*
banner

The Vikings have been coming again and again over the years

The Wobplay recording platform now has a fantastic selection box of great Eikanger Bjorsvik CD recordings for you to enjoy.

Eimaher
  The Norwegian band has produced a number of memorable recordings over the years.

There is a great chance to enjoy the musical brilliance of Eikanger Bjorsvik Musikklag in recorded action on the Wobplay recording platform — as some of the Norwegian band's ground breaking CDs releases have now been included.

The Vikings

The first in the series comes from 1993 and 'The Vikings'.

It sees Howard Snell and Helga Haukas lead the band through some of the Englishman's inspired concert repertoire such as his sparking arrangement of 'Candide Overture' and the colourful 'Brazilian Dance'.

It also features what was to become something of a signature 'own-choice' test-piece at the time, 'Variations on an Enigma' by Philip Sparke, as well as his title track.

The 1996 'Kings Messenger' release saw Howard Snell joined by Ray Farr and Elgar Howarth.

It features another electrifying account of 'Variations on an Enigma' as well as a sublime 'Frogs of Aristophanes' and the underrated title track from the pen of George Lloyd.

Farr and Fireworks



The band recorded two 'Best by Farr' CD albums — the second in 1999 which showcased his brilliant arrangements — from Alford and Condon to Rossini, Brodsky and Bernstein, Manilow and Mahler.

'Fireworks' from 1999 saw the band once again link up with Elgar Howarth to perform the title track, plus another much-undervalued work in 'Hymns at Heaven's Gate'. The centrepiece though is a quite startling performance from Hakan Hadenberger of his imposing 'Cornet Concerto'.

It also features what was to become something of a signature 'own-choice' test-piece at the time, 'Variations on an Enigma' by Philip Sparke, as well as his title track4BR

Award winners

The award winning 2003 release 'Art of the States' sees the band take musical flight across the Atlantic for a series of fantastic American song-book inspired arrangements — from Joplin and Gershwin to Ellington, Mangione, Metheny and Samuel Barber amongst others.

Then there is another award winning release from 2005 — and 'Tales and Stories' — and music from the Balkans to Bergen with a mystical twist and turn along the way.

To enjoy

To enjoy the performances and much, much more from the band, go to: https://wobplay.com/

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    


Competiton

Conductors prepare to claim Final berths

June 28 • The semi-finalists at the Brass Band Conductors Association Conducting Competition will be looking to book their place in the final this evening in Halifax.


Mnozil Brass

Choir pews only for Mnozil

June 28 • If you want to see Mnozil Brass tonight in Birmingham then be prepared to sit in the choir.


Russell Gray

Gray Pops in to CBS news...

June 28 • Russell Gray recently appeared on Minnesota CBS News in the USA to give a plug for the start of the Minneapolis Pop Concert series he is leading.


Foden's Armagh

Foden's stars to lead in Armagh once again

June 28 • Players from Foden's Band will continue to help inspire players of all ages and abilities in Armagh in August.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


John Durrant

MA LLCM TD CertEd (Dist)
Conductor, Band Trainer, Composer, Trumpet and Cornet Soloist, Arranger, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd