View Full Version : Pieces due for a comeback
Just wondered if anyone thinks can think of some pieces that we all used to play but don't anymore that should make a comeback?
Mine?
Girl with the Flaxen Hair.
Fantastic!
TheMusicMan
20.01.2003, 16:29
Col - My list of "Bring em back's"....
Concert Item: Jubilee Overture (Sparke)
Overture: ...how about the cracking overture... "Die Felsenmhulle" not sure of the spelling but is't also know as 'Mill on the Cliff' - fabulous overture.
Test Piece: ... and my fav test piece of all time... Vinter's Spectrum
Solo Item: Ct=Zelda, Euph - Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair
John
You're not a drummer are you? ;-)
dave jake
20.01.2003, 18:14
Nabuscon er Nabuscondonser or something like that, usually known as Nabusco it s ace 8) 8)
satchmo shaz
20.01.2003, 18:22
what about light cavelry or magic flute, or we did our own arrangement of hawaii 5 0, but I've put it back in the library now! hootenanny always goes down well despite it being a bit old hat and corny. 12th st rag deserves an airing every now and then. oohh I could go on and on !! the list is endless :)
sparkling_quavers
20.01.2003, 18:56
Hootenanny! ;)
noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
:shock: :shock:
Nabuscon er Nabuscondonser or something like that, usually known as Nabusco it s ace 8) 8)
Ah, Nabucodonosor. Love that one too....
This probably will end up merging with the "Cheesy Music" thread, but I'd like to see back in the concert programme:
Amparito Roca
Way Out West
Life on Mars
And in the contest department... Scheherazade.
Amparito Roca takes me back to my early days of banding with Hadstock Village Silver Band on the Cambs/Essex border. All those village fetes!
Other music from that era due a re-run must surely include
Bouquet de Paris
All those musical selections! My Fair Lady et al
Spread a little Happiness
Enough nostalgia - I have to get to band!
All the best
Owen
Hootenanny! ;)
noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
:shock: :shock:
You did see the :wink: didn't you?
sparkling_quavers
20.01.2003, 22:35
Yeah well, I have to admit Hootenanny was fun at the time!
Amparito Roca...another :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:
We had a summer of playing that first at every concert when I was a kid. I used to hate it coz I split the G's every time! One time I played the loudest and nicest top-C I have ever played in my life (yes definately the best as they still sound **** now!) at the beginning of the piece :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops:
The pieces I would like to see back (occassionally that is) are Amazing Grace, Cornet Carillion and Rhapsody in Brass. For a Test Piece it has to be Suite Gothique :D
We've recently dusted the cobwebs off Scheherazade and Suite Gothique for a couple of run-throughs in rehearsals - both excellent pieces. The last movement of Suite Gothic is total class imo.
sparkling_quavers
20.01.2003, 23:50
yeah...i really like the 2nd mvt as well...infact the whole piece is nice :D Another test piece which was really nice but has probably been put in the closet is Narina Suite. It was used in the 3rd section regionals 3/4 years ago and it was just complete class!
8) 8) 8)
Narnia suite? Was that actually based on C S Lewis's books?
Singapore Northern Lass
21.01.2003, 01:46
:? 'Amparito Roca?' I remember that as
'On The Beach At Roker!!!!!'
:wink: :wink: :twisted:
LU-Brasser
21.01.2003, 08:45
... "Die Felsenmhulle" not sure of the spelling but is't also know as 'Mill on the Cliff' - fabulous overture.
It is written "Die Felsenmühle"
How's about dusting off a few yellowing copies of the odd Rimmer piece. How's about "Caliph of Baghdad" - kinda topical...
Or Autumn Leaves? er, not Rimmer but I like it 8)
4BarsRest give their opinion on test-pieces due for a revival here (http://www.4barsrest.com/articles/art298.asp)
Caliph is cool - remember that back row cornet part:
dugger dug dug dug dug dug
Lush!!
hornblower
21.01.2003, 11:41
we have been doing the caliph, and I think it is great after the horn solo is seen to...I wasn't very good at it!!!
:oops:
Doesn't Howard Snell look a bit like a certain Man U goalkeeper:
http://www.4barsrest.com/gallery/140/snell_howard.jpg
Sorry to disappear off topic - just checked out the 4BarsRest site and there he was!
davidsait
21.01.2003, 13:05
Narnia suite? Was that actually based on C S Lewis's books?
It was based on the music from the film of the books by C S Lewis. And yes it was class, because we won that particular contest!
Dave Sait
sparkling_quavers
21.01.2003, 17:12
Narnia suite? Was that actually based on C S Lewis's books?
It was based on the music from the film of the books by C S Lewis. And yes it was class, because we won that particular contest!
Dave Sait
The first movement is really beautiful...
Straightmute
21.01.2003, 17:29
Doesn't Howard Snell look a bit like a certain Man U goalkeeper:
http://www.4barsrest.com/gallery/140/snell_howard.jpg
Sorry to disappear off topic - just checked out the 4BarsRest site and there he was!
But check out our members page on the Harrogate website and you'll see that in his spare time he plays BBb bass, using the alias Eddie F. Scary.
I'd love to say that we had Ruud van Nistelroy on the front row but it just isn't true.
D
www.harrogateband.org
Maybe we should make ANOTHER thread about Brass Band lookalikes...
I've got a pic somewhere with ALL the Registration card pictures of my old band... what's it worth to post? :D
cornetgirl
21.01.2003, 20:47
.
I'd love to say that we had Ruud van Nistelroy on the front row but it just isn't true.
D
www.harrogateband.org
No offence Mr MD but would we WANT Van Nistelroy on the front row????
We're mad enough as it is without anyone else to add to the levels of insanity (why do you think I'm having a vacation for Rochdale!!!!)
R
Now Now I think Howard look more like Bloefeld from the You Only Live Twice.
McEuphie
22.01.2003, 13:50
OK is there anybody who hasn't played Amp Roc?
We play it regularly to finish our summer concerts - we're not organised enough to set programmes so the band knows we're finished when this gets played.
yorkie19
22.01.2003, 13:57
I'd like to play 'The Best of the Seekers' - not!
I can remember playing Dirty Donkey (Die Felsenmuhle) when I started banding about 20 years ago. Bring it back, I say.
I'd also like to see Journey into Freedom back in the pads.
Sam
Journey Into Freedom is our next test piece - Durham League on 2nd Feb.
Fantastic music.
Roger Thorne
22.01.2003, 15:03
Journey Into Freedom - Fantastic Music.
BBb: 4 bars before 15 - make sure you play the quaver rhythm correctly. It is usually (but wrongly) played as a triplet! :wink:
Another great piece that deserves more time is Vaughan Williams' Variations for Brass Band.
Hows about....Beatrice and Benedict..(Berlioz/Wilkinson) California Legend...(Broughton) Fusions..(Blake) Galaxies..(Davis) Oceans..(Richards) Rococo Variations..(Street) Scheherazade Suite (Ord Hume arr) 40minutes long if you play all four scores.. Symphonic Music..(Huber) Waverley Overture..(Berlioz/Snell) Wuthering Heights..(Raynor) Now those are class pieces !!!!!!!
midwalesman
22.01.2003, 19:39
I'd like to see Pagannini and Devil and the Deep Blue Sea or perhaps, Finale from Shostakovich 5 or Tchaikovsky 5 or Instant concert!!
At YWDB (http://www.ywdband.com) we recently played Oceans by Goff Richards and won (can't remember when, coz we've played it about 3 times alltogther!), so in our band - it wasn't a revival, but an eye-opener, did you know that ALL 7 oceans are in there (spoke to Mr. Richards @ the SCABA Composers and Arrangers workshop!!!)
;)
Caliph is cool - remember that back row cornet part:
dugger dug dug dug dug dug
Lush!!
BTW BIGCOL, you can a url thing in your profile so ........
www.gatesheadbrass.co.uk would look like
Gates Head Brass! (http://www.gatesheadbrass.co.uk)
;)
Straightmute
23.01.2003, 03:26
One piece I remember enjoying as a kid was Samum - a symphonic foxtrot (?) by Carl Robrecht. Does anyone still play it? Would love to hear it again.
D
Wonky_Baton
23.01.2003, 14:00
One piece I remember enjoying as a kid was Samum - a symphonic foxtrot (?) by Carl Robrecht. Does anyone still play it? Would love to hear it again.
I loved this piece too and played it loads of times in the 70's, also as a kid, with Hetton band. When I took over at Dunston, I found it in the library and couldn't wait to try it. However it sounded horrendous, especially that bit in 26 sharps. The band hated it and I had to put it back in the cupboard never to see light of day again. :cry:
Players maybe need to be of a certain age to enjoy it. :roll:
We have recently been playing Samum. The band liked it.
Personally I would like to see 'Academic Festival Overture' used more often - I heard it recently played by Black Dyke, and it was a cracking piece.
I have looked at the 4barsrest pieces for revival, and one piece I would disagree shoul dbe bought back is Vinter's 'John 'o' Gaunt' - I do not like this piece!
Simon.
