View Full Version : National Finals Test Pieces 2007 - what are your preferences?
mjwarman
26.03.2007, 15:57
I know these don't get announced until May/June time, but I seem to remember an really interesting thread last year where people tried to guess them, (and did so very well a few weeks before they were actually announced!)
Does anyone have any thoughts on what they would like the pieces to be?
Or do people think it will be newly commissioned pieces?
Let the discussion begin................:)
Ipswich trom
26.03.2007, 16:01
Well, a year on from the death of Sir Malcolm Arnold, how about his "Fantasy for Brass Band" as the first section piece.
Really don't have a preference for what we get in the second section. As with Carnival, you have no choice but to play it. And of course moan about it at great length!
I hope we get a piece that has something for everyone, players and listeners alike.
I also hope it is a real challenge so that the best band on the day who copes with all aspects of the piece is the declared winner!
imthemaddude
26.03.2007, 16:51
Festival Music 1st
Tournament for Brass 2nd section
Triptych 3rd
Hinemoa 4th
:)
iancwilx
26.03.2007, 17:13
Festival Music 1st
Tournament for Brass 2nd section
Triptych 3rd
Hinemoa 4th
:)
An excellent suggestion - I'll go along with that.
- Wilkie
super_sop
26.03.2007, 17:20
TBH, I don't care what we get!!!:)
I'm just chuffed to be going!!:biggrin:
SuperMosh
26.03.2007, 17:29
I have £50 at the bookies that Section 1 will be Indian Summer.
Have heard a rumour though it may be 'Year of the Dragon' for First Section.
mjwarman
26.03.2007, 18:42
Don't get me wrong, i'm glad to be going too, but it would be interesting to see if anyone can figure out what we will have to play!
Some good choices so far, keep them coming people!
sheilawinter
26.03.2007, 20:04
i would like to play
Of Men Of Mountains
for the first section what a fantastic piece of music
Anno Draconis
26.03.2007, 20:11
i would like to play
Of Men Of Mountains
for the first section what a fantastic piece of music
Certainly is, but it's a heck of a blow, and a bit long for the finals - it was allegedly rejected as a top section finals piece for being too long
ian perks
26.03.2007, 20:54
Right ive have heard from a very good person who is in the know that it could be for 1st section either
James Cook or Variations on a 9th
imthemaddude
26.03.2007, 21:04
An excellent suggestion - I'll go along with that.
- Wilkie
Trouble is Triptych is my all time 3rd section favourite and I think I'll end up getting jealous we're not playing it!
Chris Hicks
26.03.2007, 22:23
I'd love London Overture in the 2nd section!!
Possibly to do with the fact our band has played it before and won on it before but still would be a good piece for the section!
Hard but achieveable!
From last year's nationals i think the championship section may get a golden oldie again because it did attract a bigger crowd over the whole day!
Just my 2 pennies worth
Chris
tam-tam2
27.03.2007, 08:55
Well, a year on from the death of Sir Malcolm Arnold, how about his "Fantasy for Brass Band" as the first section piece.
Already done unfortunately, a couple of years ago....shame, it is a great piece.
...
Tournament for Brass 2nd section
...
...
:)
Please God, no! Anything but Eric Ball! I'd rather do "Carnival" again ...
Morghoven
27.03.2007, 12:29
Hard but achieveable!
For me, that's the main thrust of what the pieces should be. The competition is effectively a 'winner takes all' shoot-out for the title and promotion to the next section, and as such is a totally different ball game to the Areas where every place counts for every band. Make 'em sweat for it!
Just remember in the haste to give the 1st section Year of the Dragon or similar that the top section still have to play something at own choice contests and the like...!
I personally would like to see some more modern-style music being used. Ok, I didn't think Prague was a very good piece of music, but the style really confused a lot of bands who seemed to dismiss it too easily as 'noise'. It would really expose those bands and MDs who did their homework, and those who didn't.
I would like to see John Adams being commissioned to write a test piece for the top section...Or is that wishful thinking?
matthetimp
27.03.2007, 20:48
Le Roi Dy's - 1st section
The Essence of Time - 2nd section
Partita for Band - 3rd section
St. Austel Suite - 4th section.
Come on lets have a good contest this year with all the bands in each section having to play excellent to challange for a podium place.
Partita for Band - 3rd section
?
