'wind and waves', 'earthquake in the deep', 'decrease in water' and 'tidal waves' — the mounting tensions that prelude the cataclysmic release of natural forces — the eventual return to the 'calm coast' revealing the trail of devastation.

The second movement again evokes a timeline of disaster — 'hot weather', 'three storms', 'supercell' and 'hitting the ground' as a huge tornado stack strikes. The aftermath once more reveals a landscape denuded of life — homes blown apart like confetti in the wind.

The final section starts as a meditative tribute to the natural glories of mother earth — 'soil, trees trees, flowers, animals'.

The paradise is soon disturbed rumbling deep in the earth's core — 'tectonic activities' that soon shake the earth below the feet, exploding in eruption — the molten magma slowly but inextricably destroying everything in its path — man impotent to stop the forces of nature.

The final coda poses the question of whether we are to blame — climate change now creating a sense of natural imbalance that the earth itself is trying to redress.

Iwan Fox

We have been treated to some of the rarest musical treats today — and by heck this was one of them.

Such a descriptive piece of writing with a kaleidoscopic variance of colours and textures to the tonal (vocal included) palette of the score — hints of Ravel and Wagner in the opening as the tsunami grew in force and intensity, leaving a bucolic coastline destroyed in its wake.

The sheer windswept force of the tornado, forming, hitting and then passing overhead was terrifying.

If that blew you off your feet — so did the finale, but in a different way. The scope of the layered scoring was immense and the band did it full justice — each line so well delineated and balanced.

The fearsome mechanical tonality to close, driven like a bulldozer through your senses, was fantastic.

Bravo perc, bravo band, bravo composer, bravo MD. That may just have captured the title — and if so deservedly so.

Excellence Division:

8. Liberty Brass Band Ostschweiz (Stefan Roth)

REM-scapes (Thomas Doss)

The familiar strains of Beethoven's 'Moonlight Sonata' emerge through the subterranean rumblings of the opening to a work inspired by the nebulous subconscious world of deep sleep and half sleep and its effects on the mind.

It's a disturbing look into the darker recesses of the mind — one that has been explored in the past by the likes of Freud, William Blake and others with a blackness the colour of pitch tar. Any redemption on awakening is hard to find after a night like this.

Into the sweet dreams and comforting arms of Morpheus — this is anything but...

Everything here is distorted — the eyes flickering under their lids as the images are charged through the synapses of the brain, sounds like an old gramophone record playing on a demonic loop in the upstairs room at the Bates Motel...

The tension is built as the conscious and subconscious battle against eachother to either awaken or fall further into the abyss..

Iwan Fox

Not quite the stuff to conjure up the scariest dreams out of the Exorcist perhaps, but enough to give a few sleepless nights with the dark edged travelogue into the subconscious netherworld.

Saying that, it did take a bit of time to nod off into dreamland — just an extra strength Mogadon needed to up the pace. When the REM patterns emerged they were flickering and repetitive aided by the familiar Doss signature marks.

Plenty of neatly packaged ensemble playing backed by fine perc as the battle of wills emerged with hints of Wagner and funkmeister extravagant troms. Then it hit its Moonlight straps all the way to a formidable close — as if the band were falling deeper and deeper into the nocturnal grave... Bravo.

Excellence Division:

7. Oberaargauer Brass Band OBB (Christoph Luchsinger)

Concerto for Brass Band (Roland Szentpali)

'Concerto for Brass Band' was written in 2019 by the Hungarian composer and tuba virtuoso, Roland Szentpali.

It is inspired by the feelings of adventure, danger, surreal physicality and potential disaster that drive those that seek to break through different analogical versions of barriers.

The four movements chart no narrative progression, but evoke notions, inklings, observations and encounters — artistic, physical and metaphorical; from the opening 'The Sound Barrier' and following 'Hallucinations' and 'Cosmic Levitation' to the 'Nightmare and Chorale' finale.

It is a work of vivid, febrile imagination that charts elements of musicality from contemporary jazz and technical virtuosity to languid beauty and evocative textures.

Iwan Fox

Another inspired choice — with a work that certainly suited obvious ensemble and solo strengths — right from the start of the funked up trip to break through the sound barrier — although curiously not through speed or volume.

It was more to do with the way your internal organs must vibrate like a jelly on a washing machine on a rapid wash...

The sop led hallucinations to follow had a touch of the magic mushrooms about it and there was an airy feel to the levitation interlude too.

Not quite bowels of Beelzebub nightmare stuff to follow, but devilishly Spanish enough before we headed to a glorious chorale inspired close to round off a finely judged and executed performance.

Excellence Division:

6. Ensemble de Cuivres Melodia A (Vincent Baroni)

A Brussels Requiem (Bert Appermont)

The terrorist attacks in Brussels in 2016 shocked the world, with similar outrages in Paris, Nice and Berlin leading to an increase of fear and misunderstanding throughout Europe.

Following the attacks people asked questions of how cultures that spoke openly of tolerance and peace had apparently grown so far apart that they could no longer understand each other.

Bert Appermont's composition is a personal tribute to the victims of the attacks — although it does not seek to describe what happened in Brussels in a narrative form.

Instead it sets out to reflect on the experience and to express the complex emotions triggered by the terrible events.

The four movements are linked by the underlying children's song 'Au Claire de la Lune', which in the first movement is used as a cipher for the loss of innocence. It then moves through a militaristic second section of brutal disturbance as hell descends before a minor coloured chorale leads into a paean of grief and pain.

The works closes in hopefulness however; a search for meaning, optimism and even childlike fun as the nursery tune is recalled before a fierce, passionate climax.

Iwan Fox

What an inspired choice by the MD for his band — a somewhat familiar blockbuster nowadays, but given new life by a sparkling interpretation — backed by fizzing delivery all around the stands.

The contrast shown in the chorale was so touchingly done — sad and tender, but not a hint of saccharin coated false emotion.

There was also plenty of stunning solo playing on show — from trom, horn and cornet, but the xylo player must have been drinking pints of Red Bull and caffeine — he was incredible. What a player.

The lift of the spirit to close was handled so adroitly — carefully calibrated in dynamic, tempi and effect — all the way to end. A little bit of bit of Brussels brilliance that.

Excellence Division:

5. Ensemble de Cuivres Jurassien A (Blaise Heritier)

Looking Back (Tom Davoren)

Tom Davoren's work reflects on a trend that emerged in the early 1990s for the assimilation and reinvention of existing iconic musical repertoire from different sources (mostly, but not exclusively orchestral) into something new and original for brass band contests.

'Looking Back' offers an inventive reappraisal of this phenomenon, although his reality is something very different — a symbolic portrayal of emotions of a journey to create something original by addressing self-doubt, transformation, fear and growing confidence.

The picture is drawn out of a pleading opening statement for solo cornet and euphonium, where musical material throughout has been captured from the hook of one of the composer's own favourite pop songs of the 1980's.

As the emotional spirit changes so does the increasing range of colours, timbres, balance layers, rhythm complexities and dynamic nuances.

The end result is a work that realises the power of the emotions depicted, rather than a cold reflection of technical prowess.

Iwan Fox

A work of balanced ideas and ideals, rich textures and exposed linear lines — all expertly expressed without reaching into pastiche by the composer to evoke the emotions sought.

Plenty of fine solo and ensemble playing on show in each section too — although the demanding opening took a little time to settle with lyrical certainty.

Thereafter it built in tension and drama, with those little ciphers of past quotation marks sitting in the air and plucked out by the MD with neat precision.

The passion really emerged in the final section — gloriously so to close.

Excellence Division:

4. Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan (Francois Roh)

Moonscapes (Benjamin Tubb-Hearne)

Moonscapes for brass band was written between 2016 and 2019 and takes thematic ideas from classical repertoire with both subtle and not-so-subtle references to Beethoven's 'Moonlight Sonata', Glenn Miller's 'Moonlight Serenade' and Debussy's 'Clair De Lune' scattered throughout.

It is split into three major sections; beginning with a fanfare before hurtling into a relentless Beethoven influenced toccata.

The frenetic nature of the first section is contrasted in the second with a flugel solo inspired by both Glenn Miller and Richard Wagner. It morphs into one of the most iconic chord sequences in music — played by 4 tuned percussionists with a cornet melody overlayed.

The third section is a quirky compound scherzo with an energetic melody thrown around the ensemble.

There is a hypnotic, minimalist interlude before the music hurtles back to reference the opening unrelenting toccata in a more aggressive 'Fuoco' section. A solemn nod to Debussy preludes the energetic finale.

Iwan Fox

An interesting piece this — lighter in tonal texture and volume, but with a nice sly wit about the subject matter that permeated through.

All the direct, indirect, clear and opaque references were there to hear — with the central section built over the underlying structure of the 'Moonlight Sonata'. All the soloists played with stylish polish (cornet sweet and tender, bass trom depth charge deep) and the ensemble was tight and balanced all the way through.

The melodic nature of the work drew you in as did the little King Singeresque dooby dooby stuff towards the end. Different that in a familiar way — and played with splendid endeavour and understanding.

Excellence Division:

3. Brass Band Berner Oberland (Corsin Tuor)

***** Concerto No 10 for Brass Band and Ondes Martenot (Ludovic Neurohr)

The stars of Ludovic Neurohr's work signify the five linked movements that deliberately set out his free thinking emotions — aided by the ethereal presence of the sound of the ondes martenot.

There is no mathematical structuring of the music, no traditionally balanced harmonies or specific orchestration — it is a musical alchemy of thought and freedom to create, projected onto a blank 18 minute canvas.

The work is subtitled, 'No word to give emotion' for a singular reason.

Each star represents a section of this liberal approach — the first a prelude that bubbles like magma from a volcano, followed by the second, 'Immersion', which deliberately sets out to provide a 'bewitching nectar' to get under the skin of the listener.

The third, 'Sharing' connects the preceding sections through a transmitted approach led by a lyrical soprano that soon possesses 'bright and sparkling' intensity.

The fourth evokes a sense of heavenly reflection — led by the sound of the ondes martenot — elegant, restrained and finessed to a point that lingers above the band — pulsating from the heart but connecting with the mind.

It leads to the finale — a culmination of ideas and ideals — exciting, tingling and intense — the last play of shared moments of a kaleidoscope of emotions, real, perceived, raw, tender or simply imagined.

Iwan Fox

A real joy to hear this again — and especially played so well, despite an ipad app replacing a real-life ondes martenot player.

That was the only gripe — the rest was so engaging, almost sarcastic in its wit and brilliantly inventive use of the digital sound addition.

It gave an extra octave or three sci-fi palette of such pure tonal beauty that never detracted from the richly textured free-flowing music.

The real-life players responded in kind — drawing deep into a passionate well of musicality but always with a stiletto blade of icy technical precision to use when needed. The quiet playing was stunning (so too the tubas) but so to the glorious thumping stuff (despite last two bars).

So much to enjoy here — so much indeed.

Excellence Division:

2. Brass Band Fribourg A (Maurice Donnet-Monay)

Absalon in Wonderland (Yannis Maes)

Absalon is the Hebrew for 'Father of Peace' — although in his new composition the composer strives to find whether it has a relevant meaning in a modern society beset with acts of terrorism, violence and inequality.

The 'Wonderland' in question is an imaginary world though — a deliberate, sarcastic inflection of a utopia that so many speak of but only in philosophical terms of ciphers, opaque aphorisms and identities (even the composer himself perhaps?)

The tonality of the music is based on a traditional Hebrew soundscape of transpositions and inversions of melodic lines — although innovatively embracing elements of folk, modern acid jazz, romanticism, funk and electro-house pop.

It creates an evocative combination of ancient dramaturgies and biblical tales with the modern, almost godless never ending desire for material rather than emotional fulfilment.

The dichotomies are to be heard in the tenderness and acidic harshness, simple sensitivities and complex ambitions that are created in the music — as the search for true peacefulness embraces challenges of heart and mind.

Iwan Fox

A typically inventive work from the pseudonomic composer/conductor — one fed by a bubbling vein of sardonic musical haemoglobin running through its veins.

The contrasting dichotomies are stark and understandable — some hitting you between the eyes like a dynamic sledgehammer. Brilliantly extravagant, then seeping into your head with a curious pathos — other worldly in its sound palette with its echoes of ancient religiosity linked to modern hedonism.

Superb solo leads (flugel especially) and awesome ensemble (great perc rush around like beserkers on the rampage) — it very nearly took the roof off to close.

Excellence Division:

1. Valaisia Brass Band (Arsene Duc)

Other Lives (Oliver Waespi)

The Swiss composer's work reflects on the intriguing theme of imaginary lives — or certain stages of a single life and how they can be re-interpretated through different emotional states that morph basic musical material into something new in expression.

The opening is derived from 'Der Doppelganger', one of Franz Schubert's late songs which itself is a haunting memorial to things past and lost, familiar but inherently different.

The music soon begins to accelerate to find a new shape and meaning, gradually moving further away from its original essence.

The first part, 'Rage', has an intensely agitated character, whilst the ensuing 'Reflection' turns back to the initial chord progression before a series of soloistic interventions explore time and space at a slower pace.

The third part, 'Redemption', is a widely spaced sound field that culminates in a short, luminous reference to another Schubert song of reflective understanding entitled, 'Ruckblick'.

This last moment of farewell sees an abstract musical transformation trigger an emotional change, as the initial, gloomy minor keyed inflections are inverted, leading to a brighter harmonic landscape.

The final 'Renewal' sees a return to the grim, tense atmosphere of the first 'Rage' section — although on this occasion it is transformed into an energetic exuberance of a fulfilled life — presenting yet another interpretation of the same musical material.

Iwan Fox

There was a rumour going around that perhaps we had heard the best of this band and that they were past their peak — not here they weren't. Not on your bloody Nelly...

A superb composition from the masterful Waespi, pitched halfway between his 'urban' and 'natural' major works so that it had all the throb, drive and deep seated torque of the former, contrasted with the wide expanses of natural lyrical beauty he evokes in the latter.

This was quite incredible technical as well as musical playing — quite brilliant in fact. The florid ensemble playing was breathtaking, the solo playing of rare artistry. Wow, Wow, Wow...

Quite something that on quite something of a composition...

First Division round up and prediction...

Rather amazingly the Swiss didn't get their timings right for this section — Valaisia were straight on after the last band in the Excellence Division...

A super contest with a host of fine performances of 'Tallis' topped for us by BML Talents. Whether its resonated in the box with the judges we will have to wait and see, but we thoroughly enjoyed it.

Just behind for us its Fluhli ahead of Ambitus, Reiden, 13 Etoiles B and Oberwalliser with dark horse of Ros Alp.

Iwan Fox

4BR Prediction:
1. BML Talents
2. Brass Band Kirchenmusik Fluhli
3. Ensemble de Cuivres Ambitus
4. Brass Band MG Reiden
5. 13 Etoiles B
6. Oberwalliser

Dark Horse: Ros Alp

Draw:

Excellence Division:

Stravinski Auditorium
Adjudicators: David Thornton, Chris Wormald, Andrew Duncan
Own Choice: Sunday 24th November at 1.30pm (local time)

1. Valaisia Brass Band (Arsene Duc)
2. Brass Band Fribourg A (Maurice Donnet-Monay)
3. Brass Band Berner Oberland (Corsin Tuor)
4. Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan (Francois Roh)
5. Ensemble de Cuivres Jurassien A (Blaise Heritier)
6. Ensemble de cuivres Mélodia A (Vincent Baroni)
7. Oberaargauer Brass Band OBB (Christoph Luchsinger)
8. Liberty Brass Band Ostschweiz (Stefan Roth)
9. Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern (Michael Bach)
10. Brass Band 13 Etoiles A (Frederic Theodoloz)

Own Choice Selections: (not in order)
***** Concerto No 10 for Brass Band (Ludovic Neurohr)
A Brussels Requiem (Bert Appermont)
Absalon (Yannis Maes)
Cataclysms (Roland Szentpali)
Concerto for Brass Band (Roland Szentpali)
Looking Back (Tom Davoren)
Moonscapes (Benjamin Tubb-Hearne)
Other Lives (Oliver Waespi)
REM-Scapes (Thomas Doss)
Trance (Thomas Doss)

First Division:

15. Ensemble de Cuivres Ambitus (Gilles Rocha)

What a fine performance to round off the contest — built on such a solid, richly textured foundation.