Roger Thorne
23.01.2003, 14:12
One piece I remember enjoying as a kid was Samum - a symphonic foxtrot (?) by Carl Robrecht. Does anyone still play it? Would love to hear it again.
D
What's a symphonic foxtrot?
I remember playing this one many years ago, but I haven't heard it played since. Has it ever been recorded?
Roger,
I have a recording of this piece from Malcolm Westbrook (a recording from a good few years back). It was recorded recently by Black Dyke on their 'Essential Dyke 2' album (about 5 years ago I think).
As for what a Symphonic Foxtrot is . . . . I haven't the foggiest!
Simon.
Straightmute
23.01.2003, 15:03
Thanks - will look up the Dyke recording.
I can only guess that the composer was trying to be part of the movement in the 20s and 30's which attempted to integrate popular music with symphonic stlyes: Rhapsody in Blue, the music of Les Six, Hindemith's and Shostakovich's jazz-inspired pieces etc. all seemed to point towards an attempt to make the new dance forms converge with the world of 'serious' music. Maybe Mr. Robrecht was trying to get in on the action.
So what else did he write...?
D
I have just checked on Amazon.co.uk - and they have the 'Essential Dyke2' album - and you can even download a bit of Samum to listen to if you like!
The album is £11.99 - Which to be quite honest is a bit steep - It is a OK album, but I can think of plenty better at this price! (NB I got this album from 4bars rest for £2.50 on cassette - I have checked but they don't appear to have it any longer. (It was part of 10 cassettes for £25 - which they still do, but this title doesn't appear on the list any more).
As for what else Robrecht wrote, I have never heard of him before, or since.
Simon.
sparkling_quavers
24.01.2003, 01:01
though of another... jamie's patrol 8)
though of another... jamie's patrol 8)
You're being ironig right? :shock:
How about "mauriana" by Butterworth. Brilliant to play as long as your maths was upto it. Nightmare for conductors I would guess!!
How about "mauriana" !!
Well if your'e passing it around I'm sure we won't say no - but how do you manage to still read your music.... No wonder your conductor has nightmares.
WhatSharp?
28.01.2003, 14:32
At YWDB (http://www.ywdband.com) we recently played Oceans by Goff Richards and won (can't remember when, coz we've played it about 3 times alltogther!), so in our band - it wasn't a revival, but an eye-opener, did you know that ALL 7 oceans are in there (spoke to Mr. Richards @ the SCABA Composers and Arrangers workshop!!!)
;)
It was Hove last year (jeez these yongesters minds like... err.... those thingumajigs with lots of holes in em... Tea Bags.. Thats It!... I think :( )
:D
Roccoco Variations was used as a second section test peice a few years ago in the areas...
billbrass
09.02.2003, 22:43
:D when I was a boy just learning 4th sec band the test piece was
"THE GOLDEN AGE" I can hear everyone saying how old is this guy but it is a piece that always sticks in my mind, cadenza's for the corner men looked easy to play until you tried anyone know of the Golden Age being recorded I think they had recordings in those days!!! another of my old favs is "Morning Noon Night"
brilliant music to both play and listen to.
billbrass
I can't belive nobody has mentioned either Resurgam or Sounds.
Straightmute
10.02.2003, 00:42
I can't belive nobody has mentioned either Resurgam or Sounds.
I think that in in order to make a comeback, first they have to go away! Both great pieces and fortunately neither seem likely to fall into neglect.
D
Simpson - Looks like you got your wish, I believe that Resurgam is to be used this year at Pontins for the First Section.
Hopefully there will be some cracking performances of this great work!
Unfortunatley Simon I don't play in the first section but I'm Looking forward to hearing it though. I do play Trombone though Allegedly !
Pondasher
10.02.2003, 17:38
What about Carnival Romaine?
Now that is a beautiful piece, for either a contest or a concert.
Do you remember the beautiful Euphonium playing in it by Trevor Groom on the GUS LP?
KEITH@quinnk37.freeserve.co.uk
www.euph9.freeserve.co.uk/quinn.htm
Hornblower RN
10.02.2003, 19:03
How about Liedzen's Sinfonietta........Variations on a Ninth.......Fantasy for Brass Band. Whatever happened to Seascapes and Odin after they were used in the RAH in the '80s? :lol:
Mrs Fruity
10.02.2003, 21:57
What a coincidence, Hornblower RN! My husband had just said I should suggest Odin, then we read your message! And Mr Quinn, Trevor Groom is a sainted name in our household, as you know, third only to Saint Derek of Jackson and the wonderful Mr Whitham!(Can you tell who it is yet???)
