If you really want to be in with a chance of winning the European title it seems you have to play a real blockbuster of an own choice work to help your cause.

In the early days it was all Vinter and Gregson, today its more Sparke and Wilby.

Fashions

Fashions and tastes do change however: Gibert Vinter had 31 performances of his pieces played from 1978 — 1989, but only 5 ever since, whilst Edward Gregson has had just 3 performances of his works since the turn of the Millennium.

Gibert Vinter had 31 performances of his pieces played from 1978 — 1989, but only 5 ever since, whilst Edward Gregson has had just 3 performances of his works since the turn of the Millennium4BR

Popular

No doubting the most popular though: Philip Sparke got his first performance in 1983 and has had a seemingly never ending supply line ever since. Only in 1997 when the competing bands had to play pre World War 2 works has his named failed to appear on the own choice list – and for the third time this year, six bands will perform his works.

Out of fashion

As for the least popular?

What about Maldwyn Price, Elgar Howarth, Arthur Butterworth or Goff Richards or what about the unknown composers who brought us the classic ‘Changing Cells’ in 1985 or ‘Danish Folk Song Suite’ in 1979 – all played the once?

These are the top 10 own choice composers:

1. Philip Sparke — 67 performances (1983 – 2008)
2. Philip Wilby — 39 performances (1992 – 2008)
3. Edward Gregson – 36 performances (1978 – 2007)
4. Gilbert Vinter – 36 performances (1978 – 2003)
5. Peter Graham – 23 performances (1991 – 2007)
6. Derek Bourgeois – 19 performances (1983 – 2008)
7. Herbert Howells – 14 performances (1979 – 1997)
8. Wifred Heaton – 13 performances (1978 – 2007)
9. George Lloyd – 12 performances (1989 – 2004)
10. Eric Ball — 11 performances (1980 – 2000)