It allowed both the MD and performers the chance to express themselves — and they certainly did that — the former shaping the music with a loving hand, the latter following his intentions to the letter.

The wide dynamic range helped — the top still with a rounded focus of tonality — one that exploited to the full in the triumphant climax. The ending was a fetching and appropriate counter balance.

First Division:

14. Universal Brass Band Wil (Gian Stecher)

A very deliberate and at times almost glacial interpretation — although one that still drew you into its rich music making. The famous Tallis psalter was played with almost religious piety.

It perhaps could have done with a more defined sense of flow, but it was well set out and all the dynamic and timbre balances were admirably secure.

It got a little scruffy in places in the more florid passages, but the MDs desire to keep that leash taut in terms of pace was evident, even in the build to triumphant 'Tallis' climax.

Joyful rather than joyous perhaps, but it was well handled — as was the tender close.

First Division:

13. Musikgesellschaft Risch-Rotkreuz (Adrian Schneider)

A lyrically inspired interpretation this — lots of long, flowing lines and shaped phrasing that made the most of the minor keyed beauty of the Tallis psalter.

Not quite as secure in the more florid technical passages, but still plenty to hold your attention. The muted intonation just grated a little but the approach of the MD to create a lingering melancholic atmosphere was admirable.

The build to the triumphant climax was well calibrated and blossomed at just the right time before the muted chords faded away in the warm air of the hall.

First Division:

12. Brass Band Kirchenmusik Fluhli (Armin Renggli)

We have hit a patch of serious contenders for the title now — and Fluhli is the latest to deliver a high class rendition of Sparke's masterful work.

Big, rounded ensemble sounds backed by artistic solo leads and a cultured style of musicality inspired by the MD. Just got a little fruity dynamically on occasions, but it didn't lose its relevance.

The attention to the pacing and effects was marked as it built to the climax that was played with fervour, before the music ebbed like a warm tide back to sea leaving a faint muted trace on the shoreline.

First Division:

11. Brass Band 13 Etoiles Formation B (Eric Fournier)

Another band that dropped down a section from last year — but it hasn't done them any harm by the sound of it here, with an impressive rendition built on such secure foundations.

Some lovely little moments dotted throughout by all the main solo lines — from flugel and cornet to horn and euph. Just the tiniest of little clips at times but the musicality was marked.

A fine build to the triumphant climax had attention to detail and precision. It blossomed with a glorious sound before ebbing lovingly to rest like a dozing infant in a 16th century backseat child's car seat.

First Division:

10. Brass Band MG Reiden (Roland Froscher)

The band that came down from the Elite Division showed its inherent qualities here — especially with its fine, warmly hued ensemble sound.

There was a confidence about the playing too — both technical and musical, aided by the neat direction of the MD.

Just the odd moment when the intonation suffered in the muted sections.

It did not detract from the well portrayed music making — rich and uplifting, but also with that sly, oily darkness, like seeing Henry VIII's enforcer Thomas Cromwell appear behind you with an invitation for a quick short back and sides of the neck at the Tower of London.

Touched the dynamic red line at the triumphant climax but crucially didn't blow a gasket head and closed lovingly. Good stuff that.

First Division:

9. Ensemble de Cuivres la Covatte (Boris Oppliger)

A slightly inconsistent rendition, but nonetheless one that fully engaged the musical senses.

The MD (taller than even Philip Harper but without the wriggle factor) set things out with admirable good sense in terms of pace and dynamic — allowing the leash to slacken at the appropriate times.

The muted intonation just grated on occasions, but the free flow of the music and the controlled pacing ensured that the build to the triumphant climax was well observed and full bodied.

The close just lost its focus, but overall this was a solid effort.

First Division:

8. Brass Band Lotschental (Aldo Werlen)

Last year's Second Division champion have certainly made the move up with confidence on the evidence of this impressive performance.

The precise opening was marked by detail and fine ensemble balances, whilst each main solo line shone — led by a splendid solo cornet.

Just got a little over-egged in places, but the enthusiasm of the MD permeated the playing — giving it a vibrancy and joyful eagerness.

Each section had character — with a triumphant climax and a finely judged close — tender bell effects before the final longueur chord.

First Division:

7. Brass Band Breitenbach (Reto Naf)

A confidently played, somewhat robust account this — colourful and exciting, if a little raw in places.

Not everything hung together in terms of intonation but the solo lines (with a fine flugel) were so well delivered and the music flowed from start to finish.

Just needed a bit more dynamic and textural polish, but there was a solid foundation to the playing that was never compromised to the detriment of the music.

First Division:

6. BML Talents (Patrick Ottiger)

A performance that lived up to the band's name in full — a showcase of the hugely impressive talents of the MD and all his young players.

Razor sharp in precision, layered balances, coherent dynamics and tempi — it was a thoroughly engaging performance from start to finish.

The solo contributions were top notch — led by the young flugel who stood and played superbly, to the fine solo cornet, warmly toned euph and cherry on the cake soprano.

So much to savour — and so well led by the MD. The climax was as rich and dark as the best Swiss chocolate and the close was the tenderest of reposes — like lovingly stroking a child's head before they fall asleep.

Bravo — a highlight of the weekend that.

First Division:

5. Feldmusik Knutwil (Enrico Calzaferri)

Another well structured hard grafted account from the band that came eleventh here in 2018.

The intelligent approach by the MD really helped — steering a sensible path with dynamics and tempi. The solo lines were played with confidence, especially the flugel and sweet sounding solo cornet.

The build to the triumphant 'Tallis' reaffirmation was so well handled, layered and textured, before the music died away with tender muted appreciation.

First Division:

4. Brass Band 43 (Olivier Neuhaus)

Promoted from the Second Division after coming third last year, the MD and ensemble delivered a slightly inconsistent account — just blighted by a few too many blemishes and errors.

The free flowing musicality was joyful and optimistic in its warm approach and they felt much more at home at the fuller dynamic volumes, but there was a solid foundation evident on which to build for the future at this higher level.

Super build to the climax — as animated as their ever-encouraging MD, before the musical tide receded into repose.

First Division:

3. Brass Band Uri (Markus Steimen)

A band making a long awaited and welcome return — the last time they played here was in 2004 we understand.

It's a good hard working return too — robust and determined. Just a little ragged around the edges, but a free flowing musicality permeates throughout.

Super solo lead from the cornet and light fingered euphs were featured before it built to a formidable, energetic climax, ebbing away spent by its bravura exertions.

First Division:

2. Oberwalliser Brass Band (Lionel Fumeaux)

A pacy take on the Tallis — perhaps not quite the speed he envisaged the psalter when he wrote in 1597, and a fair bit up on the 96 metronome marking to start of Mr Sparke in 2000 too.

Mind you it was well played — played at a gallop that was well controlled by the MD before finding a more relaxed meter. Some lovely touches around the solo stands and a bold confidence from the ensemble too.

Built a wicked head of steam for the final triumphant climax before dying away with noble restraint to close..

Bravo MD — not a bad bass trombone player (a former European solo champ), a top class plasterer and a fine conductor too it seems..

First Division:

1. Brass Band RosAlp (David Bonvin)

What a fine way to start an early Sunday morning — easy like 'Tallis Variations' as the Commodores and Lionel Ritchie used to sing about...