There are several "Partita"s; I assume you're not thinking of the Heaton ...
... nor the Sparke, for that matter ... ?
The Essence of Time - 2nd section
That's the trouble with these sorts of threads; people lose their grip on reality ...
imthemaddude
27.03.2007, 20:58
St. Austel Suite - 4th section.
Oooooo my first area piece I played on 3rd man down. Don't think it is easy enough to drop to 4th section yet though, even if it is for the finals. I'd love to play it again especially the slow churchyard movement.
Any gossip on the Championship Section piece? Please - not on oldie this year. Apocalypse anyone?
KMJ Recordings
27.03.2007, 21:41
The Essence of Time - 2nd section.....
Come on lets have a good contest this year with all the bands in each section having to play excellent to challange for a podium place.
:hammer
Good contest that'd be when virtually everyone withdraws :rolleyes:
Sorry and all that.....
KMJ Recordings
27.03.2007, 21:45
Don't think it is easy enough to drop to 4th section yet though, even if it is for the finals.
The difficulty of a piece never changes.
Perhaps the standards of Bands changes around the piece, but a piece simply just doesn't get easier.
Would love Tallis Variations or Lowry Sketchbook for First section. Nice pieces with lots to do for all.
How about the devil and the deep blue sea- Bourgeois, now that would be a challenge for the championship section. And how about firestorm for the second section.
Good call for Devil and the Deep blue sea!
Just thought of another for First - Salamander , lovely piece with some great textures. McCabe is a legend!
Anno Draconis
27.03.2007, 22:53
How about the devil and the deep blue sea- Bourgeois, now that would be a challenge for the championship section
It certainly was in 1993, when it was the top section test-piece. I played it with NCT and it was a proper swine, especially the fugue. We played a blinder but it didn't matter 'cos Fairey's and Parkes were on awesome, unbeatable form.
How about some Kenneth Downie - St Magnus, or The Promised Land?
I'd like something new for the 3rd section - any chance of a new commission, music panel?
matthetimp
28.03.2007, 09:08
That's the trouble with these sorts of threads; people lose their grip on reality ...
I know at least 3 bands in the finals who could place this very very well. not saying the others can't as i don't know them that well.
Tuba Dave
28.03.2007, 09:59
I'd like something new for the 3rd section - any chance of a new commission, music panel?
The 3rd section had a new commission two years ago for the finals- ‘A Gallimaufry Suite' by Phillip Harper. i thought it was fantastic and whish we could play it again this year, but i know thats not possible. :(
WoodenFlugel
28.03.2007, 11:31
I know at least 3 bands in the finals who could place this very very well. not saying the others can't as i don't know them that well.
Well they must be in totally the wrong section then. Essence of Time would make a good 1st section finals piece though.
I know at least 3 bands in the finals who could place this very very well. not saying the others can't as i don't know them that well.
So if they can play Essence of Time very very well I look forward to playing for 4th place at best! As WoodenFlugel says they must be in totally the wrong section.
matthetimp
28.03.2007, 12:58
Well they must be in totally the wrong section then.
Yes you are right. The bands are full of championship players from the last 2-3 years who have been used to playing at this calibar.
WoodenFlugel
28.03.2007, 13:07
Well in that case it's not really a fair test for the average 2nd section band then is it?
Mr_Euniverse
28.03.2007, 13:33
I remember in 2002 (I think), the test piece for the National Finals were announced (Masquerade) before I took the stage for the area for Woodfalls.
Why are the contest organisers leaving less and less time between announcing the testpiece and the contest?
How about some Kenneth Downie - St Magnus, or The Promised Land?
Either of those 2 (preferably the former) or Concerto Grosso would be quality!
matthetimp
28.03.2007, 14:53
Well in that case it's not really a fair test for the average 2nd section band then is it?
I was asked my opinion on what test piece i would like to see and gave my answer. Not everyone agree's obviously, but the whole forum site is only meant as a bit of fun and banter between fellow brass banders. One person isn't going to sway anyone descision anyhow.
Either of those 2 (preferably the former) or Concerto Grosso would be quality!
Awesome piece - unfortunately too long i think - c. 18 mins. Extreme Makeover anyone?
Awesome piece - unfortunately too long i think - c. 18 mins. Extreme Makeover anyone?
Concerto Grosso or Extreme Makeover would be great.
Or one of the pieces that were written for the Norwegian Nationals in recent years?
Awesome piece - unfortunately too long i think - c. 18 mins. Extreme Makeover anyone?
In fact i've a feeling the YBS recording of Grosso is more like 20 minutes. Hadn't really thought about the length, you're right, I'm guessing it's too long for RAH :-?
tam-tam2
28.03.2007, 16:15
Argue amongst yourselves what section you think these could be played but I think James Curnow could be used....either Trittico or Brass Metamorphosis.......I am thinking First/Second Section. Other ones I can think of that haven't been used at the National Finals recently are Symphony of Marches, High Peak, Variations on a Ninth to name a few.
Sorry never played in the Third and Fourth Section so don't really want to mention test pieces for them.
PeterBale
28.03.2007, 16:37
In fact i've a feeling the YBS recording of Grosso is more like 20 minutes. Hadn't really thought about the length, you're right, I'm guessing it's too long for RAH :-?
I believe there is an abridged version, but not sure how long it lasts. It would certainly test out bands' ability to adapt the style of their playing.
I believe there is an abridged version, but not sure how long it lasts. It would certainly test out bands' ability to adapt the style of their playing.
An abridged version?! What blasphemy is this?! That's like taking a book out of the Bible! :sup
Seriously though, does anyone know if there's a shorter version? Would be interested to hear how it has been edited.
Some good suggestions knocking around.
WoodenFlugel
28.03.2007, 17:27
I was asked my opinion on what test piece i would like to see and gave my answer. Not everyone agree's obviously, but the whole forum site is only meant as a bit of fun and banter between fellow brass banders. One person isn't going to sway anyone descision anyhow.
I wasn't intending to have a go, or shoot you down in flames. Its just that whenever the selection panel's choices are discussed here there is nearly always one piece that has people moaning about how it is too difficult for the section (sometimes justified), yet whenever we come onto discussing the pieces we'd like them to pick we get an equal number of posts naming pieces which would be massively too difficult for the section suggested. I'm not really sure what this says about us as a movement of people, either we're impossible to please, or are hugely indecisive, or just like a good moan...or all three....;)
As for my last post here (before this one), all I was pointing out is that you can't justify picking a piece just because a couple of bands happen to have a few ex-championship players in them. Over the years there have been several bands made up of former top section players which have had to start again in the 4th section, but no way should you pick a nationally imposed piece just because they are in the section. A 4th section piece is a 4th section piece, and if the band is that good they will still win on it - the cream will always rise to the top!
By all means make suggestions, but lets keep them sensible for the sections they are being suggested for.
matthetimp
28.03.2007, 18:09
OK then Purcell Variations for 2nd section. (the kenneth downie one NOT VARIANTS)
Dont know how these would do, prob in the wrong sections, but I think would be great to play and to listen!
Champ: On Radcliff Highway (Ray Steadman-Allen)
1st: The Land of the Long White Cloud (Philip Sparke)
2nd: At the Edge of Time (Ray Steadman-Allen)
3rd: Trittico (James Curnow)
4th: Dimensions (Peter Graham)
Edit that^^^^
Just listened to Trittico again and me thinks alittle too hard for 3rd section!!
I have another think for the 3rd section!
Champ: On Radcliff Highway (Ray Steadman-Allen)
...
2nd: At the Edge of Time (Ray Steadman-Allen)
...
Mmm, not sure if "Edge of Time" is a bit ambitious for 2nd Section, but so far as I'm concerned, anything by R.S.-A. gets my vote.
PS: "Warrior Psalm" would be good for 2nd Section; might not be quite challenging enough ...
PPS: "Holy War" for the 1st section? I would be so disappointed to miss out on it!
I was nearly going to put something down for every section by RSA, he's written some cracking stuff!!!
That would be a good twist to the areas or finals in future, all music chosen has to be written by the same composer, would it work?!
Anno Draconis
28.03.2007, 20:33
Edit that^^^^
Just listened to Trittico again and me thinks alittle too hard for 3rd section!!
Phew, that's a relief. We've had a blow through Trittico in the past and by jove, it's hard work!
... all music chosen has to be written by the same composer, would it work?
I don't see why not. As I remember, a similar exercise was being talked about for a recent anniversary of Eric Ball. Don't think it actually happened, but I can't see any reason why it shouldn't be adopted. The only potential problem I can foresee is that where composers haven't written anything recently, it might be felt that there was nothing [perceived to be] difficult enough for Championship Section.
Anno Draconis
28.03.2007, 22:02
I don't see why not. As I remember, a similar exercise was being talked about for a recent anniversary of Eric Ball. Don't think it actually happened,
2003 Finals! All sections had an Eric Ball testpiece. I'm sure that it would be possible to find a full set of testpieces from the works of Philip Sparke, Ray Steadman-Allen, Michael Ball, Philip Wilby or one or two others?
iggmeister
28.03.2007, 23:18
... whenever the selection panel's choices are discussed here there is nearly always one piece that has people moaning about how it is too difficult for the section (sometimes justified), yet whenever we come onto discussing the pieces we'd like them to pick we get an equal number of posts naming pieces which would be massively too difficult for the section suggested. I'm not really sure what this says about us as a movement of people, either we're impossible to please, or are hugely indecisive, or just like a good moan...or all three....;)
I think some bands also think that if they can scrape through a piece technically, then that is a performance and they are now at that level. I'd rather hear any band play an easier piece well and musically than hear them just about manage on a tougher piece. I know bands have to be pushed technically, but not at the expense of musicality. Just to take 2 examples on here so far (and I'm not having a go at who suggested them) but Essence of Time for 2nd section and Trittico for 3rd section are 2 examples of pieces, in my opinion, above the level of the section. There will always be a difference between the top and bottom bands in any given section and they will usually complain that the piece is too easy or too hard.
I'd like to see something like Extreme Makeover or Dove Descending for the championship section. I think the bands might like a Norwegian piece but would be very surprised if one of these was picked given the emphasis kapitol seem to be placing on pleasing the audience. I believe they see the stereotypical RAH audience member as preferring something less modern. Its too soon for one of those pieces. I'll gladly be proved wrong if it happens.
Igg
WoodenFlugel
29.03.2007, 08:46
I think some bands also think that if they can scrape through a piece technically, then that is a performance and they are now at that level. I'd rather hear any band play an easier piece well and musically than hear them just about manage on a tougher piece. I know bands have to be pushed technically, but not at the expense of musicality. Just to take 2 examples on here so far (and I'm not having a go at who suggested them) but Essence of Time for 2nd section and Trittico for 3rd section are 2 examples of pieces, in my opinion, above the level of the section. There will always be a difference between the top and bottom bands in any given section and they will usually complain that the piece is too easy or too hard...
Exactly. After I'd written my previous post I thought of a more succinct way of saying it - "horses for courses" or probably more accurately "courses for horses".
In other words you wouldn't enter a novice hurdler into the Grand National, so why force bands into playing pieces that are well beyond their capablity?
Anno Draconis
29.03.2007, 09:15
I think some bands also think that if they can scrape through a piece technically, then that is a performance and they are now at that level. I'd rather hear any band play an easier piece well and musically than hear them just about manage on a tougher piece. I know bands have to be pushed technically, but not at the expense of musicality.
:clap: What he said ^!!!
wewizrobbed
29.03.2007, 11:22
I'd like to see something like Extreme Makeover or Dove Descending for the championship section. I think the bands might like a Norwegian piece
Igg
Nice choices! Think Riffs and Interludes is a Norwegian piece. Heard Eikager play it in Belfast and it was amazing.
As I have already said in a different thread, heard a rumour at our area contest that the championship section piece is a new work from Mr Gregson, don't know how true that is or it could have just been beer talk.
Horny Dentist
30.03.2007, 08:58
Nice choices! Think Riffs and Interludes is a Norwegian piece. Heard Eikager play it in Belfast and it was amazing.
Think Riffs and Interludes would be a bit too long - heard it in Belfast as well - awesome piece but lasted about 25 minutes!!!!
Lauradoll
30.03.2007, 10:05
The Essence of Time - 2nd section
WHAT?!?!?!?! You are having a laugh, right? This was used at last year's senior trophy and some of the bands in that struggled. You must be having a laugh or really enjoy hearing great pieces being murdered :-)
matthetimp
31.03.2007, 11:31
WHAT?!?!?!?! You are having a laugh, right? This was used at last year's senior trophy and some of the bands in that struggled. You must be having a laugh or really enjoy hearing great pieces being murdered :-)
Yes I was taking the ****. these threads sometimes do become laborious and needs something to talk about and to get a good debate going. (my opinion again)
I'd love London Overture in the 2nd section!!
Possibly to do with the fact our band has played it before and won on it before but still would be a good piece for the section!
Hard but achieveable!
From last year's nationals i think the championship section may get a golden oldie again because it did attract a bigger crowd over the whole day!
Just my 2 pennies worth
Chris
The champoinship test piece is a new commission. Not yet announced
Andy_Euph
31.03.2007, 12:24
Triumphant Rhapsody/Chivalry - 1st section
Feeling Young/Call of the Righteous - 2nd section
Partita (Postcards from home)/Oceans - 3rd section
Celtic Suite/Royal Mile Suite - 4th section
Would be nice to see these works or works like this, enjoyable music more so than technically challenging...but still good tests!
Lauradoll
03.04.2007, 17:10
The champoinship test piece is a new commission. Not yet announced
Ooh who's writing it?
When are the pieces actually announced?
Ooh who's writing it?
When are the pieces actually announced?
Usually the last week of May/beginning of June.
stephenmrry
22.04.2007, 23:47
ok been from Ireland i dont get the whole buzz of the pieces been released but would like to see Oceans for second section. Maybe for 4th section indian summer. Third section really something like music for a festival! First section Year of the Dragon would be good but maybe land of the long white cloud would be better i think gives all bands a good chance. Top section well extreme makeover would great but i hear there is some new commision but maybe for the areas in 2008 now that would be good!
ian perks
23.04.2007, 18:57
just listening to Diversions for Brass band Opus 97 by Derek Bourgeois;this would be a great 1st section Finals piece
SuperMosh
23.04.2007, 21:24
I am one of these sad souls that as long as the test piece can be whistled whilst stuck in the usual morning traffic jam to Nottingham then that piece will do for me.
Last time I went to Nationals (2003), the piece was kensington Concerto by Eric Ball. Stunning test piece, ridiculous but fun bass bit at 17 I think and a tune that could be whistled!
Dont know how these would do, prob in the wrong sections, but I think would be great to play and to listen!
Champ: On Radcliff Highway (Ray Steadman-Allen)
1st: The Land of the Long White Cloud (Philip Sparke)
2nd: At the Edge of Time (Ray Steadman-Allen)
3rd: Trittico (James Curnow)
4th: Dimensions (Peter Graham)
Trittico for 3rd section???? EEEKKK!
chiephonium
23.04.2007, 23:49
Le Roi Dy's - 1st section
The Essence of Time - 2nd section :confused:
Partita for Band - 3rd section
St. Austel Suite - 4th section.
Come on lets have a good contest this year with all the bands in each section having to play excellent to challange for a podium place.
:rolleyes:
we might as well have Paganini for the fourth section regional's next year then ..... that'll sort the men from the boys....!
and maybe something like journey into freedom for the third.....
what a silly post,....
madandcrazytromboneguy
25.04.2007, 04:52
ANYTHING BUT LAUDATE DOMINUM!!!!!!!!!!
1st symphonic music/year of the dragon/dances and arias
2nd james cook circumnavigator/diversions on a bass theme/royal parks
3rd renaissance/vizcaya/dimensions
4th river city suite/royal mile suite/st austell suite
I know some of these maybe too hard or too easy but the 1s which are too hard would make a good challenge and the 1s which are too easy would be played more accurately and correctly (all this is in theory of course lol)
Lauradoll
25.04.2007, 16:59
James Cook for 2nd??!! And Diversions on a Bass Theme?? Dances and Arias for 1st??! Yeah they might be a good challenge but no-one likes hearing pieces being murdered!!!
James Cook for 2nd??!! And Diversions on a Bass Theme?? Dances and Arias for 1st??! Yeah they might be a good challenge but no-one likes hearing pieces being murdered!!!
Spot on Laura! I am looking forward to Harrogate and the challenge it will present, and whilst those are great pieces it would be a poor contest.
My guess is the person who suggested them probably won't be playing at the Finals!
I would have thought Dances and Arias would make a great 1st section piece.
lazybone
25.04.2007, 18:33
Spot on Laura! I am looking forward to Harrogate and the challenge it will present, and whilst those are great pieces it would be a poor contest.
