*
banner

2019 Christmas Quiz: The answers and winner

The 25 little teasers certainly got you thinking over the festive season...

Answers
  The answers are now revealed

We had a great response for annual Christmas Quiz — and it proved to be a bit of teaser, as a few questions caught people out.

Still, thanks to everyone who took the time to give it a go after trying to squeeze in an extra slice of cold turkey or one more segment of Chocolate Orange...

Winner

Our winner is Karen Hurn from Cornwall, who is a semi-professional singer who has worked with a number of brass bands, especially for 'Last Night of the Proms' events in her native county.

Although she doesn't play she has supported her sister who used to play with St Dennis Youth and senior bands and told 4BR that the cornet "will be put to great use!"

Here we are then...

1. Which famous Christmas Carol links a former principal cornet of Black Dyke, a lightweight Morris Dance folk tune by composer Percy Grainger and the fifth man to walk on the Moon?

Answer: While Shepherds Watched... courtesy of the great Jim Shepherd, Shepherd's Hey and Alan Shepard.

2. In which country would you have found bands called Immanuel, Hosannah, Halleluja, Glora Dei and David competing in their National Championships this year?

Answer: The Netherlands

3. Which colour of light was originally earmarked by Gilbert Vinter to open his test-piece 'Spectrum'?

Answer: White (check out the story behind Spectrum at: https://www.4barsrest.com/articles/2019/1811.asp

4. August (Gus) Helmecke was alleged to be the highest paid player in John Philip Sousa's band, but what instrument did he play?

Answer: Bass Drum

5. 'In Memoriam R.K.' by Elgar Howarth is written in tribute to which great German orchestral conductor?

Answer: Rudolf Kempe

6. Which band won the first ever All England Masters title in 1989?

Answer: Leyland DAF

7. Which band won the last Pontins Championship title in 2010?

Answer: Marsden Silver Prize

8. What mythical animal links composer Philip Sparke, a Welsh regional rugby team and Daenerys Targaryen from 'Game of Thrones'?

Answer: Dragons (Year of the Dragon, Dragons Rugby Team, Mother of Dragons)

9. What was unique about the way in which the 1958 British Open Championship was decided?

Answer: The top 6 had to take part in a second round play-off

10. Which composer wrote an own-choice Championship Section work played this year for 'Brass Band and Ondes Martenot'?

Answer: Ludovic Neurohr

11. Which Edward Gregson test-piece comprises movements entitled, 'Dialogue', 'Soliloquy' and 'Epigram'?

Answer: Essay

12. What does the musical term 'incalzando' mean?

Answer: To 'press' forward as in an urgent manner

13. How many times has Cory won the National Championship of Great Britain title?

Answer: Nine (1974, 1982, 1983, 1984, 2000, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019)

14. Which famous brass band player's autobiography is called 'From Umchucks to Cadenzas'?

Answer: Gordon Higginbottom

15. Which famous Gilbert Vinter test-piece, which started life as suite for string orchestra, omits a movement called 'Taproom Ballade' in its brass band version?

Answer: Entertainments

16. Which band is the current Champion Band of Sweden?

Answer: Gota Brass Band

17. Which famous composer wrote a ballet, premiered in 1930, that tells of a Soviet football team visiting the West, whose captain is imprisoned by fascist agents only to be released after the players are joined by the local workers to defeat the police?

Answer: Shostakovich (he once said "Football is the ballet of the masses")

18. Who is Paul Raphael in real life?

Answer: Philip Harper

19. Which former European Championship set-work opens with the second movement of Tchaikovsky's String Quartet No 1 in D, Opus 11?

Answer: Extreme Make-Over

20. Which trumpet player had a backing ensemble called 'Tijuana Brass'?

Answer: Herb Alpert

21. What nationality is the trombone player Lito Fontana?

Answer: Argentinean

22. Which two bands were relegated from the British Open in 2019?

Answer: Whitburn and Wingates

23. Who was the last band to win the British Open off the number 1 draw — and in what year?

Answer: Munn & Felton in 1954

24. Which composer wrote the musical scores to the films 'Psycho' and 'Taxi Driver'?

Answer: Bernard Herrmann

25. Which standard brass band instrument is made up of approximately 6 and a half foot (1.9812 meters) of tubing?

Answer: The tenor horn

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    


Desford Colliery

Result: 2025 National Championship of Great Britain

October 12 • Desford surprise the favourites to claim a fifth National title success.


ISB and Fodens

Friday night Gregson spotlights

October 10 • You will be spoilt for a Gregson choice between the ISB and Ian Bousfield and Foden's and Mike Lovatt if you are in London this evening.


World of Brass

Make sure you pick up the latest releases at the Albert Hall

October 10 • The World of Brass trade stand will be packed with musical goodies — from the study score of 'Symphony in Two Movements' to the latest releases from Cory, Tredegar, Brett Baker and the ISB.


Edward Gregson

The composer's viewpoint

October 10 • Edward Gregson talks about 'Symphony in Two Movements' to Dr Robert Childs — as well as previewing it on Radio 3 before the contest day itself.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Stretford Band

October 11 • Stretford Band (Manchester) has a terrific new MD. Now it needs you! We need bass, trombone and percussion but will welcome anyone who wants to play popular music without the stress of competing. Any ability any age.. Hope to see you soon.


Audley Brass

October 10 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 3 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Chinnor Silver

October 8 • Our community band is meeting again 11am Monday 13th after completing our first gig.. We would love you to join us.We are a band of mixed abilities and welcome ALL players.. Blowing with us will not impact on your own band and its all free.


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd