4BR has been informed that following a meeting between representatives of the ‘Top Brass Band Forum’ and the Norwegian Band Federation, the decision to use a trio of set works for the Elite Division of Norwegian Championships in Bergen in 2013 has been reversed.

Responses

The initial decision by Geir Ulseth, Head of the NBF Music Department to use Eric Ball’s ‘Resurgam’, Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen’s ‘Introduction’ and Kenneth Downie’s ‘In Perfect Piece’, following the original single set work not being ready on time, brought angry responses from leading bands, with accusations of a ‘breakdown in trust’ that it had been undertaken without consultation.

Open, transparent and constructive

However, following a meeting described as, ‘open, transparent and constructive’, it has been confirmed that Philip Sparke’s ‘A Tale as Yet Untold’ will now be used as the single set work on the Friday evening.

4BR understands that all 11 Elite Division bands were in unanimous agreement that they would back a request for a change in the initial decision.

Top Brass Forum

Top Brass Band Forum representatives, Nils Arne Træland of Manger Musikklag, Aud Melhus of Stavanger, Erik Andreas Berg of Ila, Ole Andreas Førde of Kleppe Musikklag and Viggo Bjørge, Eikanger Bjørsvik met with Anita Finebråten, Secretary General, Arne Amland, Head of Administration and Geir Ulseth, Head of Music from the Norwegian Band Federation where discussions led to the new decision being made.

The decision shows that a great deal of goodwill and co-operation exists that can only be of benefit to Norwegian banding for the futureViggo Bjørge

Pleased

Viggo Bjørge told 4BR: "The bands are pleased that the decision has been reversed and an alternative set-test piece has been chosen.

We are grateful to the NBF in meeting with us and in an open, transparent and constructive way. Together we are determined to maintain an open dialogue with the Federation in developing the Norwegian brass band movement."

He added: "The decision shows that a great deal of goodwill and co-operation exists that can only be of benefit to Norwegian banding for the future."

Listen to bands

In response Geir Ulseth told 4BR: "This was a very good meeting. We always listen to our bands, and after very constructive discussions decided to change the test piece to meet the expectations from the competitors.

We still think we made a big musical challenge with the first choice, but ‘A Tale As Yet Untold’ from Philip Sparke is also a masterpiece, and will bring out the best from our top bands."