It's a fine performance from last year's third placed band Ros Alp — neatly structured, warmly toned and paced.

Just got a little scrappy in some of the more exposed technical elements, but there were some lovely contrasts, a great built to the 'Tallis' climax and a well observed sense of ebbing away to nothing to close.

Good morning from Montreux...

How is that for a backdrop for a brass band contest?

The sun will soon be out in full here with the Alps in their full glory — whilst in the Stravinski Auditorium we will get to hear one of the most memorable European set-works of the 21st century with Philip Sparke's wonderful 'Tallis Variations'.

Not a bad way to start an early Sunday morning...

Draw:

First Division:

Adjudicators: Bert Appermont, Paul Holland, Thierry Deleruelle
Stravinski Auditorium
Test Piece: Tallis Variations (Philip Sparke)

1. Brass Band RosAlp (David Bonvin)
2. Oberwalliser Brass Band (Lionel Fumeaux)
3. Brass Band Uri (Markus Steimen)
4. Brass Band 43 (Olivier Neuhaus)
5. Feldmusik Knutwil (Enrico Calzaferri)
6. BML Talents (Patrick Ottiger)
7. Brass Band Breitenbach (Reto Naf)
8. Brass Band Lotschental (Aldo Werlen)
9. Ensemble de Cuivres la Covatte (Boris Oppliger)
10. Brass Band MG Reiden (Roland Froscher)
11. Brass Band 13 Etoiles Formation B (Eric Fournier)
12. Brass Band Kirchenmusik Flühli (Armin Renggli)
13. Musikgesellschaft Risch-Rotkreuz (Adrian Schneider)
14. Universal Brass Band Wil (Gian Stecher)
15. Ensemble de Cuivres Ambitus (Gilles Rocha)

Result:

2019 Champion: Ensemble de Cuivres Euphonia

The winning MD: Michael Bach

Elite Division:

Stravinski Auditorium
Adjudicators: Etienne Crausaz, Jean Claude Kolly, Rolf Schmacher
Test Piece: Extreme Make-Over (Johan de Meij)

1. Ensemble de Cuivres Euphonia (Michael Bach) — 96
2. Brass Band Emmental (Jan Muller) — 95
3. Brass Band Eglisau (Andreas Buri) — 94
4. Brass Band Rickenbach (Enrico Calzaferri) — 93
5. Brass Band Fribourg B (Maurice Donnet-Monay) — 90
6. Brass Band Sursilvana (Russell Gray) — 89
7. Brass Band Harmonie Neuenkirch (Manuel Imhof) — 88
8. Brass Band Imperial Lenzburg A-Band (Rafael Camartin) — 87
9. Brass Band Cazis (Susanne Rechsteiner) — 85
10. AEW Concert Brass Fricktal (Adrian Schneider) — 81

Best Percussion: Ensemble de Cuivres Euphonia

Result:

2019 Champion: Constellation Brass Band B

The winners celebrate with their MD

Second Division:

Miles Davis Hall
Adjudicators: David Thornton, Chris Wormald, Andrew Duncan
Test Piece: Fanfare and Love Songs (Gavin Higgins)

1. Constellation Brass Band B (Olivier Vergeres) — 95
2. MG Konkordia Aedermannsdorf (Simon Gertschen) — 94
3. Liberty Brass Band Junior (Christoph Luchsinger) — 92
4. Brass Band Abinchova (Roman Caprez) — 91
5. Brass Band Berner Oberland Junior (Jan Muller) — 90
6. Brass Band Harmonie Rickenbach (Lukas Scherrer) — 89
7. Burgermusik Untereggen (Stefan Roth) — 88
8. Brass Band Junior Valaisan (Aurelien Darbellay) — 87
9. Brass Band Feldmusik Escholzmatt (Roger Muller) — 85
10. Ensemble de Cuivres Melodia B (Joelle Gaillard) — 84
11. Brass Band l'Avenir de Lignieres (Cyril Perrenoud) — 83
12. Ensemble de Cuivres Jurassien B (Rainier Chetelat) — 81
13. Brass Band Zurich (Werner Kubli) — 80

Best Principal Cornet: Constellation Brass Band B

Result

2019 Champion: Musik Frohsinn Oberburg

The winning MD: Jan Muller

Third Division:

Stravinski Auditorium
Adjudicators: Etienne Crausaz, Jean-Claude Kolly, Rolf Schmacher
Test Piece: Sinfonietta Epica (Bertrand Moren)

1. Musik Frohsinn Oberburg (Jan Muller) — 96
2. Brass Band Imperial Lenzburg B-Band (Stefan Aegerter) — 93
3. Hinterlander Jugend Brass Band (Luca Frischknecht) — 92
4. Thunerseebrass (Christoph Hertig) — 91
5. Brass Band Prattigau (Lothar Uth) — 90
6. Jugend Brass Band Michelsamt (Peter Stadelmann) — 88
7. Brass Band Gurbetal (Amos Gfeller) — 87
8. Brass Band Solothurn (Yannick Mathys) — 86
9. Brass Band Matzendorf (Marcel Bossert) — 85
10. Musikverein Brass Band Henggart (Amos Gfeller) — 84
11. Musikverein Rothrist (Cyrill Schaub) — 83

Best flugel horn: Musik Frohsinn Oberburg

Result:

2019 Champion: Entlebucher Jugend Brass Band

The winning MD Patrik Notter with the award

Fourth Division:

Miles Davis Hall
Adjudicators: Paul Holland, Thierry Deleruyelle, Bert Appermont
Test Piece: Argos (Stephan Hodel)

1. Entlebucher Jugend Brass Band (Patrick Notter) — 94
2. Brass Band des Franches-Montagnes (Frederic Praz) — 92
3. Jugend Brass Band Oberer Sempachersee (Manuel Imhof) — 91
4. Jugend Brass Band Regionale Musikschule Liestal (Ivan Estermann) — 90

Best Euphonium: Brass Band des Franches-Montagnes

Results...

We will bring you the results of the Fourth, Third, Second and Elite Sections as soon as we get them later tonight.

Halfway point round up and prediction...

A bit of an odd top section contest today. Given that this place is famous for its annual jazz festival you would have thought more MDs would have been inspired to bring something a little less contrived from the score than they did.

Too many times you couldn't tell the difference between the jazz styles — all a little too stiff and starched. On occasions it swung like a statue's concrete doo-dah.

Still, the best played with style and a touch of elan — cool and sophisticated — the best of all from Brass Band Bugermusik Luzern who were really light touch classy and refined under Michael Bach.

Really enjoyed Fribourg too (with their cool cat MD) followed by the engaging, if inconsistent 13 Etoiles and a misfiring Valaisia. Then its Valaisian and Berner Oberland for us.

4BR Halfway Prediction:
1. Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern
2. Brass Band Fribourg
3. Brass Band 13 Etoiles
4. Valaisia Brass Band
5. Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisian
6. Brass Band Berner Oberland

Excellence Division:

10. Ensemble de Cuivres Jurassien A (Blaise Heritier)

A performance of good old fashioned brass band virtues to close — faithful to the score if perhaps not quite to the underlying ethos of its musical ambition.

Lots to admire then — but it was as stiff as a Church of England vicar trying to boogy in a Harlem nightclub at times. Nothing wrong with that — but we were left with music that was curiously without a sense of risk.

The solo lines were played within the type of neatly pressed lines you get on the napkins in the best hotels in these parts, when really you wanted something with a sniff of illicit fun.

When it let go it rumbled — all for one and one for all — but we needed more Jelly Roll Morton than merrily we roll along.

The control was there all the way to the end — well thought out, well played, well directed — but where was the jazz? A missed opportunity perhaps?

Excellence Division:

9. Brass Band Fribourg A (Maurice Donnet-Monay)

The approach was set right from the start here — with the MD seemingly conducting with his shoulder blades.

