The identities of the set-works that will be used at the finals of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain have been released.

Gallery

The Championship Section contenders at the Royal Albert Hall will tackle Howard Snell's 'Gallery', which was commissioned by the Scottish Brass Band Association for the 2015 Scottish Open.

It is inspired by the composer's life-long love of painting and art which he enjoyed on visits to various galleries when he was living in Scotland.

The work has already gained widespread popular and critical acclaim, and following its contest premiere in 2016 it was featured by Foden's Band in a concert performance at the 2017 RNCM Brass Band Festival, where the composer also gave a wonderful insight into its inspiration in a special pre-concert talk.

The work interprets his personal musical reflections, preceded by short 'Entrance' prelude, on diverse works in various styles by artists Paul Cox, Henry Raeburn, John Slinger Sargent, Catriona Campbell, Henri Matisse and John Knox — from traditional landscapes and war time conflict to contemporary modernism and collage.

For the contest however, the fourth movement, 'The March back to Camp' will be omitted.

Tournament for Brass

A classic work from the pen of Eric Ball will test the First Section contenders in Cheltenham with his composition, 'Tournament for Brass'.

Written for the 1954 British Open Championship, the three movement work was described as 'setting no problems for the listener, not is it intended to explore any depths of emotion.

Rather does it exploit some of the technical possibilities of brass instrumentalists, and all the soloists in the band are given an opportunity to display their prowess; whilst ensemble work in varying degrees is equally important.'

The 'tournament' is therefore an internal display of musical dexterity and style — from the opening 'Trios and Dances', through the central 'Solos' and final 'Scherzo'.

Music of a Legacy

Steven Ponsford's 'Music of a Legacy', will present the challenge for the bands in the Second Section.

Nostalgic and musically accessible, the rhapsodic one-movement composition pays tribute to several iconic SA works, progressing through different styles, and is a reworking of piece first heard at the Salvation Army's 2015 Boundless Congress.

Although paying homage to its banding heritage, the composer wanted the work to 'stand alone', as it explores wanders the hymn melody — Timothy Dudley-Smith's 'Lord of the Years'.

Hinemoa

Gareth Wood's 'Hinemoa', is the stern test for the bands in the Third Section.

Originally commissioned by the New Zealand Brass Band Association, it was used as the set-work in the B Grade at their 1980 National Championships to commemorate the contest's centenary. It has subsequently been used extensively — from the Third Section Regional set-work in the UK to the Dutch and North American National Championships.

The piece tells the story of its namesake, the daughter of a great Maori chief Amukaria, who fell in love with Tutanekai — a chief and brave warrior from Mokoia.

Petite Suite de Ballet

Another classic work from Eric Ball will face the bands in the Fourth Section, with his expertly crafted 'Petite Suite de Ballet' — first heard in 1949.

The four movement work comprising a bright 'Parade', graceful 'Pas Seul', elegant 'Minuet' and rhythmic 'Ensemble' has been a popular work ever since — from Third Section National Finals piece to own-choice selection at various competitive levels.

The Music Panel has been careful to select music for each section that it thinks will be challenging, but very enjoyable to rehearse and performMusic Panel Chairman, Philip Morris

Careful selection

Chairman of the Music Panel, Philip Morris told 4BR: "The Music Panel has been careful to select music for each section that it thinks will be challenging, but very enjoyable to rehearse and perform."

For further information visit: www.nationalbrassbandchampionships.com

Set Works:

Championship Section: 'Gallery' (Howard Snell) — published by Rakeway Music
First Section: 'Tournament for Brass' (Eric Ball) — published by R. Smith & Co
Second Section: 'Music of a Legacy' (Steven Ponsford) — published by SP&S Ltd
Third Section: 'Hinemoa' (Gareth Wood) — published by R. Smith & Co
Fourth Section: 'Petite Suite de Ballet' (Eric Ball) — published by R. Smith & Co