Kapitol Promotions has revealed the names of the set works that will test the bands at Harrogate later this year at the Lower Section National Finals.

Statement

In a statement issued on their website, the list of the four set works are as follows:

Section 1: 'The Saga of Haakon the Good' by Philip Sparke, published by Anglo Music, distributed by De Haske.

Section 2: 'Rhapsodic Variations – My Strength, My Tower' by Dean Goffin, adapted by Brian Bowen, published by SP&S Ltd.

Section 3: 'Suite for Brass' by John Rutter, arranged by Sandy Smith, published by Obrasso-Verlag AG.

Section 4: 'The Shipbuilders Suite for Brass Band' by Peter Yorke, published by Chappell, distributed by Studio Music London.

As always with the choices made by the Music Panel, there will be considerable debate in the banding fraternity over the selections, with interest in each.

Once again, the Music Panel has chosen test-pieces that challenge bands in many ways, most particularly in their ability to play lyrical musicAlan Hope

Norwegian link

The First Section work from Philip Sparke was recently used at the Norwegian National Championships in their Fourth Section as an own choice selection by Frei Hornmusikk conducted by Stein Age Sorlie, with a performance that did not take the top prize.

Meanwhile, the classic 'Shipbuilders Suite' by Peter Yorke was used as the Third Section Nationals test piece back in 1973.

The growing influence of Salvation Army repertoire is seen with the addition of Dean Goffin's equally popular 'Rhapsodic Variations – My Strength, My Tower', whilst a new arrangement of John Rutter's 'Suite for Brass' will be a testing dimension for bands in the Third Section.

Enjoyable and popular

Speaking on behalf of the Music Panel which chose the works, Secretary Alan Hope stated on the Kapitol website: "Once again, the Music Panel has chosen test-pieces that challenge bands in many ways, most particularly in their ability to play lyrical music. We hope that the choices will be enjoyable and popular with bands and audiences alike."

First Section set work

In respect to each of the works, Alan adds on the Kapitol site: "'The Saga of Haakon the Good', by Philip Sparke, is a very tuneful and descriptive work. As always from Philip, it is well constructed and scored. The piece is not a massive technical challenge for Section 1 bands in that it does not, perhaps, present the ‘flying fingers’ problems that they might expect.

The Panel felt that, although very playable at this level, the work provides a stern test of the musicality of the ‘Finals’ bands and their conductors."

CD link:
www.4barsrest.com/shopping/cd_detail.asp?id=737
www.4barsrest.com/shopping/cd_detail.asp?id=577
www.4barsrest.com/shopping/cd_detail.asp?id=653

Second Section

Moving on to 'Rhapsodic Variations – My Strength, My Tower', by Dean Goffin, which has been adapted by Brian Bowen, Alan described the work as: "A lyrical and challenging work for Section 2 bands."

He added: “Whilst demands are made on the ability of the conductors to develop the four movements built around the hymn tune, there are also some technical challenges for brass players and percussionists alike.”

CD link:
www.4barsrest.com/shopping/cd_detail.asp?id=150

Third Section

Of John Rutter’s 'Suite for Brass', arranged by Sandy Smith, Alan stated: "Sandy has faithfully reproduced this work from the original orchestral score of 'Suite for Strings'. The transcription provides a test throughout the band and the demands of accompanying parts from the ‘middles’ are particularly demanding.”

Fourth Section

With the choice of 'The Shipbuilders', Alan commented: "The work is unusual in that the final movement, Maiden Voyage, is the slowest, not common in test-pieces, but provides its own challenge of being able to sustain the work to the very dramatic end."

CD Recordings

The following CDs are available from 4BR Shopping with the National test pieces on them:

Section 1: The Music for Battle Creek, Black Dyke
Section 2: Essays for Brass, Volume 1, YBS; Origins, ISB; Sacred, New Zealand Community Trust Woolston Brass

For more information about the pieces you should go to:
http://tinyurl.com/4b7kz8