My guess is the person who suggested them probably won't be playing at the Finals!
My guess is that he's a clueless idiot.
Pieces don't magically become any easier just because they've been around awhile and are well known.
My guess is that he's a clueless idiot.
Pieces don't magically become any easier just because they've been around awhile and are well known.
Nice first post. :rolleyes: We'll have less of the name calling, thanks.
madandcrazytromboneguy
25.04.2007, 20:10
1stly, im not a clueless idiot, you don't know me so don't bother with the names, as dyl has already said
2ndly I played DaA with Lindley when it was the champ. piece at pontins, and its said that the finals pieces have to be harder than the pontins pieces so why not let the cream of the crop from the 1st section have a bash at it, coz if these bands get promoted to the champ. section they will come across many pieces that are far harder than DaA!
3rdly I played DoaBT at college and blackpool brass were the band who played it and gave it a flamin good go too, and now I think they are n.w. 1st section
I'm sure I could give reasons for the others aswell but I don't have to explain myself on here, it is an opinions forum after all ;)
My guess is that he's a clueless idiot.
Pieces don't magically become any easier just because they've been around awhile and are well known.
nice of you to provide details of yourself etc... before you start the comments.
Andy_Euph
26.04.2007, 02:56
New Gregson commission for the top section and Year of the Dragon for first section...so I've heard
Danger Mouse
26.04.2007, 09:44
New Gregson commission for the top section and Year of the Dragon for first section...so I've heard
Year of the Dragon would be too good to be true for the 1st Section - I love that piece!!!!
Sorry if the question has already been asked but does anybody know when the pieces will the announced?
mjwarman
26.04.2007, 10:02
Usually the last week of May/beginning of June.
I wish they'd hurry up!!!
Darth_Tuba
26.04.2007, 10:18
New Gregson commission for the top section and Year of the Dragon for first section...so I've heard
I heard the rumour about it being a new Gregson piece. However I heard a slightly more reliable rumour (is there such a thing?) that it's actually a new Sparke piece. Who knows... too much other stuff to do before then to be overly concerned!
barrytone
26.04.2007, 13:03
ANYTHING BUT LAUDATE DOMINUM!!!!!!!!!!
1st symphonic music/year of the dragon/dances and arias
2nd james cook circumnavigator/diversions on a bass theme/royal parks
3rd renaissance/vizcaya/dimensions
4th river city suite/royal mile suite/st austell suite
I know some of these maybe too hard or too easy but the 1s which are too hard would make a good challenge and the 1s which are too easy would be played more accurately and correctly (all this is in theory of course lol)
What's wrong with Laudate Dominium? Great piece of music and what a hymn tune to base a piece on!
First section selection is fair enough; second section, can't agree with any of them, all first section pieces at least, Royal Parks was set for first section in 2002 and was more than a testing piece; third section, dimensions and vizcaya used recently and fair tests but not really for finals; fourth section, Royal Mile Suite was first section test piece at CISWO in late 1990's so can't see how that could be used for fourth and St. Austell Suite was third section qualifying piece in 2002 so can't see it being used again.
All excellent pieces but not certain you've set them for the right sections but nothing wrong with aiming high!
brassneck
26.04.2007, 13:13
Ideally the set test should be noteworthy for about half of the competitors to manage succesfully. The bands that are superior should show improvement over the others with respect to qualities of musicianship. Sort of like an IQ test for brass bands. Considering that, the selectors would have to have an accurate assessment of playing standards for each section. Naturally, the finalists would have a harder test than in the areas. What do you think?
Ideally the set test should be noteworthy for about half of the competitors to manage succesfully. The bands that are superior should show improvement over the others with respect to qualities of musicianship. Sort of like an IQ test for brass bands. Considering that, the selectors would have to have an accurate assessment of playing standards for each section. Naturally, the finalists would have a harder test than in the areas. What do you think?
Agree 100%. The test should be aimed at the higher end of the section. After all you are looking to find the best bands in the respective sections.
