Championship Section

Seascapes by Ray Steadman-Allen played by Desford Colliery Dowty Band under James Watson.

This is a three movement work based on the poem ‘Cargoes’ by John Masefield. A live recording that doesn’t always have the all round balance of a studio recording but more than makes up for this with the visceral effect of a top drawer performance.

1^st Movement: This has a lyrical opening conjuring up the expanse of the sea with hints of danger. A rhythmical, energetic dance follows with an unrelenting drive forward requiring absolute precision and articulation. The movement ends quietly – a test of balance and intonation.

2^nd Movement: this is based on ‘Stately Spanish Galleon’ with telling dissonances but still with the sensation of travelling on.

3^rd Movement: this is a combination of sea shanties, ship’s sounds, a storm and the sea itself.

The piece requires not only playing of the highest quality but MD’s who can capture the character of each movement

First Section

Symphony of Marches by Gilbert Vinter played by the Cory Band under Philip Harper.

Another three-movement work and as the title implies based on the March genre.

1^st Movement: This has a military feel with its fanfare beginning leading on to two more lyrical themes and eventually all three themes are combined. There are also hints of the composer’s humour.

2nd Movement: A serious sombre mood prevails and contains some of Vinter’s most progressive and personal creativity. Stamina will be required as well as convincing well balanced dissonance.

3rd Movement: More hints of humour here with changing metres and a surprising slower section featuring a euphonium solo and concluding in a fugal style. Percussionists should have a telling contribution to this piece.

Second Section

Rise of the Phoenix by Darrol Barry played by The Virtuosi GUS band under Adam Cooke.

This is a through composed work aimed at depicting the history of the Clifton & Lightcliffe Band from its formation in 1838 to present day. As one would expect the music attempts to portray the highs and lows with a hopeful, forward looking ending. I found some of the music a little harsh but it does contain a beautiful melody featured on solo cornet and elsewhere, the most musical part of a piece that is full of Barry’s musical fingerprints.

Third Section

First Suite in Eb by Gustav Holst, arranged Sydney Herbert, played by Black Dyke Band under Prof Nicholas Childs.

Another three-movement piece with not a single metronome indication. This means MD’s will have to make careful choices regarding tempi.

1^st Movement: A Chaconne that uses an opening melody (Ostinato) throughout each section of the band where shape, phrasing and style need careful consideration.

2^nd Movement: This is titled Intermezzo which was originally a light-hearted piece separating operatic acts or other compositions. Here it is definitely light-hearted in character if not in 3^rd section technical demands. The main tune is jolly and rhythmical and the movement contains a lot of the quieter dynamics.

3^rd Movement: This starts of in a traditional march style with the first theme leading into a more lyrical middle section which is then developed. Gain a wide range of dynamics is asked for.

This is a full band piece with no solos requiring stamina plus all the basics of good brass playing. Originally written for military or wind bands it surprisingly contains little percussion writing.

Fourth Section

Stantonbury Festival by Ray Steadman-Allen played by Foden’s Band under Michael Fowles

Another three-movement piece.

1^st Movement: This begins with strong chords followed by the main ostinato theme played by cornets and working its way through the whole band. A more cantabile section follows before the main theme returns and the music ends quietly.

2^nd Movement: March like in style but at a steady pace enabling the composer’s intentions to be realised. Again it ends peacefully

3^rd Movement: based on the tune ‘Strawberry Fair’ this shows the composers skill at writing music playable by lower section bands. It is a creative gem with a sense of fun, sensitive use of dissonance and rhythmical quirks.

Fun to play and listen to

Tracks:

1. Seascapes - Ray Steadman-Allan - Championship Section 

2. Symphony of Marches - Gilbert Vinter - 1st Section

3. Rise of the Phoenix - Darrol Barry - 2nd Section

4. First Suite in Eb  - Gustav Holst,arr: Sydney Herbert - 3rd Section

5.Stantonberry Festival - Ray Steadman- Allen - 4th Section