Although Eric Ball’s ‘Song of Courage’ was first published in 1961, its genesis can be found in the darkest hours in the lead-up to the Second World War.
After listening to the 1939 New Year’s Eve broadcast in which a prayer of hope replaced the usual celebratory sounds of ‘Auld Lang Syne’, the composer was moved to write the words and music to what became his ‘Prayer for Courage’.
Even earlier, his revulsion at the thought of a repeat of the conflict that slaughtered so many in the First World War had seen him compose ‘The Triumph of Peace’.
Upbeat and joyous
Elements of both can be directly and indirectly felt in the surprisingly upbeat and joyous ‘Song of Courage’ over 20 years later.
However, what compelled Ball to write it at such a time remains unknown, although he alludes to “some sense of fear and effort against great odds”.
1961 had seen an escalation in Cold War tensions following the disastrous ‘Bay of Pigs’ invasion and Yuri Gagarin in space amongst other notable events.
1961 had seen an escalation in Cold War tensions following the disastrous ‘Bay of Pigs’ invasion and Yuri Gagarin in space amongst other notable events.
Yet so many of his tone poems explore the deeply personal depths of the Christian experience – questioning and doubting before ultimately finding solace and salvation. That’s certainly not the case here.
Affirmation of faith
‘Song of Courage’ is as resolute an affirmation of faith as you would ever find in the most upbeat evangelical service. Any sense of fear or self-reflection is fleeting and almost ephemeral.
‘Song of Courage’ is as resolute an affirmation of faith as you would ever find in the most upbeat evangelical service.
Instead, right from the opening (marked Allegro giojoso) is music of forthright belief, fortitude and life affirming positivity, written with a glorious Elgarian flourish that brings the sentiments of the Fanny Crosby (below- who wrote the words to 'Blessed Assurance' amongst others) chorus, “Stand like the brave, With thy face to the foe!” to life.
Comprehensive foreword
Ball endorses that further with an extraordinarily comprehensive foreword (detailed at each rehearsal stanchion point) that provides the clearest first-person directive of the music for the conductor to follow, although in technical rather than spiritual terms.
It’s as if he wants to leave nothing to chance, such is his certainty in the musical message that links to his own words from ‘Prayer for Courage’.
Ball endorses that further with an extraordinarily comprehensive foreword that provides the clearest first-person directive of the music for the conductor to follow
For those unfamiliar with Ball’s sonata-based tone poems it almost seems aggressive in its dynamic impulses (there is a single moment of fff ferociousness – “sound and fury” as he calls it), yet in reality it is shining brilliance that sparkles rather than overblown volume – the courage assured in its ultimate outcome by neat precision, clarity and balance.
Testing
It makes for a curious but absorbing work – not what conductors might have expected when they first opened the pages to the score, but one that definitely needs to follow the instructions of its compositional hand. It is testing both technically and musically.
Those who do respect his wishes will repel their foes – those of the 19 contenders who don’t will have only themselves to blame, as the experienced trio of judges in Dr Robert Childs, Dr Stephen Cobb (who recorded the work with the ISB) and Sheona White will know this score very well indeed.
Contenders
Talking about those who believe in certainty – it’s been Yorkshire leading the way in terms of success over the last decade. Wins in 2016 (Stannington); 2019 (South Yorkshire Police) and 2021 (Hebden Bridge) were followed last year by South Yorkshire Police again, so high hopes will accompany Area champion Hatfield & Askern Colliery (above) and Kippax.
Hatfield are on a fine run with four wins in their last five contest outings, whilst Kippax are admirably consistent on the contest stage of late.
Hatfield are on a fine run with four wins in their last five contest outings, whilst Kippax are admirably consistent on the contest stage of late.
Podium finishes saw London & Southern Counties close last year to a first victory since Clacton in 1977, so there are strong hopes that one of Staines Brass, Lewes Brass and Jersey Premier Brass can go one better this time.
Staines won the Area in fine fashion in Stevenage, whilst Lewes makes their first final appearance since 2018 and Jersey their second in a row after coming third last year.
North West and Midlands
The North West has had quite a bit to boast about in recent years, with wins in 2017, 2018 and 2023.
This time the responsibility to claim some silverware falls on Area champion Lostock Hall Memorial (back for the first time since 2021), Bollington Brass (on a fine run of podium finishing form) and Uppermill (also taking their first bow since 2021).
The Midlands meanwhile will be looking for a first National success since 2004 with the confident Harborough
The Midlands meanwhile will be looking for a first National success since 2004 with the confident Harborough (above), who have impressed of late, and the in-form Leicestershire Co-op Snibston, making their first appearance since 2011.
Cornish journey
Making the long 389-mile journey north from Cornwall to represent the West of England for the first time since 2013 is Lanner & District, alongside returnees Verwood Town who came 8th last year, and Wooton under Edge who make their first appearance since 2015.
Welsh, North and Scots
Welsh hopes of a first win in over a decade fall to Area champion and recent SWBBA contest winner, Markham & District who are joined by returnees Abertillery Town who came 13th last year.
A little closer to York in terms of mileage comes North of England Area champion Felling, who are on quite a run of fine form going back to 2024 – with seven podium finishes in their last eight contest appearances.
They will be joined by Ellington Colliery (making their first appearance since 2022) as the region looks to claim a first title success since 2012.
Felling, who are on quite a run of fine form going back to 2024 – with seven podium finishes in their last eight contest appearances.
That just leaves the Scots of champion, Johnstone Silver (taking to the stage for the first time since 2018) and Campbeltown, who will be thankful they haven’t got to return to Cheltenham, although their trip to York is still 347 miles and over 7 hours one way. Hopefully it will turn out to be well worth it for them.
Coverage
4BR will be in York for the weekend to cover the event but on this occasion is unable to provide live band by band coverage due to family commitments. The draw and results will be posted on the site as soon as possible with full news reports.
Iwan Fox
Second Section:
Test piece: Song of Courage (Eric Ball)
Adjudicators: Dr Robert Childs, Dr Stephen Cobb, Sheona White
Saturday 19th September
Draw: 7.45am
Start: 9.00am
Abertillery & District (Lee Blankley)
Bollington Brass (Craig Mann)
Campbeltown Brass (Owen Pickering)
Ellington Colliery Clare Winter)
Felling Band (Stephen Malcolm)
Harborough (Ben Smith)
Hatfield & Askern Colliery (Richard Marshall)
Jersey Premier Brass (Jason Mildren)
Johnstone Silver (Raymond Tennant)
Kippax (James Beecham)
Lanner & District Silver (Stuart Chappell)
Leicestershire Co-op (Ben Hewlett-Davies)
Lewes Brass (Nathaniel Roff)
Lostock Hall Memorial (Joe Murtagh)
Markham & District (Gary Davies)
Staines Brass (Gareth Trott)
Uppermill (James Garlick)
Verwood Town (Kevin Smith)
Wotton under Edge & District (Jim Bennett)
