REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026 - TEST PIECES

Elgar Variations (Martin Ellerby)

Published by Studio Music 

The year 2007 marked the 150th anniversary of the birth of the British composer Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934) and as such I thought it an appropriate moment to write something in tribute to this event. There are quite a few enigmas about this piece, and they are all intentional! First and foremost is that the variations are not constructed on any of Elgar’s actual themes. Rather I have written a sequence of contrasting sections (all played without a break) on the essence and character of his musical style. I have also written this work with bands, the soloists within, conductors and, not least, their audience firmly in mind. The language is essentially tonal and the test musical rather than overtly technical. There are no tempo indications other than suggested metronome marks. I have deliberately kept things to a minimum as the true test here is to find the style and interpret that aspect over the whole structure. Whereas the faster sections are self-explanatory the slower parts require deliberate rubato and much feeling. This is for the conductors to discover, and I encourage them to do so. Adjudicators should be fully aware that I sanction this aspect, but it requires an insight and understanding to successfully execute so ‘any old thing’ will not suffice! The ‘variation’ commencing at rehearsal letter P is the emotional core of the piece and requires a passionate but not saccharine approach to pacing and sensuality. The cadenza type material is built into the process rather than being a separate sequence of entities. There are many allusions to the music of Elgar here without recourse to blatant pastiche – if it is thought of as a series of songs and dances this may help. The final comment is the dedication, after one of Elgar’s own but subtly adjusted: to my friend pictured within – never to be revealed – now there’s an enigma! 

Variations on 'Was Lebet' (Andrew Wainwright)

Published by BrookWright Music

Based on the German chorale 'Was Lebet' (O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness), the work, made up of five contrasting variations, was written in 2017.

These include a majestic opening followed by giocoso first variation, a reflective second variant and a quirky, volatile third. There is a romantic feel to the following fourth variation, with a playful waltz whilst variation 5 is fugal in nature, leading to a grand presentation of the original theme.

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (Philip Harper)

Published by Harper Music Publications

Frenchman Jules Verne was a pioneer in science fiction during the late 19th Century, penning some classic stories such as Journey to the Centre of the Earth and Around the World in 80 Days – both of which have already been the subject of brass band test-pieces. It was therefore natural for me to choose Verne’s 1869 watery magnum opus as the subject for this piece to which there are five sections, as well as an introduction and a finale.

I. THE NAUTILUS. 

After a mysterious introduction we are introduced to The Nautilus – a fantastical submarine.

II. THE CORAL KINGDOM. 

We visit awe-inspiring underwater coral formations.

III. SQUID ATTACK. 

The Nautilus is attacked by a school of giant squid, or ‘devilfish’.

IV. CAPTAIN NEMO. 

Captain Nemo is a loner and an eccentric. Some say he is a madman. Soloists of the band help to uncover the character of this enigmatic but powerful figure.

V. MAELSTROM. 

The Nautilus is dragged into the ocean’s deadliest whirlpool, but Captain Nemo lives to fight another day.

Three Haworth Impressions (Gordon Langford)

Published by Chandos Music Supplies

A wonderful three movement suite which conjures up fabulous musical imagery of the lands of northern England. Includes:

TOP WITHENS - A GENERAL EVOCATION OF THE ATMOSPHERE OF WUTHERING HEIGHTS 

The sinister opening motif symbolises the influence of the evil Heathcliffe, Soon this motif experiences several changes of character in order to portray emotions other than those of hatred and jealousy. The overall mood is, however, one of gloom and foreboding.

THE THREE BELLS 

This is a reference to the pseudonyms adopted by Ann, Charlotte and Emily Bronte. The music begins with three “bell”-notes; Ab for Acton Bell, Cb for Currer Bell and Eb for Ellis Bell, and these three notes form the basis of a wistful waltz tune. Again the mood is rather sombre — save for a brighter middle section — and the opening motif from “Top Withens” is to be heard, again symbolising the frustrations and ill-fortune by which their lives were plagued.

THE WORTH VALLEY RAILWAY 

The Brontes were not the only people in Haworth and not all is desperation and gloom. The third impression is a celebration of the victory of the people of Haworth in their fight to retain their railway. The nine-eight rhythm of a slow train is prominent, and our once-sombre motif is transformed into a triumphant fanfare.

Indian Summer (Eric Ball)

Published by R Smith & Co (now Studio Music)

The 'Indian Summer' is that of North America, and the music, entertaining but more than half serious, will perhaps evoke memories of tales of Native Americans. There are four movements:

1. The Great Chief Speaks
2. By the Cool Waters
3. Totem Dance
4. Hymn to the Great Spirit

This Fantasy is in the form of a Suite, although there should be no long break between each movement. The composer sometimes concocts a little story to illustrate the music, somewhat as follows:

"The Great Chief Speaks": the warmth of Autumn's "Indian Summer" will soon be a memory, and hard Winter will set in; so the Chief must hold a great Powwow with his people;

"By the Cool Waters": a little girl, not interested in grown-up solemnities, slips away to a nearby lake. She gazes at her reflection in the water; executes a little dance, then falls to dreaming;

"Totem Dance": this will be exciting - the little girl goes running to see! The dancing becomes wilder, then rhythm more insistent, then suddenly silence;

"Hymn to the Great Spirit": the Powwow closes with a majestic utterance by the Great Chief. A hymn is sung to the "Great White Spirit", and the people turn their thoughts to preparations for the coming Winter.