PS My personal favourite in the test pieces due for a revival is Cloudcatcher Fells, although wasn't it used at the Masters a while back? :?
Does anyone remeber the piece 'The Beacons' by Ray Steadman-Allen, it was used as the top section area test piece c1990. I think it was also played at the British Bandsman's Centenary Concert.
I have never heard of it being used since? Does anyone recall this piece (I seem to remember that it was quite good!)
I remember Beacons - I also recall that it got a massive cheer on the British Bandsman Concert recording. Fairly sure I still have the cassette somewhere around, so will have to look it out. I agree though, I remember it being quite a good piece.
Picking up on the theme of First Section test pieces (Resurgam, Maoriana et al), I still recall my first ever contest in the 1st section in the early 90s on The Forest of Dean, based on a theme by Howells (can't remember who was responsible for the whole work). I don't think I have heard it played since then. Come to think of it, I haven't heard Maoriana since it got used at the areas either!
Straightmute
11.02.2003, 11:28
I still recall my first ever contest in the 1st section in the early 90s on The Forest of Dean, based on a theme by Howells (can't remember who was responsible for the whole work). I don't think I have heard it played since then.
Forest of Dean is from the pen of Derek Bourgois. I've heard it a couple of times since then but agree it should be played more often.
Cheers
D
Hornblower RN
11.02.2003, 12:23
Forest of Dean was the set test piece for 1st section in Treorci last November..we came last LOL. :wink: However with Resurgam as own choice in Ammanford in September we had 1st prize :roll:
Forest of Dean was the set test piece for 1st section in Treorci last November..we came last LOL. :wink: However with Resurgam as own choice in Ammanford in September we had 1st prize :roll:
Hiya mate.
I've just about worked out which end of the trom to blow!!
See you in band tonight.
Sel
I remember 'Forest of Dean' well - I liked it, however that might have something to do with the fact that we came second on it, and qualified for London!
I also remember 'Maoriana' which I seem to recall not liking one bit! - however that might be because we came last on this piece!! I am very fickle in my criteria for liking a piece!
There seems to be a few works that get used for regional contests that then seem to disappear! There was a Michael Ball piece also used as the top section area piece - it was either 'Hammer of the North' or 'Frontier' - My memory fails as to which it was!
Mrs Fruity
11.02.2003, 22:26
That piece was Frontier - I remember thinking it was interesting but quite strange - obviously I hadn't heard Harrison's Dream or Praaaaaague then!
Mrs Fruity
11.02.2003, 22:36
That piece was Frontier - I remember thinking it was interesting but quite strange - obviously I hadn't heard Harrison's Dream or Praaaaaague then!
Mrs Fruity
11.02.2003, 22:39
Help! Why do my posts keep submitting twice??? Sorry to keep repeating myself!
Are you pressing submit twice??
Once you've pressed it you have to wait a bit for the message to be entered and submit comes up again, but you don't need to press it again.
Hope this makes sense!!
midwalesman
25.02.2003, 14:11
I think its about time that Devil and the deep blue sea returns. Also Ragtimes and Haberneras ( badly spelt ) by Hans Werner Henze, all of Robert simpsons works, Contest Music ( Heaton ), Leonardo ( Wilby ) , Isiah 40 ( Redhead ).
Richard Jones
Brighouse and Rastrick
BoozyBTrom
26.02.2003, 21:36
Ohhh what peices would i like to see back!!! I will have to limit myself to a short list as I would be here all night.
Rienzi ( If thats the correct spelling)
Life Divine
Benvenuto Cellini
Zampa
Macarthur Park ( Catheralls Arrangement of course)
OOHH and finally St Micheals Mount ( sentimental reasons for that. We won at london on it ahh those were the days)
:P :P :P
nickjones
08.06.2004, 10:42
Intoduction and Allegro on a bass by Max Reger -Robert Simpson. never been used as a test , magic music
Energy - Robert Simpson. brilliant test why has it only been used at the 1990 Open and the 1991 Nationals?
Odin - due for a resurgance?
Seascapes - only one use at the 1988 Nationals
Forest of Dean - used at the 1993 area ( 1section ) and only used at the Championchip section at the Mineworkers at Blackpool a few years ago.
Isnt it sad with all this good music that bands have to be force fed the overtures and arrangements over and over again , just shows lack of respect to the conductors and bands by the competition organisers.
In my own opinion , Les Preludes , Roman Carnival , Benvenuto Cellini are good pieces for a concerts.
Humphrey
08.06.2004, 12:12
Does anybody remember Shakespearean Rhapsody? I think it was by Reginald Heath and I remember it had a nice Euph solo in it. Pieces due for a comeback: Anything by Gilbert Vinter!
nickjones
08.06.2004, 12:23
Symphony of Marches......brilliant piece..
Try the Arcadians, Blenhiem Flourishes, The Corsair, the bronze horse and the three tromboneers for yellow copies. AS for more recent material I would like to see Phillip Sparkes Partita pop up again. That and Midsummers Music which brings back fond memories of winning Harrogate in 1998.
Confused Cornet Player
09.06.2004, 04:50
At a concert the band i'm in did last Sunday we pulled out a few oldies that proved to be hits...
- Beaufighters (Concert March) i reckon this is an awesome piece
- Serenade (Bourgeois) another great piece i reckon...
We've also played other oldies in practice recently such as 'Light Cavalry' and 'Nebuccadonosor' and these seem really good pieces..and very effective ones for training tha band to player better technically...
what do other tMPers think of these pieces..and their value as aids in improving a band as a whole...?
PeterBale
09.06.2004, 08:19
Try the Arcadians, Blenhiem Flourishes, The Corsair, the bronze horse and the three tromboneers for yellow copies.
"The Arcadians" was on the first bandstand programme I played with Coventry Festival Band, the Sunday after my first practice with them :wink:
Good music and well worth reviving to bring a bit of variety to a programme.
Here's a few more to add to the pot :
The Beacons - played it in the 1990 areas i think
Seascapes - Great piece
Henry V - if you have a 3rd section band with a good powerful sound then give this a run through- the slow section is beautiful AND it doesn't sound like a lower section piece like so many do nowadays :o
Garry Lannie
09.06.2004, 11:01
8)
what about variations on a theme by haydn composed by Brahms arr by Nash used a quite a few years ago as top section regional piece i remember this as a great piece with some wonderful music and great sounds for us brass bander's i thinks it was also used as a second section finals piece (before the introduction of the 1st section)
and another favorite of mine has to be triumphant Rhapsody by Gilbert Vinter bring em back !!!!
Ok, how about these...........
Sousarama- Siebert
Scottish Rhapsody- Fernie
Shipbuilders- Yorke
Anyone seen any of these recently? If only there were more on here from littleborough they could say "yes Matt, we have, because you got them out last week"!!
I think it must be time for 'Tancredi' to make a come back.
Spent many a summer with that on the concert programme in my early banding days.
:shock:
Andy_Euph
09.06.2004, 23:30
I heard and saw Prometheus Unbound, for the first time the other week. What a fantastic piece, wouldn't mind playing it out.
I also like Glemedene and Bramwyn, different march to the type normally played.
I've fairly recently changed bands and found it refreshing to see both Arcadians and Tancredi in the summer pad, also Doyen and Trailblaze which I havn't played for some time. No sign of Hootenanny as yet! having played it continuously during the past 28 years I think I'm due a break. :D
I've fairly recently changed bands and found it refreshing to see both Arcadians and Tancredi in the summer pad, also Doyen and Trailblaze which I havn't played for some time. No sign of Hootenanny as yet! having played it continuously during the past 28 years I think I'm due a break. :D
Doyen and Trailblaze are ace, as well as Golden Lady!
Don't like Hootenanny but Instant concert is still appealing to audiences!
Australian Euphonium
14.06.2004, 04:37
Beaufighters - Maurice Johnstone, especially at C
tubafran
14.06.2004, 12:53
At a concert last Saturday we threw in Choral & Rock Out and Hootenany. Both have been in the library for years and were due for re-consideration in our concert programmes.
We had no rehearsal on Hootenany so the reps got a nice surprise for the Chicken Reel part. Both went down and storm and got the best applause of the night. Don't mind Choral & RockOut but I've played Hootenany too many times in the past and don't think there's much we can do with it; perhaps it will have to return to the library for another 5 years.
Pythagoras
14.06.2004, 13:19
At a concert last Saturday we threw in Choral & Rock Out and Hootenany. Both have been in the library for years and were due for re-consideration in our concert programmes.
We had no rehearsal on Hootenany so the reps got a nice surprise for the Chicken Reel part. Both went down and storm and got the best applause of the night. Don't mind Choral & RockOut but I've played Hootenany too many times in the past and don't think there's much we can do with it; perhaps it will have to return to the library for another 5 years.
Was the first time I'd played Hootenany. Didn't like it :P
nickjones
14.06.2004, 14:30
I think that Hootanany is rubbish , same for instant concert and Instant Christmas....I am sure we can find something else from the archives that is good for audiences to listen too.....audiences need a reminder that we have clever original and arranged works that are much better than that rubbish...rant over
Australian Euphonium
15.06.2004, 09:15
I think that Hootanany is rubbish , same for instant concert and Instant Christmas....I am sure we can find something else from the archives that is good for audiences to listen too.....audiences need a reminder that we have clever original and arranged works that are much better than that rubbish...rant over
I think any band or MD who pulls out hootenany in this day and age needs a kick up the **** and their baton stolen. - Congrats on reminding everyone how fantastically cliche'd we are!
nickjones
09.11.2004, 12:23
Theme and Cooperation - Joseph Horovitz last used 1994 Nationals
English Heritage - George Lloyd 1991 Mineworkers / 1993 Masters
Seascapes - RSA 1988 Nationals not used since
when are we going to see these test pieces used again?
brassneck
09.11.2004, 12:44
You can maybe add Red Earth (Roland Wiltgen), The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea (Derek Bourgeois), Isaiah 40 (Robert Redhead), Volcano (Robert Simpson), Seid (Torstein Aagard-Nilsen) and Elgar Howarth is surely due a comeback? (Songs For B.L., Hymns At Heaven's Gate etc.). But then again, given the negativity towards forward-thinking original works more likely to be Life Divine (Cyril Jenkins), High Peak (Eric Ball), or maybe a revival of Gilbert Vinter (John O'Gaunt, Symphony Of Marches, James Cook etc.).
johnflugel
09.11.2004, 13:08
A few of mine have been mentioned already but:
English Heritage
Volcano
Odin
Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
High Peak (this has really grown on me since hearing it for the first time last year)
I had 'Seid' on in the car the other day. YBS took the Euros on the strength of beating Dyke on this when it was the set work in 1996. Really interesting music and a cracking recording if anyone fancies getting hold of a copy from somewhere. It's on the European 1996 CD of that year and the 'Kings of Europe' disc I think.
In terms of SA banding, there are one or two pieces that merit another airing either on 'big' programmes or recordings.
Thy King Cometh - Leslie Condon work that I think I have mentioned before. Remember hearing a vinyl recording from the 1978 congress with the NYSB playing it and it has stayed with me since. Perhaps not in the same bracket as 'The Present Age', 'Festivity' and 'Song of the Eternal' but definately worth a listen.
I like Eric Ball's 'Old Wells' too - that is a real class piece of writing. Not difficult at all but so well written. Thomas Rives Sypmhonic Variations 'I Know a Fount' was recorded by Hendon a few years ago I think. Would love to hear that given the YBS Essays 'treatment'. Thought their recording of 'Pilgrim Song' by the same composers on No 3 was a great listen.
nickjones
09.11.2004, 13:20
I had 'Seid' on in the car the other day. YBS took the Euros on the strength of beating Dyke on this when it was the set work in 1996. Really interesting music and a cracking recording if anyone fancies getting hold of a copy from somewhere. It's on the European 1996 CD of that year and the 'Kings of Europe' disc I think.
It's a great piece "Seid", YBS winning off two number one draws too.. I dont think it will ever be used in a competition again. Burlesque - Rob Goorhuis which was the set Euro test in 1997 will suffer the same fate which is shame.
I think "Of Men and Mountains" should be used as a set work in at least one of the major competitions.
nickjones
09.11.2004, 13:26
Good to see " the Four Temprements" or at least 3 movs used at the Danish Nationals...
Introduction and Allegro on a theme by Max Reger would be a brilliant test. or any Robert Simpson works...
brassneck
09.11.2004, 13:32
For lower sections, wouldn't mind seeing Sinfonietta (Thomas Wilson) and Concert Overture (Vilem Tausky) back in the frame, but unlikely!
Straightmute
09.11.2004, 16:13
For lower sections, wouldn't mind seeing Sinfonietta (Thomas Wilson) and Concert Overture (Vilem Tausky) back in the frame, but unlikely!
The Thomas Wilson piece is fantastic but contains so many mistakes and discrepancies between score and parts that it is virtually unplayable. I made a sort of 'performing edition' (ie corrected all the errors!) when Harrogate played it five years ago - I mentioned this to Geoffrey Brand when he owned the R Smith catalogue but he didn't seem particularly interested. I wonder if the new owners of the catalogue might be interested in putting this right?
D
Dave Payn
09.11.2004, 21:28
I think any band or MD who pulls out hootenany in this day and age needs a kick up the **** and their baton stolen. - Congrats on reminding everyone how fantastically cliche'd we are!
This has got me thinking. Purely for 'cheese' factor considerations, I wonder how well a CD of the following would sell:
(In no particular track order)
Hootenanny
Instant Concert
Trumpets Wild (or Bright Eyes)
Floral Dance
Clog Dance
Cavatina
Mellow Mood
The Best of the Seekers
Young Amadeus
Frolic for Trombones (or Trombones to the Fore)
Forty Fathoms (or Tuba Smarties)
To a Wild Rose
Lincolnshire Poacher
Sweet Gingerbread Man
After the WoB/tMP compilation ideas, how about starting a CD list entitled Cheese 'Grates' or somesuch. Ideas, please?
DISCLAIMER
I am not necessarily mocking the above works! It's simply that they have formed a lot of the 'bread and butter' lower section bandstand gigs' repertoire over the years on the basis, I guess, that they save SOME rehearsal time! :-)
This has got me thinking. Purely for 'cheese' factor considerations, I wonder how well a CD of the following would sell:
(In no particular track order)
Hootenanny
Instant Concert
Trumpets Wild (or Bright Eyes)
Floral Dance
Clog Dance
Cavatina
Mellow Mood
The Best of the Seekers
Young Amadeus
Frolic for Trombones (or Trombones to the Fore)
Forty Fathoms (or Tuba Smarties)
To a Wild Rose
Lincolnshire Poacher
Sweet Gingerbread Man
After the WoB/tMP compilation ideas, how about starting a CD list entitled Cheese 'Grates' or somesuch. Ideas, please?
DISCLAIMER
I am not necessarily mocking the above works! It's simply that they have formed a lot of the 'bread and butter' lower section bandstand gigs' repertoire over the years on the basis, I guess, that they save SOME rehearsal time! :-)Not that they save some rehearsal time, but because it's what the punters want! Our audiences love hearing cheese, and, be honest, we love playing it too. :p When we ask for requests then its pieces like the above and "The Best of Abba" etc that people want to hear. The "proper" music needs a different kind of audience, one which I don't believe the brass band world has found yet.
Dave Payn
09.11.2004, 22:31
Not that they save some rehearsal time, but because it's what the punters want! Our audiences love hearing cheese, and, be honest, we love playing it too. :p When we ask for requests then its pieces like the above and "The Best of Abba" etc that people want to hear. The "proper" music needs a different kind of audience, one which I don't believe the brass band world has found yet.
Up to a point, I agree with you, BUT... if that's truly what the 'punters' want, why has no recording company seen fit to release a recording of those tracks I mentioned on one CD, at least on a regular basis? My own (purely personal) view is that maybe the punters liked that sort of thing a few years back, but a lot of the above, even in bandstand terms, is a wee bit past its sell by date. (I make this judgement based on audience reaction in recent years!)AGAIN, I re-iterate, I'm not mocking the individual pieces but do we not underestimate the bandstand audiences to a degree these days? I'm not for one minute suggesting that we should feed them a diet of serious brass band original works, but with arrangers coming to the fore of the calibre of Andy Duncan, Mark Freeh, etc. (not to mention the plethora of arrangers and composers who frequent these boards like Timbone, Straightmute, HBB, GJG, MRSH etc.) and the adaptability of the likes of Philip Sparke to arrange more ambitious easy listening/light classics/big band etc. isn't it time to, by and large, put the 'old warhorses' to bed?
Up to a point, I agree with you, BUT... if that's truly what the 'punters' want, why has no recording company seen fit to release a recording of those tracks I mentioned on one CD, at least on a regular basis? My own (purely personal) view is that maybe the punters liked that sort of thing a few years back, but a lot of the above, even in bandstand terms, is a wee bit past its sell by date. (I make this judgement based on audience reaction in recent years!)AGAIN, I re-iterate, I'm not mocking the individual pieces but do we not underestimate the bandstand audiences to a degree these days? I'm not for one minute suggesting that we should feed them a diet of serious brass band original works, but with arrangers coming to the fore of the calibre of Andy Duncan, Mark Freeh, etc. (not to mention the plethora of arrangers and composers who frequent these boards like Timbone, Straightmute, HBB, GJG, MRSH etc.) and the adaptability of the likes of Philip Sparke to arrange more ambitious easy listening/light classics/big band etc. isn't it time to, by and large, put the 'old warhorses' to bed?
These kind of tracks, if they were recorded, would not sell
a) Because brass band CDs aren't easily accessable to the public unless they were specifically looking for it (eg online)
b) The banders themselves wouldn't buy it, for obvious reasons.
However our band's own CD, which we sell ourselves at concerts, markets etc, has sold very well and it is "cheesy".