That was cool — and what followed was too — rhythmically emphasised music making that throbbed like the veins on Arnold Schwarzenegger's biceps.

There was also a touch louche suaveness to go with the Miller swing and Charlie Parker be-bop. The big brash, big band stuff had a real Quincy Jones underbelly too.

At the centre of it all though was the MD with shoulders from another person's body and an invisible link to the mains electricity. He was on fire.

So enjoyable this — maybe not the cleanest show of the day, but the one that really tried to get under the skin of the music in the most authentic fashion.

The MD was the coolest cat on the block too...

Excellence Division:

8. Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan (Francois Roh)

A powerfully motivated and characterised take on the score this — full of confident swagger if just lacking a little polished style.

The stall was set out from the word go — bang to rights, no nonsense playing that emphasised the conscious written elements without quite freeing itself from the glue of the score into subconscious flowing jazz.

Lots to catch the ear though as the MD kept the music flowing with such a determined purpose. Never quite got into the veins of the great originals but it wasn't half a decent tribute act.

Just occasionally lost focus and precision but the MD soon pepped it up and the closing sections were played with high class brass band bravura — straight between the lines in style but still making its mark (the bloke using what looked like an old Enfield rifle — with bayonet — for the gunshot moment certainly did!).

Excellence Division:

7. Liberty Brass Band Ostschweiz (Stefan Roth)

A hard working, artisan approach that paid dividends here — solid and unpretentious. Not quite Count Basie at Ronnie Scott's London emporium or one to headline the local jazz festival here, but still marked in persuasive style and determination.

Some scratchy moments in each of the stylised sections — but the be-bop had a Dexter Gordon swagger and the swing music had a Miller-esque feel for the suave.

Liked the freedom the MD gave the musicians too — not perfect by any means, but with a clear sense of musicality. The up tempo close just got a little straight laced — but it was held together with a cohesive feel for the overall subject matter.

Excellence Division:

6. Valaisia Brass Band (Arsene Duc)

This was rather like casting a covetously admiring eye on a Bentley convertible in a car-park only to find that when you got close up some little toe-rag had done a job on the paint-work.

It was pockmarked early doors — nasty little scratch marks and imperfections that had no effect on the power output, leather interior or the top speed, but still made you wince at beauty blemished.

The style sometimes raised a question mark — the cool section was almost glacial and the swing took a bit of kick-start to get going, but when it did by heck it swung like the appendages on a Grand National winner.

When it was in the groove they made a sound Duke Ellington would have been envious of and the whole band moved as one. The standing cornet solo was sublime.

The final section was a little straight perhaps, but what a thumping close — a real haymaker to the senses. Those early scratchy moments may prove costly though.

Excellence Division:

5. Brass Band 13 Etoiles A (Frederic Theodoloz)

A hard one to call this — as there was undoubted deep seated quality from start to finish, but the stylistic approach seemed curiously stilted throughout.

It was like an over-starched Paul Smith suit — made with the best materials and cut with the sharpest of lines and the neatest fit, but making the wearer feel as if they've been dipped in concrete.

Top class brass band playing without a doubt — but how it yearned for the type of freedom of movement Jeremy Corbyn is offering EU citizens to the UK.

It could well resonate in the box for all that — the soloists were top class, the ensemble rich and dark as a jazz club espresso and the MD never for once allowed anything to stray from his take on the score.

Not one for us — but the audience in the hall loved it. Left us scratching our heads though.

Excellence Division:

4. Oberaargauer Brass Band OBB (Christoph Luchsinger)

Solid virtues from start to finish here — although to be fair the euphonium was like Benny Goodman in the opening glissando — elongated to perfection.

Thereafter the MD kept things compact and cohesive — perhaps a touch conservative with the appreciation of the different jazz styles — but always in the ballpark.

When it swung it swung just enough, when it needed a bit of Quincy Jones it was just within touching distance (others were more Quincy ME) and the be-bop, be-bopped.

Could just have freed itself a bit more and taken the extra risks, but this was well thought out and well delivered — headed by that superb euph soloist.

Excellence Division:

3. Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern (Michael Bach)

A performance built on subtle character traits but well defined virtues underpinned by solid ensemble foundations and the classiest of soloists.

The MD had done his homework so well here — making the essential stylistic commands clear but without ever reaching pastiche.

Little interludes of good old fashioned brass band technical brilliance were not lost either — with some stunning ensemble work on show.

The percussion has played their part in full here — the lynch-pin from which everything else hung — allowing the MD just to explore those little stylistic corners.

Thumping close just for a moment returned to the straight-jacket brass band style, but it was fleeting as they rounded things off with such a jazzy swagger.

Excellence Division:

2. Ensemble de Cuivres Melodia A (Vincent Baroni)

A much freerer interpretation from the MD here — not afraid to let his backbone wriggle to the beat.

The emphasis on style was marked, even if it was a little scruffy in places, but we heard the subtle differences and the bar lines were not immovable stanchions to hinder the musical progress.

The lighter elements worked best and hats off to the MD for his approach. Just found itself constrained at odd times — as if finding comfort in a strict 4/4 straight jacket rhythm, but is managed to free itself in time for a super close.

Excellence Division:

1. Brass Band Berner Oberland (Corsin Tuor)

An interesting stylistic take on the score from start to finish this. Super brass band playing, but not too sure about the different jazz elements in the score — swing and be-bop sounded very much the same for instance.

Lots to admire though with the quality of the solo playing — right from the super gliss on euph to open, and the ensemble tonality was so well balanced. The question mark just kept being raised on the style issue — almost restricted in character by the bar lines of the score.

It will be interesting how this was perceived in the box with two composers and a conductor.

A quality marker, but what was it marking?

Elite Division round up and prediction

No doubting the sense of Swiss ambition with all their musical choices this weekend, but perhaps 'Extreme Make-over' was just out of reach of the comfort zone.

Plenty of good efforts, but no-one came too close to really mastering it completely — the opening quartet in particular causing mayhem with its deceptive simplicity. Hats off though to the percussion players — especially the tuned brigade on marimba and glock etc who were all super.

Emmental stood out for us today as the most coherent and consistent performer followed by a group led by Fribourg.

4BR Prediction:
1. Brass Band Emmental
2. Brass Band Fribourg B
3. Brass Band Rickenbach
4. Ensemble de Cuivres Euphonia
5. Brass Band Eglisau
6. Brass Band Harmonie Neuenkirch

Dark Horse: Brass Band Imperial Lenzburg A-Band

Draw:

Excellence Division:

Stravinski Auditorium
Adjudicators: Bert Appermont, Paul Holland, Thierry Deleruyelle
Test Piece: Jazz (Philip Wilby)

1. Brass Band Berner Oberland (Corsin Tuor)
2. Ensemble de cuivres Melodia A (Vincent Baroni)
3. Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern (Michael Bach)
4. Oberaargauer Brass Band OBB (Christoph Luchsinger)
5. Brass Band 13 Etoiles A (Frederic Theodoloz)
6. Valaisia Brass Band (Arsene Duc)
7. Liberty Brass Band Ostschweiz (Stefan Roth)
8. Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan (Francois Roh)
9. Brass Band Fribourg A (Maurice Donnet-Monay)
10. Ensemble de Cuivres Jurassien A (Blaise Heritier)

Second Section: Round up and prediction.

Another enjoyable contest after the Fourth Division earlier in the day, with plenty of fine solo and ensemble playing on show from all the bands.

The test piece was a challenge it has to be said, but it brought out the best in the MDs — with some thoughtful interpretations that showed so much stylistic and musical contrast.

We may be a mile out here, but this is what we opt for...

Ben Stratford

4BR Prediction:
1. Constellation Brass Band
2. Brass Band Berner Oberland Junior
3. Brass Band Harmonie Rickenbach

Dark Horse: Brass Band Junior Valasian

Second Section:

13. Liberty Brass Band Junior (Christoph Luchsinger)

This opened with such a blaze of fanfares, though there were odd blips in the ensemble.

