Competing bands at this year’s European Brass Band Championships are to be faced with a 2,000-year-old musical problem to overcome if they are to be crowned champions in Ostend on the 2nd May.

Carnyx

The Championship Section test piece by Jan Van der Roost, ‘From Ancient Times’ will require the use of a Carnyx – a form of heraldic trumpet used by the Romans, which is to be played at certain times during the piece.

History

The composer has told 4BR that given the inspiration behind his composition, the choice of using the Carnyx was musically appropriate.

Jan told 4BR: "From Ancient Times is all about musical history and no other instrument comes with such a history as the Carnyx. It will provide an unique sound to the music".

From Ancient Times is all about musical history and no other instrument comes with such a history as the Carnyx. It will provide an unique sound to the musicJan Van der Roost

Storm of protest

However, the choice has provoked a storm of protest as conductors seek an instrument maker who can produce a replica of the 2,000-year-old instrument in time for the contest.

Geneva help

Tim Oldroyd of Geneva Musical Instruments has been working hard to try and help the British bands out.

He told 4BR: "I have sought original drawings of the instrument from the British Museum and have worked tirelessly to produce a replica that can be used. It’s pitched in Bb and should suit a 3rd cornet player as there are no valves and it doesn’t produce the nicest sound."

Tim added: "I’ve made many one off instruments in my time, but this has been my hardest ever commission."

Getting an instrument to play in time has caused problems for the British contenders, with the Scots in particular finding it hard to know what to do.

Scots problem

A spokesperson for Whitburn Band told 4BR: "We feel we may be at a disadvantage as the Romans didn’t really fancy teaching the Picts to play the instrument in the Highlands and built Hadrian’s Wall instead."

Welsh wonder

A spokesperson for one of the Welsh contenders Tredegar added: "We sent our 3rd cornet player to Caerleon where they are extensive Roman remains and a Museum to see what he could come up with. He couldn’t find anything, so he has been using a piece of plastic downpiping from outside his house topped with a harmon mute. It’s not exactly Ben Hur material, but we think it may well do the job."

Saab help

Other competing bands were not available for comment, but it has been rumoured that Grimethorpe have been using an 120 year old ophicleide found at the back of the bandroom, whilst the Norwegians of Eikanger have teamed up with car makers Saab, to produce a 21st century state of the art high tech copy.