Music: The latest titles from Experianza
Shine by David Chaulk, Temperamental by Fendall Hill,Conflict by David Woodcock, and Prelude for Kerkrade by Kenneth Young
Shine
Composed by David Chaulk
Published by Experianza Music
This test-piece from David Chaulk is a tribute to one of New Zealand’s iconic bandsmen, Riki McDonnell, and his ability to ‘shine’ through any and all circumstances. Throughout the work, the thematic material gradually transitions from the minor to the major.
The piece starts mysteriously, utilising practice mutes to enhance this effect in the almost minimalistic writing. As a result, some sections
of the piece can become quite repetitive for some parts, though there is enjoyable variety to be found, particularly in the grand Finale section, as well as in the notable euphonium duets and flugel solos. In all, Shine would work well for bands around Section 1 standard looking for a work that differs slightly in style from typical brass band writing.
Temperamental
Composed
by Fendall Hill
Published by Experianza Music
Temperamental offers an imaginative exploration of J. S. Bach’s works, containing various arrangements of his pieces alongside original composition from Fendall Hill, based upon Bach’s compositional style and chord structures, and sections inspired by the moods invoked by Bach’s music.
Split into three sections, the first explores Bach’s Toccata and great organ works, the second his choral works and the Finale is based around his Preludes. As a result, there is large variety within the individual parts, making Temperamental a satisfying piece to rehearse.
In terms of difficulty, the demands are not excessive, although the piece will require a 1st or Championship Section-standard band to execute it effectively. This highly enjoyable test-piece
is the ideal vehicle for fans of Bach to explore the composer in a brass band setting.
Conflict
Composed
by David Woodcock
Published by Experianza Music
David Woodcock presents an intricate piece of music exploring the theme of conflict, which can be used as either a competition or concert work. Divided into two sections, Conflict begins with chaotic, energetic rhythmic and melodic motifs, pitching groups of instruments against one another in a frenetic battle before finally subsiding in confusion.
The second section is slower and more solemn in nature, but fails to resolve the conflict, finishing with a despairing chord in the concert version and a recap of the first section, in the contest version.
Conflict proves to be a fascinating contemporary work, most effective in portraying its subject matter, though due to the technical demands of the score, best suited to bands of about Championship Section standard.
Prelude for Kerkrade
Composed by Kenneth Young
Published by Experianza Music
This virtuoso work from Kenneth Young was commissioned by David Gallagher and the 2005 National Band of New Zealand, for the band’s appearance at the World Brass Band Championship at the World Music Contest (WMC) of that year in Kerkrade, The Netherlands.
Written in the style of a fanfare ‘opener’, the piece bursts into life with fast fanfare motifs and technical flourishes, before restlessly transitioning through multiple styles, such as more lyrical phrases and satisfying moments of clashing chords.
The piece never stays still for long, however, and the listener is bombarded by fresh ideas featuring every section of the band, before culminating in an emphatic final statement. Prelude for Kerkrade demands a high level of technical skill from the individual players, whilst intricate interlocking motifs and complex rhythmic writing will test the clarity of ensemble in any band. As a result, the work will be of particular interest to Championship-standard bands looking to invest in a highly challenging, yet extremely rewarding ‘opener’, which will both excite audiences and show a band off at its best.
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