*
banner

European test pieces revealed

EBBA may not have announced it, but it's the 'Spiriti' of Bruckner for Linz.

EBBA
 

Despite there being no official announcement made through EBBA, the test pieces to be used at the 2010 European Brass Band Championships in Linz in Austria next year have been revealed in this month’s issue of Brass Band World magazine.

Spiriti

Although it was stated earlier this year that the Austrian composer Thomas Doss would be writing the top section work, no further details were given, although it has now been revealed that the piece will be called 'Spiriti', and takes it’s inspiration from the compositions of Anton Bruckner and JS Bach.

Embarrassment

The announcement will be an embarrassment to EBBA, who it was understood were to have made an official announcement through their own website in January, especially as Erich Schoefl, President of EBBA’s Music Commission is directly quoted in the article, saying, "We chose them because they are both from Upper Austria and Linz is the capital of that region."

The announcement will be an embarrassment to EBBA, who it was understood were to have made an official announcement through their own website4BR

Musical genius

According to details in the article, the Bruckner inspired 'Spiriti' is, 'full of the spirit of that musical genius'.

The work quotes from the chorale in Bruckner’s Fifth Symphony, as well as containing a middle section with a religious character and a finale that has minimalist fragments of a Bach chorale (Fur deinen Thron tret’ ich hiermint).

According to the composer’s own notes, ‘As the church bells ring out, one can almost hear the great masters presiding at the organ.”

Up My Alley

In contrast Albin Zaininger’s ‘Up My Alley’ will provide the test for the bands in the B Section.

The piece is said to contain various parameters expected of a test piece – virtuosity, different tempi, as well as exposed solo parts, although there is no indication as yet just where the inspiration for the rather quirky title comes from.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Alison Balsom OBE

Mail headline highlights depressing attitudes towards female performers

August 30 • The decision of multiple award winning trumpet player Alison Balsom to retire from the concert stage has been met with an awful objectifying Daily Mail headline.


mORTIMER tROPHY

Mortimer Maestro Trophy ready for a new home

August 30 • For the 35th time this year a Mortimer Maestro Trophy will be presented to the conductor of the British Open Champion.


Mental Health

Crofton to continue support for mental health awareness with new project

August 30 • Yorkshire band takes a proactive approach to mental health wellbeing series of initiatives around their music making.


Brett Baker

Final touches in place for Baker heroics

August 30 • Brett Baker's latest solo CD release will be available at the Royal Albert Hall.


Dobcross Silver Band - Yorkshire Imperial Band

Sunday 31 August • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Petworth Town Band

August 30 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for BASS TROMBONE, CORNET and TUBA. We are an active band with a full calendar of engagements and are led by our inspirational MD Paula Streeter. We would welcome new players to join our band


Enderby Band

August 30 • Enderby Band (Leicestershire, Championship section) seek: . 2nd EUPHONIUM, Bb BASS & PERCUSSION (expressions of interest from any perc disciplines are welcome). . We are an ambitious, friendly band with a sensibly full calendar of contests and concerts.


Stretford Band

August 30 • Our community based Stretford Band (Manchester) needs YOU! We are looking for enthusiastic bass, trombone and percussion players or any player who fancies a relaxed blow without the pressure of competition. No auditions. Good fun guaranteed. . .


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd