Elite level Norwegian banding has been thrown into turmoil following the announcement that three compositions will be used as set works at the National Championships in Bergen next year.

Set test trio

The decision to use Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen’s ‘Introduction’, Kenneth Downie’s ‘In Perfect Peace’ and Eric Ball’s ‘Resurgam’ as the test pieces for the 10 Elite Division competitors has resulted in accusations that the Norwegian Band Federation has treated them with ‘contempt’ and that their actions are nothing short of ‘scandalous’.

The bands will perform all three works on the Friday evening of the championship weekend in February with the own choice selections played the following day.

Outcry

The outcry follows the decision by the NBF that due to the ill health of composer Ovind Moe, the original set work could not be considered as it could not be completed in time.

Elite bands were notified on 20th September, only to be contacted the following day with the news that the new pieces had been chosen.

It is understood that the decision was taken by Geir Ulseth, Head of the Norwegian Band Federation Music Department.

Anger

The anger from the competing bands stems from their belief that their written presentation to the NBF following a Brass Band Forum of 14 Elite and First Division bands in March this year has been ignored.

It is understood that the presentation covered aspects of test piece selection and possible alternative choices if an original composition could not be used.

Breakdown in trust

The accusation of a ‘breakdown in trust’ over the decision is now deemed so serious that 4BR understands that representatives are to request a meeting with the Norwegian Band Federation next week.

On contacting the NBF, 4BR was unofficially informed that there is no current mechanism to invoke to overturn the decision due to time constraints.

Scandalous

Meanwhile, the bands themselves have expressed anger at the decision when speaking to 4BR.

One band representative said: "We feel very let down and treated with contempt in not being consulted. It’s a scandalous decision which we believe changes the very concept of the use of a single test piece that has become such an integral part of the musical challenge of the contest."

They added: "There is a growing mood of distrust over this. It could lead to bands deciding not to compete."

Breakdown

Another told 4BR: "There is a breakdown. The Federation was made aware that bands wanted to be consulted in keeping the Championships developing along the right lines of recent years. This is a real step backwards.

We are puzzled and annoyed. This is an issue that we highlighted and offered to work on – and it just seems to have been completely ignored."

No sense

One leading player added: "We understand that a decision had to be made, but why do it in this way after so much work had been put in by the bands to work with the Federation? Why a selection of three pieces – it just doesn’t make any sense."

We have already commissioned a new work for 2014 and we will now have this year’s work available to use in the future too. It was the unique circumstances that allowed us to take this decision this year – and this year onlyGeir Ulseth

NBF response

Meanwhile, Geir Ulseth, Head of the Norwegian Band Federation Music Department told 4BR that the decision does rest with him.

Speaking exclusively to 4BR he said: "The ultimate decision does rest with me. We could not use the original composition as it was not completed, so following discussions with my team it was felt that this would present a wonderful opportunity to provide musical contrast for the bands for this year."”

Time constraints

He added: "We did take into account the time constraints involved due to the composer falling ill, but also the need to provide each band with around 20 minutes of music to test them on the Friday evening. We felt that due to the circumstances we could offer a real musical contrast with the three pieces chosen.

The bands will of course deliver much more technical pieces on the Saturday."

No concept change

Geir was also clear that he felt the decision did not change the overall concept of the contest either.

"No. We have already commissioned a new work for 2014 and we will now have this year’s work available to use in the future too. It was the unique circumstances that allowed us to take this decision this year – and this year only."

Significant choices

The choices were also significant too, as he explained. "With the 110th anniversary of Eric Ball’s birth we looked to see what music had been played here before and ‘Resurgam’ offered the opportunity to hear perhaps his greatest work played by the very best bands.

Kenneth Downie’s work also offers the chance to display the command of lyrical hymn tune playing and the Aagaard-Nilsen work is a more technical introduction to open performances."

Congratulations

He also revealed that he has been contacted by numerous players and conductors congratulating the NBF on their decision. “Not everyone will be happy of course, but I can assure you that I have already received many messages of congratulations on the decision. We will listen to all points of view, but the decision had to be made and I take responsibility for making it.”

Second Section

‘Introduction’ is a short concert opener from 1997 originally used by Manger Musikklag at the SIDDIS Entertainment contest, whilst Kenneth Downie’s ‘In Perfect Peace’ has also been used extensively as a reflective feature in concert and entertainment programmes.

Eric Ball’s iconic ‘Resurgam’ was most recently used as the 2011 Second Section Area test piece in the UK, and has only been used in Norway up to Division Two level in the past.