4BR understands that John Ireland’s ‘Comedy Overture’ has been chosen as the set work for the 2012 All England Masters International Contest.

Controversy

Fresh from the controversy over the selection of Darrol Barry’s ‘Gemini’ for the 2011 event, the organisers have responded with a return to the ‘Golden Period’ of original brass band writing, with the selection of the 1934 National’s test piece.

The concert overture is a descriptive portrayal of London’s urban landscape and its equally urbane musical personalities – from the famous ‘Piccadilly’ motifs to its touching portrait of the composer’s close friend, Percy Bentham.

Gems

It has long been regarded as one of the gems of the brass band repertoire – ingenious, subtle and witty.

John Henry Iles described it on its premiere at the Nationals at Crystal Place as being, ‘…a great delight’, warning against the obvious suggestions of the word, ‘comedy’. He felt farce and burlesque were only branches of comedy, in which beauty, humanity and pathos have their places.

It has long been regarded as one of the gems of the brass band repertoire – ingenious, subtle and witty4BR

Popular

Whatever the feelings then, it remains a severe test of musicianship, and will be seen by critics of the Masters as a welcome selection that will prove popular with both competitors and listeners alike.

Invitations

Invitations to the 2012 event were sent by the organisers this week to prospective bands.

The work was subsequently used as the set work at the Nationals in 1949, as well as at the British Open in 1967 and 1984.