Our Band
On stage at the 3rd Section Nationals Finals, Harrogate 2008
Wednesday 1 September 2010
Something old, something new.....
After lots of speculation on some brass band forums, the 2011 area test pieces are announced later this month. Although we have no choice but to play whatever piece that is chosen by the selection panel, in an ideal world, what would you like have as the 2nd Section test? A blast from the past, a brass band classic from yesteryear? A contemporary piece written by an up-and-coming composer? Any specific composers whose music you would like to play? What style or type of music do you think suits our band?
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I think the band enjoys working on newer, modernised compositions, and subsequently we seem to achieve better contesting results; notably with 'Dark Side Of The Moon' and 'The Kingdom of Dragons'. These types of pieces usually seem to bring out the best in the band.
ReplyDeletePersonally I prefer to play this type of music, both for contests and concerts. Composer wise, it would be great if a Philip Sparke composition or a classic Edward Gregson piece were chosen; or something by Philip Harper again.
My own opinion is that as long as the piece is written for brass band (not a transcription or arrangement originally written for a different genre) I would be quite happy. Not too much to ask is it ???
ReplyDeletePS. One with a 1st Baritone cadenza would be great !
Howard, no more 'Suite for Strings, er, Brass' then?
ReplyDeleteHopefully not, although I've heard on the grapevine that the sale of Stylophones in the Queensbury region have increased dramatically recently, so watch this space.
ReplyDeleteMaybe a medley of Rolf Harris tunes then.....
ReplyDeleteTalking of something old, something new etc check out http://www.4barsrest.com/articles. Think Mr Clowes' gallery comment 'red, black and the odd bit of grey' is a tad unfair on the MD !
ReplyDeleteHa ha, I thought exactly the same thing! Photoshop to the rescue!!
ReplyDeleteStrong rumours that it will be 'Resurgam' by Eric Ball......
ReplyDeletehttp://4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=12173....confirmed as 'Resurgam' by Eric Ball. I've never heard the piece, by according to 4BR, it will be a stearn test.
ReplyDeleteGoing back to the original blog post, I'm not sure what to think without hearing it. My initial thoughts are 'Oh no, not an old piece, will the band enjoy working on it as much as the more recent test pieces we've played, will I enjoy working on it'. But if it is going to be a challenge, the band (and myself) can embrace it as music which will improve our (my) playing.
Perhaps it hasn't got as many black bits as some test pieces but to play it well will be tough. Warmth of sound and musicianship should be rewarded (as well as the usual intonation, balance, ensemble etc). It may or may not be my cup of tea (I haven't played it so how could I know) but it sounds like a true test of a bands ability to play as a band, not as a disparate group of individuals. And as they say, a change is as good as a rest.
ReplyDeleteHoward, I agree. Having listened to it last night, I'm not sure I like it yet (one listen isn't enough), but it will certainly test the band's sound, balance, and definitely intonation. And, surely these are the fundamental things that a band should be tested on. At the end of the day, anyone can waggle their fingers to get out something that sounds like semi-quavers (I know, I've done it more than once); 'Resurgam' will be a truer test of bands. It won't be easy though.
ReplyDelete