Yes, some of the cheesy music could be updated, I agree, but none of my band's audiences have ever complained about our repitoire. This may be because we are one of only two brass bands in the county, and I believe that we play out to the public far more than the other band. (I may be wrong, this is purely based on the fact that I have never seen them playing out or heard of them doing so.) So, the public really isn't hearing a band very often and haven't heard Hootenanny thousands of times.
There is a great collection of light brass band music about, but I personally feel that it can work better in a concert rather than a bandstand job. For this, we need music that is recognisable, popular, and easy - not only to save rehearsal time but also to keep the pressure off on long days of playing. For this purpose the 'old warhorses' fit the bill.
Dave Payn
09.11.2004, 23:03
These kind of tracks, if they were recorded, would not sell
a) Because brass band CDs aren't easily accessable to the public unless they were specifically looking for it (eg online)
b) The banders themselves wouldn't buy it, for obvious reasons.
However our band's own CD, which we sell ourselves at concerts, markets etc, has sold very well and it is "cheesy".
Yes, some of the cheesy music could be updated, I agree, but none of my band's audiences have ever complained about our repitoire. This may be because we are one of only two brass bands in the county, and I believe that we play out to the public far more than the other band. (I may be wrong, this is purely based on the fact that I have never seen them playing out or heard of them doing so.) So, the public really isn't hearing a band very often and haven't heard Hootenanny thousands of times.
There is a great collection of light brass band music about, but I personally feel that it can work better in a concert rather than a bandstand job. For this, we need music that is recognisable, popular, and easy - not only to save rehearsal time but also to keep the pressure off on long days of playing. For this purpose the 'old warhorses' fit the bill.
We'll have to agree to disagree on this point, Katy, but you put your argument across extremely well (sorry if that sounds patronising. It's certainly not meant to! ;-))
brassneck
09.11.2004, 23:25
Isn't it a simple case of brass bands in this context meeting the public's expectations? If brass bands are going to be associated with dumbed down/up (cheesy) arrangements and various other pieces from a bye-gone era (... Victorian Culture), then Mr. and Mrs. J. Public are going to hear something they expect to hear. The popular artists who hire brass banders over the years tend to get them for the traditions of banding, not for the potential that is there. Only exception I can name is Groundforce, with James Watson employing Dyke to take-over the wind ensemble incidental music he was originally involved in. I have noted in earlier threads that the top flight have virtually returned to a tried and tested traditional format to entertain audiences. I don't think it is a case of what the punter wants. When was the last time a survey was done to ask them? However, I might be wrong!
Dave Payn
09.11.2004, 23:30
Isn't it a simple case of brass bands in this context meeting the public's expectations? If brass bands are going to be associated with dumbed down/up (cheesy) arrangements and various other pieces from a bye-gone era (... Victorian Culture), then Mr. and Mrs. J. Public are going to hear something they expect to hear.
And if you gradually introduce subtle changes in the repertoire, will Mr and Mrs J. Public eventually change their perception of what they want to hear?
brassneck
09.11.2004, 23:58
Personally I feel that it might be too late! Most audiences are of an older generation and are getting smaller as years go by. I don't think many of them would appreciate or understand, for example, a selection of Radiohead's Greatest Hits. Youth bands can still attract numbers as long as their parents are enthusiastic about them. The general (street) music scene is now so fragmented and controlled by media moguls that even artists have little control over the music they perform. Why is it that Warner Bros. are happy to allow film scores to be arranged ? (under contract of course ... spot the $ sign). People just need to buy the DVD to listen the original music. How would the brass band movement sell itself to the youth of today to attract them to a concert hall? Have the demonstrations in schools that used to be quite common now become a rarity? Banding has potential but how do you really get it across to the general public? Would national advertising do the trick? I'm afraid I have more questions than answers. :-?
We'll have to agree to disagree on this point, KatyI agree! ;)
CHORALE AND ROCKOUT.
GET IN,
Doyles
Chris Sanders
11.11.2004, 12:25
Sorry for being such a boc. but I think older pieces like 'Italien in Algiers' and 'Labour and Love' are awesome!!
Doyen and Trailblaze are ace, as well as Golden Lady!
Don't like Hootenanny but Instant concert is still appealing to audiences!Yey - instant concert - especially the de-de de-de de de UGH bit :p
Oh and also Tintagel and Narnia Suite - brill
brassneck
11.11.2004, 13:19
Cambridge Variations (Philip Sparke) , I hope to see making a comeback ... to appease percussionists after next year's Areas (and to give a few band treasurers a headache ... :rolleyes: ... all that percussion!). On Alderly Edge (Peter Graham) seems to have been forgotten recently as well.
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