The first major test piece work for brass band for nearly 20 years or more from the pen of Edward Gregson will test the competing bands at the British Open in September this year.

Rococo Variations

Entitled ‘Rococo Variations’ the work is a joint commission by the British Open and the Norwegian Brass Band Federation – a joint initiative that could well see the work used at their National Championships in 2009 – although nothing has been confirmed as yet.

Since 1991 Gregson’s output has been firmly devoted to orchestral music as well as other large scale works, so as Martin Mortimer told 4BR: “His return to the brass band world is therefore doubly welcome.”

In this new work I also pay homage to six fellow composers, all of whom have made significant contributions to the brass band repertoireEdward Gregson

Delighted

The composer himself stated; “I am delighted to have been commissioned to write the test piece for the 2008 British Open Championship. The Open is undoubtedly the finest brass band championship in Britain and has a long and proud record of commissioning new works.”

Homage

The composer went on to explain more about the piece and its inspiration. “’Rococo Variations’ is a kind of ‘Connotations’ brought into the 21st Century, and I hope that both bands and audience will enjoy the experience. In this new work I also pay homage to six fellow composers, all of whom have made significant contributions to the brass band repertoire.”

Who those six composers of note are is yet to be revealed, but the news that one of the foremost compositional lights has chosen to return to write for the medium after a well publicised self imposed ‘exile’ has brought murmurs of excitement.

Excited

Martin Mortimer was clearly one. “We are excited at the prospect of this new work, and would like to thank The Co-operative for acting as sponsors for this year’s test piece as well as their continued support for the brass band movement.”

Sponsor

On a financial note, it was also revealed by Martin that Besson would become the new sponsors of the 2008 British Open Championships. “We are obviously delighted with this news,” Martin told the audience before the announcement of the Grand Shield results. “This is a major development for the championships.”