All the solos throughout the central movement were so well organised and were followed by a wash of dark sounding energy before the close. The finale brimmed with vitality, although the odd loose entry didn't get in the way of the flow.

The percussion steered the emotional momentum and the performance closed with standing cornets and trombones. What a triumphant ending!

Elite Division:

10. Brass Band Fribourg B (Maurice Donnet-Monay)

Another tale of an annoying twang on the strings just when it wasn't needed to start (how so many have just faltered with the deceptive ease of this today), but it recovered.

Once again the mis-pitching of entries robbed the smooth intensity of the musical picture — like washing your hands on a bar of soap with a bit of grit in it.

Again it recovered — and did so splendidly with such brio to the martial music — moulded and mixed between the 4th & 6th symphonic structures with a pinch of Romeo & Juliet thrown in to add spice. Classy that.

The hoketus bottles were tuneful and evocative — and the marimba player showcased his talents in full. It soon gained a full head of chuffing steam and the fugue really ran on well defined rails.

Some of the best playing of the day was heard here — drawing the drama and depth from the score without losing the detail. There was just enough to close with the Moscow Massive — a real ringer and right in the mix..

Second Division:

12. Brass Band l'Avenir de Lignieres (Cyril Perrenoud)

A well paced opening statement which developed into a triumphant close — what a good start that was.

The central movement was filled with melodic sounds and it really teared on the heart strings. The finale opened with a flourish, evolving into an exciting blaze. Just a few moments of intonation unease and a few slips in ensemble — but one to keep an eye on.

Elite Division:

9. Brass Band Emmental (Jan Muller)

At last — we hear a quartet that has its strings tighter than Kylie Minogue's knicker elastic. Just the odd little twang (who wouldn't eh?) but this had balance and a touch of cultured finesse.

Just lost a little focus in places in the build to the fugue — the occasional entry mis-pitched and errant, but it recovered its senses in time.

Super playing to follow — balanced but still robust. You could hear the little changes in metamorphosis — the threes over fours etc and the deep rooted torque of a power stream coming through.

Bravo bottle openers and the tremendous marimba lead — played with a malleable precision between both parties. It then chugged to life, step by step like an old steam train picking up speed on a downward track.

The best fugue was heard to close — detailed, balanced and topped by some super solo line entries (esp horn). Great accelerando was paced to perfection and the close had a triumphant finality about it all — like the hordes of the Red Army storming into Montreux. A band clear ahead of the field for us.

Second Division:

11. Burgermusik Untereggen (Stefan Roth)

Fast tempo'd opening with a few unforced errors but it followed by a positive opening to the central movement, which had such a refined balance and sound.

Really enjoyable solo performance by an artistic cornet, was closely followed by a well balanced duet between horn and flugel horn.

The finale had poise and menace, and although the stamina was pushed right the limit as the MD made sure everyone used every ounce of energy — it was very effective playing. The rousing applause was an accurate reflection of the quality on show.

Elite Division:

8. Ensemble de Cuivres Euphonia (Michael Bach)

Oh what a frustrating opening — tender and flowing but as brittle as Swiss chocolate left in the fridge overnight.

It continued into the build into the fugue too — splashed like a plasterer's radio.

Then it all came together with some fantastic playing — the best of the day by a margin — great martial quickstep feel with all the cross rhythms heard and internal balances crystal clear. The music was moulded and mixed hear like colours on an artist's pallete.

The hoketus playing was marked by little dynamic nuances and the marimba player shone. Great stuff.

More was to follow — driven and purposeful, dramatic, exotic and exciting. The acceleration was as smooth as a Mercedes Benz and then the application of the breaks before the all Russian Putinesque bombast finish.

A performance where the opening third almost scuppered their chances — but was very nearly saved by the second two thirds. Up there, but will those early errors cost them dearly?

Second Section:

10. Brass Band Feldmusik Escholzmatt (Roger Muller)

Opened with a bang and some brilliant sounds but just the odd slip caught the ear.

Nice shapes in the tutti cornet melody, and MD crafted it so well shortly after and the solo cornet solo played so well throughout. The mood was instantly switched during the final movement; a flurry of notes and percussion supported some funky low brass.

Intonation throughout wasn't the best, although it was so well shaped and paced. The band will know its made its mistakes but it was still a performance of rich merit.

Elite Division:

7. Brass Band Rickenbach (Enrico Calzaferri)

Another nearly one to open — those little strings are tripping players up today. It was a persuasive style though played like an Edwardian parlour song — 'Come into the Garden Maud' sort of thing.

The build to the fugue was a little malleable in intonation at times, but held together and there was a fine, pompous feel to the metamorphosed Tchaikovsky — from 4th to 6th via a few exotic detours and rhythmic cul-de-sacs.

You had to admire the sheer spirit of the playing though — with the razor sharp detail of the cornets pinning you back in your seat.

Great bottle work — reminiscent of those little Carl Orff children's pieces that build in complexity, whilst there is another virtuoso marimba player, who leads a panting, chuffing ensemble on its way to the fugue.

That was alike Casey Jones steaming and a-rolling.

Super build to the close — gaining torque and drive and pace in equal measure to the all in Russky Percusky ending. Bravo — built and built and built that one.

Second Section:

9. Ensemble de Cuivres Melodia B (Joelle Gaillard)

This opened with so much promise and glimmer, and the double time fanfare imitation was full of sparkling work.

The central movement was a little tentative and the solo cornet arabesque got a little uneven in places but it was still very persuasive.

The woodblock section had a great groove, and so much space in the surrounding parts. The odd ensemble and intonation issues may have affected this today but another one to make a mark in the box you feel.

Elite Division:

6. Brass Band Sursilvana (Russell Gray)

The standing quartet just off from the band seemed a little distant and didn't quite gel together to start, whilst the following build to the fugue was somewhat inconsistent too.

The martial feel was so well portrayed, and we heard the cross-rhythms and patterns that are in the gubbings of the score. Not all are accurate you sensed but the clarity was there.

Not quite sure about the accuracy of the hoketus bottles and the tuned perc at times either — but again the sense of shape and style was evident — especially in the paced build to the fugue that built up a head of steam like the Flying Scotsman just heading out of Paddington station.

The final section was their best playing — bold, decisive and exciting. Just tired as it took its final drawback but there was a triumphant sense of finality.

Second Division:

8. Brass Band Harmonie Rickenbach (Lukas Scherrer)

The opening sparked with energy and fire and melted into a warm second movement, though the odd intonation and splits detracted from the amorous mood.

The finale opened with fizz and excitement and it closed with a final bass drum wallop. The audience really enjoyed this — and it was a very coherent and well structured performance. One to watch oput for perhaps?

Elite Division:

5. Brass Band Eglisau (Andreas Buri)

The best of the string quartets to date — tastefully phrased and shaped from the beginning. Just the odd moment of unease, but that was a joy to hear.

The contrasts in the build to the fugue are also marked — with soft tongued entries allowing for a seamless build in intensity and depth of sound.

A quick paced martial metamorphosis develops and has an inherent excitement and drive.

Super 10 green bottle work and a sparkling perc section adds atmosphere and a sense of exotic intensity to the music — building slowly and deliberately to the fugue.

This really had bite and purpose — gaining in pace and dynamic but never losing its focus. Great sounds to close too in a performance that was a mark above what we have heard so far.

Second Division:

7. Brass Band Abinchova (Roman Caprez)

A successful opening once again; the odd split didn't detract from the bold, regal style. This set up things for the central movement very promisingly.

The central movement itself featured some lovely textures though the odd intonation blip crept in which distracted the mood slightly. The closing movement had it all; punch, energy and fire — and what an exciting ending!

Second Division:

6. MG Konkordia Aedermannsdorf (Simon Gertschen)

The opening started with such promise and an excellent tempo chosen by the MD, although the odd unforced error distracted the character.

The middle movement contained some of the quietest playing we've heard here today — some wonderfully ethereal sounds.

