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Saturday 2 May: 9.00-1200 local time
Test piece: Catedrales, Bert Appermont and Own Choice Programme
Adjudicators:
Jan Hadermann (Belguim), Garry Cutt (UK), Franz Cibulka (Austria)

Live:

What do we think?

A really enjoyable contest with six bands giving varied programmes. Bert Appermont's Catedrales proved to be an enjoyable but stern test.

The German outfit, 3ba-brass played last but were superb and confident from the first note to the last and they're the band we expect to take the title later tonight.

Close behind should be the Austrians who certainly followed in the footsteps of Oberostereich. Thereafter, its the Italians and Irish in contention.

4BR Prediction:

1. 3ba-brass
2. Austrian Brass Band of the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz
3. Brass Band Wipptal
4. Drogheda
5. Murley
6. Brass Band Senjorai

Time: 1215hrs
3ba-brass (Germany), 6
Conductor: Franz Matysiak

Programme of Music:
Where Eagles Sing, Catedrales, Paganini Variations.

Paul Lovatt-Cooper's Where Eagles Sing is a fine opener, fully committed with persuasive tempos and dynamic contracts.

The set test is given a real go and it proves to be a fine reading.

Wilby's Paganini receives a robust interpretation with some good solo and ensemble work. 18 years after first being performed, it remains a stern test though as the Germans found.

Overall:A really good overall performance from The German outfit who gave it everything.

Time: 1140hrs
Brass Band Senjorai (Lithuania), 5
Conductor: Piet Visser

Programme of Music:
Vaivoryksté, The Hart of Lithuania; Zelda; Catedrales; Terra Tremuit;

Vaivoryksté gets the band off to a good start with nice dynamics in the hymn style work.

The Hart of Lithuania again find the band at home with the music with lots of attention paid to the tempi and dynamics.

The band's principal cornet holds his nerve to give an enjoyable account of Zelda.

Catedrales isn't without a few uncertainties but it proves to be a commendable performance with effective dynamics.

The closing Terra Tremuit is engaging on the ear if not totally effective.

Overall: A performance that had its moments for sure with the band's cornet player in Zelda standing out.

Time: 10.55hrs
Austrian Brass Band of the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz (Austria), 4
Conductor: Prof. Uwe Koell

Programme of Music:

The Essence of Time; Catedrales; Gaelforce

Peter Graham's Essence of Time is a performance where there is much to appreciate but it isn't without a few uncomfortable moments along the way.

Catedrales is a performance where lots of attention to detail comes through in what is one of the strongest performances so far.

The Irish jig comes to Belgium with a fine romp through Peter Graham's Gaelforce.

Overall: Lots of good playing on show in a very commendable performance.

Time: 1015hrs
Brass Band Wipptal (Italy), 3
Conductor: Martin Gruber

Programme of Music:
Feeling Young; Catedrales; Swedish Folk Song, O Lord my God; Czardas

Feeling Young epitimises everything about the youth of today with some excellent solo and ensemble playing on display.

Catedrales is very descriptive and well portrayed and is an impressive reading with some fine dynamics.

Graham's arrangement of The Swedish Folk Song starts calmly led by some fine cornet playing and builds to a fine climax.

Czardas is fun and lively with some good ensemble work.

Overall: The Italians are another band who have certainly produced the goods this morning.

Time: 0935hrs
Murley Silver Band (Northern Ireland), 2
Conductor: William Hill

Programme of Music:
The New Colonial March; Catedrales; Sinfonietta for Brass Band, 'The Wayfarer'

Hall's New Colonial March gets the band off to a good start with the soprano player particularly enjoying himself.

Catedrales is a work that certainly challenges the band throughout but it has lots to admire.

The Wayfarer isn't a bad reading at all although its not without the odd uncertain moment.

Overall: A well delivered programme from the Northern Ireland contenders who certainly gave a good account of themselves

Time: 0900hrs
Drogeheda Brass Band (Republic of Ireland), 1
Conductor: Michael Maher

Programme of Music:
The Plantagenets; Catedrales; Island of the Setting Sun

Gregson's Plantagenets isn't without its flaws but there is lots of good playing on show.

The world premiere of Catedrales is a thoughtful reading with lots of
attention to detail and confident playing.

Island of the Setting Sun is full of energy, good ensemble and percussion playing.

Overall: A good marker this with lots of confident playing throughout.