The 100th anniversary of the birth of one of the brass band movements greatest, and most original compositional voices, is to be celebrated at the 2009 Regional Championships.
Championship Section
'Salute to Youth', by Gilbert Vinter, who was born in 1909 and died in 1969, will test the bands in the Championship Section, the first time one of his works has been used at the regional premier level since ‘Spectrum’ was played in 1976.
The announcement, which has usually been made at the Lower Section National Finals, has been released a few days earlier this year on the Kapitol Promotions website.
'Salute to Youth' was used as the Regional set work in 1961, and has perhaps been the most popular and lasting of Vinter’s main test pieces.
'Salute to Youth' was used as the Regional set work in 1961, and has perhaps been the most popular and lasting of Vinter's main test pieces4BR
Rumours
Rumours about its choice had been circulating around bandrooms for some time, with Philip Sparke’s 'Cambridge Variations' the other work allegedly ‘in the frame’.
With the 40th anniversary of the composer’s death in October this year, and with the debacle of choosing 'Enigma Variations' for the National Finals in 2003 to celebrate Eric Ball’s centenary anniversary, the piece will be seen by many as a worthy commemoration.
First Section
Meanwhile, Graham Cole’s ‘Pentacle’, which was used as the set work for the First Section of the Swiss National Championships in 2007, has been chosen as the set work for the aspiring bands in the First Section.
The work takes inspiration from the symbolism of the Pentacle in history as well as the modern day, and was well received on its premier in Switzerland.
Second Section
Another modern work, 'New World Sketches' from Daniel Price has been chosen for the Second Section.
The three movement work takes inspiration from the landscapes of America in the early part of the 20th Century, from New York to the Deep South and the colour and excitement of the Rodeo.
Third Section
Andrew Baker’s 'Once and Future King' will be the test for the Third Section bands.
The three movement suite is inspired by the legend of Arthur, from his alleged birthplace at Tintagel, through the mystical land of Lyonesse, to his final battle at Badon Hill. The title comes from his supposed final words; 'Bury me in Britain, for I am the Once and Future King'.
Fourth Section
Finally, the Fourth Section and 'The Talisman for Brass Band' by Frank Hughes, which was initially written as a brass quartet for the Fodens Band, but which was later expanded for full ensemble.
The tone poem takes inspiration from the Third Crusade and characters that took part in it.
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