We are expecting a challenging piece, and hopefully will get it. But the challenge has to be realistic. And from a personal point of view one with something for the Bb basses to be kept amused with!
madandcrazytromboneguy
27.04.2007, 02:30
Just thought that maybe for the final, each section should have to play a piece which is a touch too hard for "the middle of the road" band within each section, baring in mind that we are supposidly talking about the best bands in each section qualifying for the final, therefore if they are to win it and gain promotion, they have to prove they are good enough to be promoted, so give them a challenge, save the pieces that you will get a number of guarenteed quality performances for the area contests, so that all the bands have a chance of playing it, and the slightly harder selections for the finals, remember that for the lucky bands who do win, they will come across sterner stuff when they go up, so they may aswell prepare for that level of music at the national finals!
brianbrain
27.04.2007, 21:49
:oops: who is the sexy cornets girlfriend . would it be my sister by chance?:biggrin: just listening to Diversions for Brass band Opus 97 by Derek Bourgeois;this would be a great 1st section Finals piece
brassneck
28.04.2007, 01:12
I wouldn't mind seeing a return of Derek Bourgeois' 'The Forest Of Dean' for the first section finals. It was more than a worthy test when it was last aired at the Regionals.
ian perks
29.04.2007, 10:32
:oops: who is the sexy cornets girlfriend . would it be my sister by chance?:biggrin:
How did you guess;)
tindagrae
08.05.2007, 23:29
Have heard from a very reliable source that there are four brand new commissions for champ, 2nd, 3rd and 4th & an established test piece for the 1st.
No piece names were given or composers for that fact but would deffo settle for YotD, James Cook or Variations on a 9th for the 1st.
In any case, we'll all just have to wait till 1st June for Kapitol to release the choices......
Rumours abound of a new Downie piece for top section.
YotD for 1st section? Best of luck bones!!
brassneck
09.05.2007, 10:56
Rumours abound of a new Downie piece for top section.
YotD for 1st section? Best of luck bones!!
- that's interesting ... I heard a rumour about a Downie piece for The Open!
Either way that would be good fun!
iggmeister
09.05.2007, 18:40
I've heard about a new Michael Ball piece for Top Section Nationals. A bit like Whitsun Wakes apparently...
Igg
Darth_Tuba
09.05.2007, 22:22
I've heard about a new Michael Ball piece for Top Section Nationals. A bit like Whitsun Wakes apparently...
Igg
Oh... I'll advise our bass trom he can book a holiday that weekend then! ;)
iggmeister
09.05.2007, 23:51
Well, I heard this second hand but the original source was reliable. I just hope if it does prove correct that it is better than "...All the Flowers of the Mountain...". I recall that that piece was the first of a series of three so it may be part 2. The Whitsun Wakes comparison came from 'the source' who has claimed to have heard the bits that have been written so far! I seem to remember a bass trom cadenza in "...All the Flowers of the Mountain..."
Igg
Oh... I'll advise our bass trom he can book a holiday that weekend then! ;)
A Bass trombone holiday to go along with Alderley Edge. Great........
Without wishing to judge the composers skills or merits, none of his previous works have set the world alight for me, despite glorious memories of running around Blackpool with a whacking great Shield after Whitsun Wakes.
Darth_Tuba
10.05.2007, 09:10
Yes it did. And I remember complaints coming from my left on that piece too... you just can't please some people! :D I wasn't a fan of All the Flowers really. Whitsun Wakes was ok though.
brassintheed
10.05.2007, 09:13
I'd like to see something like Extreme Makeover or Dove Descending for the championship section. I think the bands might like a Norwegian piece but would be very surprised if one of these was picked given the emphasis kapitol seem to be placing on pleasing the audience. I believe they see the stereotypical RAH audience member as preferring something less modern. Its too soon for one of those pieces. I'll gladly be proved wrong if it happens.
Igg
I agree with you Igg, but I will say that if the audience don't like Extreme Makeover, then it's about time we got a new audience in! This is a real audience pleaser in my view. Beautiful melody, fantastic technical aspects, really interesting musical effects, and a magnificant triumphant close. It's a beast of a piece in every way and we should really be embracing new stuff like this. Although I think the bands will need to take spare lips on stage along with their bottles!!
Ask who selects the pieces for the National and what pieces were selected for their local grading league contest 2006. I answer this and James Cook is is strong possibility for the 1st Section.
alangiff3
19.05.2007, 19:46
The test-pieces for the 2007 Finals (all sections) will be announced on http://www.kapitol.co.uk/ (Kapitol Promotions Website) at 9:00am on Friday June 1st 2007. According to the Kapitol Promotions website.
brassneck
19.05.2007, 21:15
- that's interesting ... I heard a rumour about a Downie piece for The Open!
- and confirmed ... ;)
"Visions of Gerontius" by Kenneth Downie is based on the hymn tune of the same name written by John Bacchus Dykes (1823 - 1876) who was an anglican clergyman and prolific hymn writer.
http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=5663
Bass Man
28.05.2007, 11:15
Have heard a rumour though it may be 'Year of the Dragon' for First Section.
I heard that it might be Year of the Dragon also. Not sure how many agree with me but I think that would be a tremendous choice for the 1st Section.
If not that I would love Dances and Arias!
tindagrae
28.05.2007, 19:06
I heard that it might be Year of the Dragon also. Not sure how many agree with me but I think that would be a tremendous choice for the 1st Section.
You'll be having a crack at the trombone part then will ya?!! Will get the Dragon out on Wednesday night for you to have a go at on yer double b :clap:
SuperMosh
28.05.2007, 20:02
You'll be having a crack at the trombone part then will ya?!! Will get the Dragon out on Wednesday night for you to have a go at on yer double b :clap:
He's a bass player. He'll be fine.
Year of The Dragon would be a stonker.
sunny_jimbob
29.05.2007, 09:16
You'll be having a crack at the trombone part then will ya?!!
I attempted that once. I nearly died. S'not healthy.
tindagrae
30.05.2007, 15:35
I attempted that once. I nearly died. S'not healthy.
If it's owt like your potting skills (pool, not plants) then I'm not suprised mate! Congrats on the fab result at the Trophy, hope you didn't have too good a celebration without me!;)
Bass Man
30.05.2007, 18:24
I heard that it might be Year of the Dragon also. Not sure how many agree with me but I think that would be a tremendous choice for the 1st Section.
You'll be having a crack at the trombone part then will ya?!! Will get the Dragon out on Wednesday night for you to have a go at on yer double b :clap:
You should know I'm up for a crack at anything mate; Bring on the Dragon! Shame I'm at work tonight but I'll take you up on your challenge on Sunday night if you fancy!
Bass Man
30.05.2007, 18:27
Year of The Dragon would be a stonker.
Glad you agree with me Mosh
SuperMosh
30.05.2007, 19:53
Glad you agree with me Mosh
I like you. Will you be my friend?
Piece announced on Friday........
Bass Man
30.05.2007, 20:12
I like you. Will you be my friend?
Piece announced on Friday........
Of course I'll be your friend!
I can't wait for friday morning. I start work at 9am. The first thing I do will be to log onto Kapitols website and see what the piece is!
SuperMosh
30.05.2007, 20:25
Of course I'll be your friend!
I can't wait for friday morning. I start work at 9am. The first thing I do will be to log onto Kapitols website and see what the piece is!
And we'll be roomies at Harrogate, stay up late, drink beer, tell ghost stories and in the morning, I'm making waffles.
I am likely to be illl on Friday as despite the advice of my doc, I went to band with this chest infection last night and consequentially am struggling to breathe today. Therefore, I will be sat waiting for the announcement, patiently hitting the old refresh button.
Bass Man
30.05.2007, 20:59
And we'll be roomies at Harrogate, stay up late, drink beer, tell ghost stories and in the morning, I'm making waffles.
Sounds like a plan!
Alan Fernie
30.05.2007, 23:52
I attempted that once. I nearly died. S'not healthy.
Ok, it's high, but it "sits" right on the instrument, and it's not really that hard - try "Elaine" from Tintagel (Denis Wright) 3rd section area 1997 (I think) - that's really hard!!
Les Wood
31.05.2007, 09:44
Mr Fernie is being a bit modest here - he played that solo with Kirkintilloch at the Europeans in 1986 (good God, that long ago?!) and made an absolutely brilliant job of it: I've got a recording of it - a really sweet assured sound on what is a pretty tough solo (no matter what he says!)
Les Wood
Kirkintilloch Band
As the National Finals pieces have now been announced and this thread has been about preferences and speculation, please see the "National Finals Test Pieces Announced (http://www.themouthpiece.com/vb/showthread.php?t=28469)" thread for further discussion on the pieces.
This thread locked to save on duplication of topic and posts. ;)
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