*
banner

Classic test-pieces revisited No 3: A Moorside Suite

Prof Stephen Allen takes an in depth look at one of the classic works for the brass band medium — 'A Moorside Suite' by Gustav Holst

Holst
  Prof Stephen Allen looks at Holst's 'A Moorside Suite'

In the third of a new series on 4BR, Prof Stephen Allen takes an in depth look at another classic work of the brass band medium to examine it in a wider context away from the contesting stage.

This time it is 'A Moorside Suite' by Gustav Holst, written for the 1928 National Championships of Great Britain.

It came just six years before the composer's death in 1934, with Holst, a former trombone player attending the event and remarking that he had "listened to musicians conducted by musicians".

Stephen places the work in the wider social context of the time as well as looking at the sophisticated structures within its three movements.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


York

The Section 1-4 National Finals are in York this weekend

September 16 • There will be plenty of great music to enjoy over two packed days at York, Barbican this weekend.


NYBBGB auditions

NYBBGB audition dates announced

September 16 • Auditions will take place across the UK for youngsters wishing to be part of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain ensembles.


taa

Elite memory test for Norwegian National

September 16 • Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen's 'Mnemosyne Phrases' has been announced as the set-work for the Elite Division of the Norwegian National Championships.


Samba Haps

Wright & Round: Samba de Haps (Philip Harper)

September 16 • Bring some serious energy to your next concert with this fantastic new addition to the Wright & Round catalogue.


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Kibworth Band

September 18 • Kibworth Band (First Section from Jan - South Leicestershire) invites percussion players to join our friendly, ambitious team. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings in our purpose built band room under MD Brendan Caddy.


Kibworth Band

September 18 • Kibworth Band (First Section from Jan - South Leicestershire) invites BBb Bass players to join our friendly, ambitious team. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings in our purpose built band room under MD Brendan Caddy.


Kibworth Band

September 18 • Kibworth Band (First Section from Jan - South Leicestershire) invites Euphonium players to join our friendly, ambitious team. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings in our purpose built band room under MD Brendan Caddy.


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd