View Full Version : National Finals 2008 - 1st Section Test Piece : The Saga of Haakon the Good
National Finals 2008
First Section Test Piece
The Saga of Haakon the Good
Philip Sparke
Anglo Music, distributed by De Haske
Masterblaster jnr
04.06.2008, 15:48
Never got that far - I'd have had a nose-bleed. Only 2nd dear boy and not much good at that, hence the career in shed-building.
Presume there's some shed building for us to do in the Sparke piece. (Did you say you've got it on your iPod?)
I'll bring the CD on tonight. I just wonder how enthusiastic the roar in the last movement will be at the first rehearsals?
It's possibly my favourite beginning to a test piece. you don't hear that many which start quietly. Still think it's too easy though for the 1st. It's a very nice piece all round. But then what Sparke piece haven't i said that about.
on the shed subject, there is some in, and that's all i know.
I'll bring the CD on tonight. I just wonder how enthusiastic the roar in the last movement will be at the first rehearsals?
It's possibly my favourite beginning to a test piece. you don't hear that many which start quietly. Still think it's too easy though for the 1st. It's a very nice piece all round. But then what Sparke piece haven't i said that about.
on the shed subject, there is some in, and that's all i know.
Oh dear, with comments like that be prepared for on onslaught of people telling you, its not easy, you need to find the music in it, etc etc
Masterblaster jnr
04.06.2008, 16:10
as i've said, it's a very nice piece of music with chances for lyrical playing in it, but all i'm saying is the only national finals 1st section difficulty parts are the euph feature, tuning in the long note near the start and the percussion at the start of the last bit which is disturbingly similar to the Roman tryptych part.
I will definitely be listening to every band though. It's a very audience friendly piece of music.
Anyone know where you can get hold of a recording of The Shipbuilders on a video of some sort over t'internet?
4barsrest say it was used in a 4th section contest in Norway.
is it really a 1st section test piece??
seems a bit strange picking a lower section piece.
It should be shipbuilders for 1st section and saga for 4th section.:clap:
They've obviously got it the wrong way round
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Ipswich trom
04.06.2008, 21:34
4barsrest say it was used in a 4th section contest in Norway.
is it really a 1st section test piece??
seems a bit strange picking a lower section piece.
It actually says a Norwegian 4th section band used it at an own choice contest but they didn't win with it.
It has been chosen as Dutch 2nd section piece very recently so using that as a guideline you could say it isn't a stern enough test for our 1st section National Finals. However, if you read the comments about the choice on the official release it says that whilst it wont test the flying fingers it will present a musical challenge to bands and musical directors. It is also a very pleasant, tuneful piece and that is fine by me.
Looking forward to a quick run through tomorrow evening!
Nigel Hall
04.06.2008, 22:53
as i've said, it's a very nice piece of music with chances for lyrical playing in it, but all i'm saying is the only national finals 1st section difficulty parts are the euph feature, tuning in the long note near the start and the percussion at the start of the last bit which is disturbingly similar to the Roman tryptych part.
It does say in the press release that the piece is technically well within 1st section bands capabilities, but will they be able to pull off a musical and lyrical performance? Let's face it many top section bands came unstuck at the areas this year because they didn't find the musicality in Eric Ball's music - it's not always about (to quote Alan Hope) "flying fingers".
Let's hope that Mr Sparke is one of the adjudicators then, since if it's going to come down to a matter of 'musicality' and musical interpretation, he's the best placed man to make a judgement. Somehow, I think there will quite a few other technical issues which come into the reckoning, over and above 'flying fingers', such as intonation, balance and rhythm.
jerseylugs
05.06.2008, 08:54
If you have already heard the piece does anyone notice the "passing" resemblance of the 4th movement to Dundonnel
Just listened to piece-----whats all the shouting about in the last movement? Nice Cornet/Euph work in opening bars and 3rd movement. Yip, think I will like this piece.
PS
Seems to be slightly easier than St. Magnus, which we also have on our stand at the moment.
mikelyons
10.06.2008, 20:39
Never heard this piece before, but the title seems to suggest lots of rice pudding, fishy fingering and praying. :)
Well, Philip, how close am I? :p
UncleStreaky
11.06.2008, 14:26
The Saga of Haakon the Good
This is the true story of Haakon the Good, brought to you by members of the Ipswich and Norwich Coop Band. Enjoy!
The celebrated Norse conductor, Haakon the Good had always dreamed of performing with his band in Great Britain. So his agent agreed to book him on a three month concert tour all round the country. He started with several concerts in Scotland and the North of England. He felt right at home here with the cold weather, the big hills and the rugged coastline. It was almost like being at home in Norway. He was really happy and his concerts were very well received with packed audiences and great reviews.
He continued his tour around the regions with great expectations. But he soon realised that the further south he went, the less he enjoyed the tour. There were fewer hills and sometimes the weather was too warm for him to wear his favourite knitted jumpers and bobble hats. When he eventually got to the Southern Counties he became so fed up that he quit the concert tour. He returned straight home to Norway leaving disappointed audiences behind him. So this just goes to show you... Never book a miffed Norse in the south...
iancwilx
11.06.2008, 14:38
The Saga of Haakon the Good
This is the true story of Haakon the Good, brought to you by members of the Ipswich and Norwich Coop Band. Enjoy!
The celebrated Norse conductor, Haakon the Good had always dreamed of performing with his band in Great Britain. So his agent agreed to book him on a three month concert tour all round the country. He started with several concerts in Scotland and the North of England. He felt right at home here with the cold weather, the big hills and the rugged coastline. It was almost like being at home in Norway. He was really happy and his concerts were very well received with packed audiences and great reviews.
He continued his tour around the regions with great expectations. But he soon realised that the further south he went, the less he enjoyed the tour. There were fewer hills and sometimes the weather was too warm for him to wear his favourite knitted jumpers and bobble hats. When he eventually got to the Southern Counties he became so fed up that he quit the concert tour. He returned straight home to Norway leaving disappointed audiences behind him. So this just goes to show you... Never book a miffed Norse in the south...
Nice one !
- Wilkie
The Saga of Haakon the Good
This is the true story of Haakon the Good, brought to you by members of the Ipswich and Norwich Coop Band. Enjoy!
The celebrated Norse conductor, Haakon the Good had always dreamed of performing with his band in Great Britain. So his agent agreed to book him on a three month concert tour all round the country. He started with several concerts in Scotland and the North of England. He felt right at home here with the cold weather, the big hills and the rugged coastline. It was almost like being at home in Norway. He was really happy and his concerts were very well received with packed audiences and great reviews.
He continued his tour around the regions with great expectations. But he soon realised that the further south he went, the less he enjoyed the tour. There were fewer hills and sometimes the weather was too warm for him to wear his favourite knitted jumpers and bobble hats. When he eventually got to the Southern Counties he became so fed up that he quit the concert tour. He returned straight home to Norway leaving disappointed audiences behind him. So this just goes to show you... Never book a miffed Norse in the south...
Genius!
Hi
Any horn players looked at this yet? Can you tell me what trb means on bar 133 over the F?
What a lovely piece of music, I'm really enjoying it.
Andrea
Masterblaster jnr
20.06.2008, 16:12
it's the main tune so it is in the style of the other melody in the movement and because it is on an F, it means it trills to a G flat. It's awkward for the fingering, you really have to do 1/2 trill.
Thanks MBJ, I might try 1/123 and see if that's acceptable, what do you think?
Thanks MBJ, I might try 1/123 and see if that's acceptable, what do you think?
I think thats far easier that 1/2
Masterblaster jnr
20.06.2008, 23:09
I always find that 123 always sounds like a flat g more than an F sharp, but i suppose it depends on your bands tuning and your instrument for a matter of fact.
Oh Brass bands, endless opportunities!!
I always find that 123 always sounds like a flat g more than an F sharp, but i suppose it depends on your bands tuning and your instrument for a matter of fact.
Oh Brass bands, endless opportunities!!
At the end of the day its all down to experience, practice and what the player is most comfortable with!!
Bass Man
29.06.2008, 16:11
Heard this piece the other day, I think it's fantastic. Should be a good test for the 1st section. I especially like the final movement
jerseylugs
04.07.2008, 02:31
Heard this piece the other day, I think it's fantastic. Should be a good test for the 1st section. I especially like the final movement
We've run through it a couple of times.
I (Me, Myself) feel that it will be a very fair and level playing field for all the competing bands.
Am looking forward to Harrogate, but have to get through Trittico, Year of The Dragon and Diversions On A Bass Theme in concerts first.
Oh, what joy !!!!!!:tongue:
p.s. Luckily our MD decided that we don't have enough time time to get Of Men And Mountains ready for the end of July. (played it years ago and is fantastic):clap:
p.p.s. I'm still waiting for Tim (MD) to let us play BLITZ :confused:
I think this is a great piece of music. Phillip is a rare talent in the fact that it doesn't matter what section he writes for he does not compromise quality or his style. Some composer can be quite patronising when writing for bands outside the Championship section, Phillip is definately not one of those.
I too think that that all bands will play it, but surely that is not what the contest is about. The challenge will be who can get all the music (colour, texture etc) from the piece.
We at Beaumaris are very much looking forward to playing it at Harrogate,
UncleStreaky
08.09.2008, 09:16
We at Beaumaris are very much looking forward to playing it at Harrogate,
So too are we at Ipswich and Norwich Co-op!
This will be my 4th trip to the Finals since 2003 - can't wait to get to Harrogate now.
Ipswich trom
08.09.2008, 15:28
So too are we at Ipswich and Norwich Co-op!
Yes, especially the bit that sounds like the introduction to Troika lol. I really want to persuade the Percussionists to add the Sleigh bells at tonights rehearsal.
brassneck
28.09.2008, 20:35
We at Beaumaris are very much looking forward to playing it at Harrogate
- quite prophetic! ;) ... well done!
Masterblaster jnr
28.09.2008, 20:58
Yeah, seconded. Well done to all at beaumaris. We (skelmanthorpe organization) were highly disappointed to come 2nd but there was so little to choose between Beaumaris and skelmanthorpe no wonder they took there time deliberating. So well done to beaumaris, especially the solo cornet, sounded brilliant
Roger Thorne
28.09.2008, 21:18
Results - courtesy of 4BR
Test Piece:
The Saga of Haakon the Good, Philip Sparke
Adjudicators:
Melvin White & Steve Sykes
Results:
1. Seindorf Beaumaris, Gwyn Evans, 8, 192
2. Skelmanthorpe, John Roberts, 10, 191
3. Kirkbymoorside Town, John Woodward, 7, 189
4. Helston Town, John Hitchens, 11, 188
5. Blackburn and Darwen, Nick Sheppard, 12, 187
6. Glossop Old, Jon Davies, 15, 185
7. Hathern, Dave Newman, 6, 183
8. Otterbourne Brass, Lt Col Chris Davis OBE, 9, 182
9. Newbridge (Celynen), Paul Holland, 2, 181
10. Stannington, Derek Renshaw, 5, 180
11. Phoenix West Midland Brass, David Maplestone, 14, 179
12. Roberts Bakery, Colin Cranson, 16, 178
13. Bo'ness and Carriden, Mike Marzella, 3, 177
14. Clackmannan & District, Paul Kiernan, 17, 176
15. Ipswich and Norwich Co-op, Robin Norman, 1, 175
16. Jersey Premier Brass, Tim Pritchard, 13, 173
17. Wansbeck's Ashington Colliery, Nigel Steadman, 4, 172
Best instrumentalist:
Solo Cornet Seindorf Beaumaris
:tup
Am well chuffed!!!! Hasn't sunk in yet that we won and I wish that I had gone on the bus this morning at 4.30 instead of being sensible and driving up last night! Then again, with the stinking cold I've had all weekend, the only thing I would have been drinking was a pint of lemsip anyway!
A huge congratulations to Paul, our principal cornet on winning the best soloist and 4br star player - he has sounded great every time in rehearsal and I've enjoyed listening and learning from him! Think it is about time he got mentioned really. Also want to mention Tom on Solo euph, Kate on trom, Nia on Horn and our little bass player, Gav and thank Gwyn the MD.
congrats to baumaris on a great win. A great weekend for welsh bands with Point of Ayr winning and City of cardiff's 3rd place. Well done Mr Ritter.
the shed builder
29.09.2008, 18:44
congratulations to gwyn and all at beaumaris on a great result! :clap:
congratulations to all at Beaumaris on your win, good to catch up with some friends from college days who are back in the band now. Well done.:clap:
congratulations to all at Beaumaris on your win, good to catch up with some friends from college days who are back in the band now. Well done.:clap:
Having heard nearly all the bands it was quite clear it would be between Beaumaris and Skelmanthorpe two very good performances. the biggest dissapoinment for me was the standard of trombone playing. most were guilty of poor intonation balance and technique.for 1st section bands it was very poor only four trombone sections did themselves justice with skelmanthorpe the pick of the bunch. Agood contest all the same
UncleStreaky
29.09.2008, 21:08
Having heard nearly all the bands it was quite clear it would be between Beaumaris and Skelmanthorpe two very good performances. the biggest dissapoinment for me was the standard of trombone playing. most were guilty of poor intonation balance and technique.for 1st section bands it was very poor only four trombone sections did themselves justice with skelmanthorpe the pick of the bunch. Agood contest all the same
I agree there was some very disappointing performances from a lot of trom sections, some having huge difficulties, some even jazzing it! I had the pleasure of playing in a good strong section though and adjudicators were kind enough to praise us.
Just a shame our band had the no 1 draw as we felt the performance - and the recording - were ace even if the placing wasn't!
That apart, hearty congrats to Beaumaris and to Skelmanthorpe as the top places were justified in my book.
Masterblaster jnr
29.09.2008, 21:10
Oh my god, just seen Ipswich and Norwich were 15th, they weren't the best but they were up and around there for me. Thought they played very well as a whole so 15th is a huge shock for me. I suppose that's contesting for us.
UncleStreaky
29.09.2008, 23:06
Oh my god, just seen Ipswich and Norwich were 15th, they weren't the best but they were up and around there for me. Thought they played very well as a whole so 15th is a huge shock for me. I suppose that's contesting for us.
Thanks Mate!
Maybe we should have put on a different accent for our war cry!!!
Essex Elvis
30.09.2008, 09:59
Oh my god, just seen Ipswich and Norwich were 15th, they weren't the best but they were up and around there for me. Thought they played very well as a whole so 15th is a huge shock for me. I suppose that's contesting for us.
Thanks Masterblaster !!
guess thats contesting though - bit like winning football on penalties , when it goes your way its a great system , when it doesn't it stinks !!
Well done to the winners and placed bands and roll on the areas !!!
PS Note to management of Christies Pub -please stock up on the Old Peculier for next time ( We drank them out of it on Sunday !!!:) )
No, you drank them out of it! Ask Kim!
I was on the Abbot!
No, you drank them out of it! Ask Kim!
I was on the Abbot!
Agreed - there are some *very* amusing pictures of Essex Elvis on my facebook page falling asleep on the coach home with a viking hat on! The guys in the services at ferrybridge were very amused by the 6" 4 bloke who looked like a coach driver (walking out uniforms - yellow and grey - nice!) in a viking hat standing the line for a burger looking very much worse for wear!!
Had a few listens to the performance at the weekend, and I have to say it doesn't sound all that bad. Not going to bang on about 'we were robbed' but I did listen to at least 5 other bands in the section (including the winners) and I didn't think our performance was that far off. Hard to tell when you are playing though.
Contesting for you :rolleyes:
Essex Elvis
30.09.2008, 14:18
Had a few listens to the performance at the weekend, and I have to say it doesn't sound all that bad. Not going to bang on about 'we were robbed' but I did listen to at least 5 other bands in the section (including the winners) and I didn't think our performance was that far off. Hard to tell when you are playing though.
Contesting for you :rolleyes:
Tell you what though , it was the best National Anthem of the section !!! :) Although apparently Messrs White and Sykes had us in second place on that !!!
UncleStreaky
30.09.2008, 14:22
Tell you what though , it was the best National Anthem of the section !!! :) Although apparently Messrs White and Sykes had us in second place on that !!!
Maybe we should not have played the Italian National Anthem after all! haha
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