With all the preperation done, Professor Edward Gregson's 'Rococo Variations' was heard for the very first time at Symphony Hall on the weekend and 4BR took the opportunity to get the views of players, conductors and the audience on what they thought of the piece.

Thumbs up

The general view was that Rococo Variations was an excellent piece of music to play and listen to — a real musical test that certainly sorted the bands out4BR

The general view was that 'Rococo Variations' was an excellent piece of music to play and listen to — a real musical test that certainly sorted the bands out.

Participents

So what did those involved on the stage of Symphony Hall think about the test piece?

Here are some of the comments we received:

"It's a fabulous piece of music. The band has enjoyed working on the piece which has challenged us, and we're hoping that the judges like our performance." — Jason Katsikaris, MD, Leyland Band.

"It's awesome, the best piece we've had for a long while." — Mark Bousie, Principal Euphonium, Fairey Band.

"Great music" — Graham Fraser, Eb Bass, Whitburn Band.

She said Yes

Grimethorpe's long standing Eb Bass player, Shaun Crowther was more than happy to share his thoughts after announcing that his partner Suzie Pymm had accepted his proposal of marriage.

Talking about the test piece, Shaun said, "As a tuba player the piece gave us enough to keep us interested. It had all the constituents of a poplular test piece. It is bound to be heard on the contesting stage such as the Europeans. It's harmless, easy listening."

Name that tune

From an audience's point of view, those who sat and listened to the piece had a great day. Listening intently, appreciative applause was given to the performances as they became enthralled with the music.

The composer had integrated musical motifs from Elgar Howarth, Ray Steadman-Allen, John McCabe, Eric Ball, Wilfred Heaton and Philip Wilby and it gave the audience the opportunity to play 'Name that Tune' and 'Name the test piece'.

Speaking to 4BR, members of the audience offered comments such as "Brilliant", "It's wonderful stuff", "What a piece, it's so much fun identifying the composers and their music."

Who'd won?

But who had won? And who did the audience think would be crowned champions?

Prior to the announcement of the results, 4BR's straw poll that included members of the press used those well worn cliches such as — 'It's too close to call', but those membes of the audience who put their neck on the line opted for Fodens by the narrowest of margins with Black Dyke, Cory and Grimethorpe vying for second and third with Leyland fancied by more than a few to feature highly.

Happy

With the debate starting over the result, those in attendance at Symphony Hall left more than happy at what they'd been hearing since 11am.

As one conductor told 4BR; "The Norwegian public are in for a treat in February. Bravo Professor Gregson."