One of the most familiar sounds at the Royal Albert Hall, especially during the first couple of performances of a new piece, is that of the turning page of the brand new study score.

Jab in the ribs

This year won’t be an exception, although it is sure to be accompanied by the occasional jab in ribs and murmur of personal recognition and whispered ‘told you so’ from fans of Eric Ball’s music who have just picked up on the direct and indirect quotes from Peter Graham’s pen in ‘Torchbearers’.

Peter Graham has said that he has tried to do for Eric Ball what the author Sebastian Faulkes did for Ian Fleming’s ‘James Bond’ novels4BR

Help along

Just to help you along – and hopefully to stop the first couple of bands on stage being upset by some enthusiastic person shouting out too loudly, ‘… that’s Journey into Freedom”, we have provided you with give you this helpful guide.

James Bond

Peter Graham has said that he has tried to do for Eric Ball what the author Sebastian Faulkes did for Ian Fleming’s ‘James Bond’ novels – to write a 21st century pastiche version that retains the flavour and essence of the originals.

He has certainly done that…

What you will hear:

1. High Peak
2. Journey into Freedom
3. Sinfonietta — The Wayfarer
4. A Kensington Concerto
5. Resurgam
6. Song of Courage
7. The Eternal Presence

And of course: The trio section of the march ‘Torchbearers!’

Others have suggested hints of ‘Festival Music’ and ‘Tournament for Brass’.

What we suspect you won’t hear:

1. Journey to the Centre of the Earth
2. Montage
3. Call of the Cossacks
4. Cry of the Celts
5. Indian Summer
6. Petit Suite de Ballet
7. Third Rhapsody on Negro Spirituals
8. Oasis
9. The James Bond Theme