There was a startling opening to the final movement which fizzed along right to the very end too.

Wonderfully vibrant sounds closed this engaging performance, although the opening unforced errors may just prove costly today. One to enjoy that though.

Elite Division:

4. Brass Band Imperial Lenzburg A-Band (Rafael Camartin)

A solid enough opening quartet — just the odd little twang on an errant viola string.

The build to the fugue was confident and coherent in intonation, although the following march towards Moscow was all bells and whistles at times — just overpowering the detail of the ever-changing ensemble playing, which sometimes got a little wayward.

More good playing in the hoketus section with top class perc playing on show. MD perched on his box managed this so well and it led with a chuffing steamy drive to the fugue. That was also boldly driven all the way to the end to round off a bold marker for us.

Second Division:

5. Brass Band Berner Oberland Junior (Jan Muller)

Big applause when all 38 players walked on stage.

This opened with a swagger; very regal indeed, then quickly developed into exciting polyphony.

The centre movement contained some lovely rich sounds and was opened so well by the solo trombone. MD had the band following his every move and the quiet playing had everyone sitting on the edge of their seats — you could have heard a pin drop.

The mood instantly changed during the final movement. Really enjoyed this performance — is it good enough to be one of the championship contenders we wonder. Bravo to everyone — 38 times and one for the MD in fact.

Second Division:

4. Brass Band Junior Valaisan (Aurelien Darbellay)

The opening fanfare certainly hit you right between the eyes; triumphant, joyous and very well paced.

Unforced errors started to appear in the middle movement with slight intonation issues, however the MD maintained the passion without it ever getting too raw.

Great energy and atmosphere was created, buzzing and fizzing along. Towards the close the band seemed a little tired, but still carried a bold energy and stylish endeavour to the close.

Elite Division:

3. Brass Band Harmonie Neuenkirch (Manuel Imhof)

The best of the three string quartets so far — but still one that didn’t quite capture the simple lyrical qualities of the original.

Tighter intonation helped as the music grew in intensity although some individual entries hit you in the face like a Russian boxer’s southpaw jab.

The ensemble sounded right at home with the martial quick step through the chimera symphonic changes though — dramatic, driven decibels of sound bounding around the hall.

More good bottle work backed superb gamelan perc stars as the music drew steam into its lungs to chug impressively to the fugue. Then it motored — a little scruffily at times, but with a great throb of torque and excitement.

A real push on the accelerator led to a robust, bell ringing close.

Elite Division:

2. Brass Band Cazis (Susanne Rechsteiner)

Another somewhat uncomfortable bit of string quartet playing to set the scene, one that once again took time to find the homogenous levels of intonation as the music built in ensemble intensity.

It found its step after that — a little Napoleonic march along the roads in Mother Russia — certainly martial, if a little uneven as the music mixed its pots of Tchaikovsky 4th & 6th symphony colours with a dab of Romeo and Juliet — with what sounded like Quasimodo ringing out the bells! They heard that in Minsk.

Super hoketus bottle work and corking tuned perc playing that got the music puffing like an old steam train all the way to the fugue. Nicely paced by the MD, building with a subtle acceleration, although it just blew a small gasket or two by its close.

Second Division:

3. Constellation Brass Band B (Olivier Vergeres)

The opening was filled to the brim with excitement which contrasted so well with the balanced opening love song. The textures were so carefully calibrated — really lovely sounds.

Excellent cornet arabesque in the love song which was perfectly paced with vibrant sounds to close.

The opening of the final movement features some funky low brass and developed into a rich, triumphant polyphonic texture. What a cracking performance that was. Some contest brewing here...

Elite Division:

1. AEW Concert Brass Fricktal (Adrian Schneider)

A slightly fragile string quartet opening (played as one at the front of the start) that took time to find its secure levels of intonation in the ensemble.

The driving forcefulness of the music as it changed and metamorphosed was slightly messy, but it certainly had drive and abundant energy.

There was a steamy atmosphere created by the hoketus bottle playing to back two super tuned perc virtuosos. It then morphed into a funky fusion of styles with a pulsating, bubbling throb that just didn't quite ignite the after-buners to close.

Not a bad one, but the band was at its limit at times.

Second Division:

2. Brass Band Zurich (Werner Kubli)

The opening was filled with triumphant ensemble sound and the MD poured every drop of emotion into his direction.

The first love song featured muted cornets and trombones with horns sporting given equally passionate support. The conductor's own vocal support could be heard though!

The syncopation in the final fast section was a little meandering but it recovered so well to close with an exciting and colourful flurry. A nearly one.

Second Division:

1. Ensemble de Cuivres Jurassien B (Rainier Chetelat)

A bold opening, however the odd slip meant it wasn't as unison as it was intended to be.

The middle movement had passion and flow, although the odd intonation with mutes between cornets and trombones detracted.

The final movement opened with fizz and great lower band ensemble and had a foreboding dark energy that maintained excellent ensemble. The closing love song was brilliant and the audience really enjoyed this! What a good marker.

Draw:

Elite Division:

Stravinski Auditorium
Adjudicators: Etienne Crausaz, Jean Claude Kolly, Rolf Schmacher
Test Piece: Extreme Make-Over (Johan de Meij)

1. AEW Concert Brass Fricktal (Adrian Schneider)
2. Brass Band Cazis (Susanne Rechsteiner)
3. Brass Band Harmonie Neuenkirch (Manuel Imhof)
4. Brass Band Imperial Lenzburg A-Band (Rafael Camartin)
5. Brass Band Eglisau (Andreas Buri)
6. Brass Band Sursilvana (Russell Gray)
7. Brass Band Rickenbach (Enrico Calzaferri)
8. Ensemble de Cuivres Euphonia (Michael Bach)
9. Brass Band Emmental (Jan Muller)
10. Brass Band Fribourg B (Maurice Donnet-Monay)

Draw:

Second Division:

Miles Davis Hall
Adjudicators: David Thornton, Chris Wormald, Andrew Duncan
Test Piece: Fanfare and Love Songs (Gavin Higgins)

1. Ensemble de Cuivres Jurassien B (Rainier Chetelat)
2. Brass Band Zurich (Werner Kubli)
3. Constellation Brass Band B (Olivier Vergeres)
4. Brass Band Junior Valaisan (Aurelien Darbellay)
5. Brass Band Berner Oberland Junior (Jan Muller)
6. MG Konkordia Aedermannsdorf (Simon Gertschen)
7. Brass Band Abinchova (Roman Caprez)
8. Brass Band Harmonie Rickenbach (Lukas Scherrer)
9. Ensemble de Cuivres Melodia B (Joelle Gaillard)
10. Brass Band Feldmusik Escholzmatt (Roger Muller)
11. Burgermusik Untereggen (Stefan Roth)
12. Brass Band l'Avenir de Lignieres (Cyril Perrenoud)
13. Liberty Brass Band Junior (Christoph Luchsinger)

4BR round up and prediction

What a great morning's entertainment that was — helped by a super piece of filmatic pop corn music from Bertrand Moren. Light, vibrant and with more than a nod and a wink to the latter-day Hollywood blockbuster composers, it hid its challenges in plain sight.

The overall standard was very good, with the best bands drawing out the excitement, but also tempering the textures of the day-glo colours to give more depth to the tonal textures. Bravo to all the soloists — each playing with an oily, sinuous sense of style — just what was needed.

The best stood out for us with their touch of maturity — but it could be a close run thing for the title and for the top-six places.

Iwan Fox

4BR Prediction:
1. Musik Frohsinn Oberburg
2. Jugend Brass Band Michelsamt
3. Brass Band Solothurn
4. Brass Band Imperial Lenzburg B-Band
5. Hinterlander Jugend Brass Band
6. Brass Band Prattigau

Dark Horse: Musikverein Rothrist

Third Division:

The MD in action

11. Brass Band Matzendorf (Marcel Bossert)

The contest is rounded off with a spirited account — one that felt slightly more at home when the dynamic sails were unfurled on the high seas rather than the quieter little trips to the recesses of evocative Carpathian mountains and the dusty heat of the far east.

When it did regain its sea legs it pulsated with energy as the percussion led dynamic waves crashed against the hull of Jack Sparrow's boat. Mixed but enjoyable.

Fourth Division round-up and prediction

Short and sweet this — but four excellent performances from the bands — all led by equally excellent MDs who brought the light colours and textures out of the music with time for the main solo lines to be played with expression.

Congratulations to all the bands — if this is the standard at the foundation level here, Swiss banding is in a very healthy state indeed — led by a great potential winner in Brass Band des Franches-Montagnes under the baton of Frederic Praz.

Ben Stratford

4BR Prediction:
1. Brass Band des Franches-Montagnes

Fourth Division:

Montagnes in action

4. Brass Band des Franches-Montagnes (Frederic Praz)

What a super performance — tip top drawer playing. Great shaped cornet solo in the melodic section followed by lovely flugel. Superb soloists and luscious ensemble — it really captured the musical spirit and the composer's ethos of Argos. Bravo — and a potential championship winner for us.

Liestal in action

3. Jugend Brass Band Regionale Musikschule Liestal (Ivan Estermann)

A very pleasant one this, like a fresh Grecian breeze over the Acropolis. Clear direction from the MD and brought out the detail and colours and textures. Really enjoyable reading and excellent playing from all around the stands

Third Division:

Gurbetal in action under their MD

10. Brass Band Gurbetal (Amos Gfeller)

A bold, bravura account this — full of pulsating energy and drive from the off. It just lost its way a little with the detours to Bucharest and Bahgdad, but it recovered splendidly when back on the high seas led by sweet sounding sop.

Lots to enjoy, but they have been up against some mighty good rivals today.

Lenzburg B in action

9. Brass Band Imperial Lenzburg B-Band (Stefan Aegerter)

Another powerful multi-faceted piece of pop-corn fun — full of drive and colour splashes like an explosion in a paint factory.

Not quite as smooth and secure in the quieter passages, but the euph and cornet were splendidly sinuous leads and the drive for home was driven by Jack Sparrow in a speedboat. Put a smile on the face that.

Fourth Division:

Sempachersee in action

2. Jugend Brass Band Oberer Sempachersee (Manuel Imhof)

Great sounds from this band right from off — and what a delight to see so many youngsters around the stand too! Triumphant fanfares to start and a light-hearted close. So much good ensmeble playing on show with cracking solo cameos.

The audience really enjoyed that!

Entlebucher in action

1. Entlebucher Jugend Brass Band (Patrick Notter)

A exciting start to the 4th section, filled with Mediterranean energy with this super piece from Stephan Hodel.

A cracking performance to start us off too — really capturing the festive nature of the work with drive and energy and some classy lead lines all round.

Third Division:

Michelsamt in action

8. Jugend Brass Band Michelsamt (Peter Stadelmann)

Well that was one played at turbo charged speed at times by the 2017 champion — real Errol Flynn battle on the high seas stuff — via a trip to the back streets of Bucharest and Baghdad thrown in the mix for good measure.

Day-glo colours and on/off dynamics, but heck that grabbed you by the lapels and didn't lose its grip.

Solothurn in action

7. Brass Band Solothurn (Yannick Mathys)

We are being treated to some splendid playing on a piece that is being performed with great adventure, passion and just the right hint of filmatic fun here.

This was a colourful as the player's ruby red, flock wallpaper waistcoats — confident and bursting with endeavour and great perc. Just the odd moment in the quieter sections, but you have to take your tri-corn pirate's hat off to the MD and players for that one.

Draw:

Fourth Division:

Miles Davis Hall
Adjudicators: Paul Holland, Thierry Deleruyelle, Bert Appermont
Test Piece: Argos (Stephan Hodel)

1. Entlebucher Jugend Brass Band (Patrick Notter)
2. Jugend Brass Band Oberer Sempachersee (Manuel Imhof)
3. Jugend Brass Band Regionale Musikschule Liestal (Ivan Estermann)
4. Brass Band des Franches-Montagnes (Frederic Praz)

Third Division:

Thunerseebrass keep it quiet under their MD

6. Thunerseebrass (Christoph Hertig)

Another well directed, vibrantly coloured account. Lots of heart on sleeve pop corn passion too — and it suited the music with its approach.

Just the odd occasion when the intonation wavered like Johnny Depp's Keith Richard pirate accent, but it was a performance full of swashbuckling endeavour and easy insouciance.

Oberburg in action

5. Musik Frohsinn Oberburg (Jan Muller)

What an impressive band — and so well led by their MD. Winners of this event in 2016 and runner-up in 2017 and again last year, they produced an 'Epica' account that would have accompanied any widescreen Johnny Depp film brilliantly.

Super sounds, wide dynamic contrasts, flowing musicality and a dramatic sense of purpose from start to finish. Bravo.

Third Division:

Henggart in action

4. Musikverein Brass Band Henggart (Amos Gfeller)

A spirited, energised account from a new band to us this year. The MD kept the music flowing and all the soloists stepped up to the plate. There was a jaunty bounce to the music that gave it a thrill a minute style.

Hinterlander in action

3. Hinterlander Jugend Brass Band (Luca Frischknecht)

The Fourth Division champion from 2015, 2016 and 2017, were promoted last year and found their feet with a solid performance.

This year they have certainly moved on again and delivered a free flowing rendition packed with sparkle and balanced with cultured warmth when it was needed. A band packed with impressive young players this.

Third Division:

Prattigau in action

2. Brass Band Prattigau (Lothar Uth)

A little corker from Prattigau — all Jack Sparrow meets Mephistopheles smoking a hookah in a Romanian cafe. Lots of energy, super ensemble balance and warmth and topped by confident soloists.

They captured the spirit of that one to a tee.

Rothrist in action

1. Musikverein Rothrist (Cyrill Schaub)

We have got off to a great start with a colourful rendition of Bertrand Moren's equally colourful test-piece.

It's a piece full of vibrancy, energy and excitement — with those usual hints of those filmatic influences of Hans Zimmer and Danny Elfman but not forgetting a touch Gounod's 'Faust' and few exotic detours to the Carpathian mountains and even the middle east. Great fun — and quite a test.

Rothrist give it the full monty too — bold and pulsating with energy, with some cracking ensemble playing on show.

Third Division:

Draw:

Stravinski Auditorium
Adjudicators: Etienne Crausaz, Jean-Claude Kolly, Rolf Schmacher
Test Piece: Sinfonietta Epica (Bertrand Moren)

1. Musikverein Rothrist (Cyrill Schaub)
2. Brass Band Prattigau (Lothar Uth)
3. Hinterlander Jugend Brass Band (Luca Frischknecht)
4. Musikverein Brass Band Henggart (Amos Gfeller)
5. Musik Frohsinn Oberburg (Jan Muller)
6. Thunerseebrass (Christoph Hertig)
7. Brass Band Solothurn (Yannick Mathys)
8. Jugend Brass Band Michelsamt (Peter Stadelmann)
9. Brass Band Imperial Lenzburg B-Band (Stefan Aegerter)
10. Brass Band Gurbetal (Amos Gfeller)
11. Brass Band Matzendorf (Marcel Bossert)

Good morning from Montreux...

The sun has just burnt the last remnants of mist off the top of the Alps across Lake Geneva as the first bands get ready to test themselves here at the Swiss National Championships.

We will bring you all the action as it happens — kicking off with Third Division in a few moments time. The judges have just gone into the box, so we will publish the draw and get ready for the action.

Montreux ready for Swiss National challengers

Montreux ready for Swiss National challengers: The 45th Swiss National Championships take place this weekend in Montreux and 4BR will be there to bring you all the action as it happens... https://t.co/ncZadIZleq

— 4barsrest.com (@4barsrest) November 22, 2019