Dave Euph
Member
Was just wondering what everyones opinion was on the area test pieces as a whole? Not as how hard they are, or whether they're appropriate for the various sections, but what you think of them as pieces of music.
I ask mainly because there are examples in the past of test pieces which have been written to be just that, test pieces. Not really musically interesting, but to challenge the player.
I personally think this year the selectors have done a damn good job!
My opinions:
Tristan Encounters: Can't stop listening to this, it's genius! The music is so brilliantly challenging and yet listenable at the same time! It is so programmatic in the style of Wagner yet has a really unique feel to it. It is one piece of music I'd love to play but unfortunately Hudders Uni Band aren't doing it for the workshop next month. :roll:
Martin Ellerby is probably one of my new favourite composers!
Coventry Variations: Another excellent piece, and pretty darn challenging I might add! Not a lot else to say, but a good example of how good variations pieces can work.
Kaleidoscope: I've always like Philip Sparke's music and this piece stinks of him! (no offense!) A great piece if a little predictable. A good challenge for 2nd section bands mind but that's not the point in my opinion. It's a good piece.
Vizcaya: A classic, who would have thought it was written by a bassoonist! Feels cheesy, but back then it was more or less establishing it's style rather than copying. It just feels a little like it's dragging along a little occasionally but otherwise great.
Partita: Gregson is a favourite of mine on most occasions and this piece shows it. A good piece even though it feels a little basic occasionally. Imaginitive movements mind, and overall very listenable.
I ask mainly because there are examples in the past of test pieces which have been written to be just that, test pieces. Not really musically interesting, but to challenge the player.
I personally think this year the selectors have done a damn good job!
My opinions:
Tristan Encounters: Can't stop listening to this, it's genius! The music is so brilliantly challenging and yet listenable at the same time! It is so programmatic in the style of Wagner yet has a really unique feel to it. It is one piece of music I'd love to play but unfortunately Hudders Uni Band aren't doing it for the workshop next month. :roll:
Martin Ellerby is probably one of my new favourite composers!
Coventry Variations: Another excellent piece, and pretty darn challenging I might add! Not a lot else to say, but a good example of how good variations pieces can work.
Kaleidoscope: I've always like Philip Sparke's music and this piece stinks of him! (no offense!) A great piece if a little predictable. A good challenge for 2nd section bands mind but that's not the point in my opinion. It's a good piece.
Vizcaya: A classic, who would have thought it was written by a bassoonist! Feels cheesy, but back then it was more or less establishing it's style rather than copying. It just feels a little like it's dragging along a little occasionally but otherwise great.
Partita: Gregson is a favourite of mine on most occasions and this piece shows it. A good piece even though it feels a little basic occasionally. Imaginitive movements mind, and overall very listenable.
